Sri Lanka’s World Cup-winning former captain Arjuna Ranatunga is among a group of former international cricket captains who have renewed an appeal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the health and medical treatment of jailed former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The former captains have written to Sharif following recent developments which they say have fallen short of a directive issued by Pakistan’s Supreme Court regarding Khan’s medical examination.

In the letter, the former cricketers said the Supreme Court had ordered that Khan be transferred to hospital for examination by a medical board that included his personal physicians and his sister, Dr. Uzma Khan, while also reinstating weekly family visits.

However, they claimed Khan’s hospital stay lasted only a few hours and that he was examined by a state-appointed team before being declared medically fit and returned to Adiala Jail.

The former captains have made three requests: that the Supreme Court-directed medical board be allowed to conduct a full and independent assessment, particularly regarding the reported loss of vision in Khan’s right eye; that weekly family visits be allowed without interruption; and that any treatment recommended following the assessment be provided without delay.

The signatories said they were writing “not as politicians, but as former colleagues and rivals” and stressed that they were not seeking to intervene in Pakistan’s domestic legal processes.

Among the prominent former captains associated with the appeal are Ranatunga, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Allan Border, Steve Waugh, Greg Chappell, Ian Chappell, Clive Lloyd, Alastair Cook, Adam Gilchrist, Nasser Hussain and David Gower.

It is the second such appeal to the Pakistan Prime Minister within six months. An earlier letter in February raised concerns over Khan’s health following reports of an eye condition and allegations of inadequate medical treatment in prison. (Newswire)

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Former Sri Lankan cricket greats have paid heartfelt tribute to Sir Garfield Sobers, the legendary West Indies all‑rounder whose passing has left the cricketing world in mourning.

Arjuna Ranatunga recalled how Sobers was instrumental in shaping his career from the very beginning. 

“The passing of Sir Garfield Sobers is such devastating news for the cricketing world. There have been many who have made such a significant impact in cricket, but none who can match the legacy of Sir Gary.  He was, without a doubt, the greatest cricketer of all time. I was very fortunate to have met Sir Gary in my youth. Had it not been for his persistent guidance, I may have not become the cricketer I turned out to be. I was lucky to have attended his 80th birthday celebration, 10 years ago. He would’ve been 90 at the end of this month. A leader of a class of his own, Sir Garfield was a mentor to most, but to me he was a dear friend. Sir Gary saw potential in me when no one else did. My achievements are a reflection of his legacy. The legacy of Sir Gary will live on in our memories,” he said in a post on social media. 

“He brought me from nowhere and cleared all the roads for me. I’m here today because of him,” Ranatunga said in an earlier interview, noting that Sobers had picked him as an 18‑year‑old for his inaugural Test and later ensured his return when he was dropped. 

Ranatunga added that Sir Gary saw potential in him when no one else did and that his achievements are a reflection of the late cricketer’s legacy.

Sanath Jayasuriya described Sobers as a towering figure in cricket who shared a special bond with Sri Lanka. 

“Deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Garfield Sobers, one of the greatest cricketers the game has ever known. His contribution will never be forgotten,” Jayasuriya said, extending condolences to Sobers’ family and the global cricket fraternity.

Angelo Mathews called Sobers “an icon whose talent, humility, and legacy have inspired generations,” adding, “Sir Garfield Sobers wasn’t just one of cricket’s greatest, he set the standard for greatness.”

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) also issued a statement expressing its deepest condolences. It noted that Sobers had served as coach of the national team in the early 1980s, including during the 1983 Cricket World Cup.

 “Sri Lanka Cricket, together with the entire cricketing fraternity of the country, extends its heartfelt sympathies to the family of Sir Garry Sobers during this time of profound loss,” the statement said, adding that his extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire generations worldwide. (Newswire)

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Former minister and cricket legend Arjuna Ranatunga has signalled that he may re-enter the political arena in the coming months.

Speaking on his current position, Ranatunga revealed that he is in discussions with chief prelates and several political leaders, while also receiving numerous invitations to return.

He explained that his decision will be made within the next three to six months, noting that he initially stepped back to allow newly elected authorities time to establish themselves.

“The public said they wanted a new political culture. They received it. Now the public themselves will know whether it was the right or wrong decision. I stayed away from politics to give some time for the newly elected authorities. But if there is a need in the future, there is nothing stopping me from returning,” Ranatunga stated.

Speaking to reporters during an event, Ranatunga stressed that he remains open to serving again if circumstances demand it. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga and former Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) Dhammika Ranatunga were indicted before the Colombo High Court today (23) on corruption charges.

The court subsequently ordered their release on two personal bails of Rs. 5 million each. The case has been scheduled for a pre‑trial conference on May 15.

According to the indictments, during a six‑month period in 2017–2018, three long‑term tenders arranged by the CPC to procure the country’s fuel requirements were cancelled. 

In their place, 27 short‑term tenders at higher prices were implemented, allegedly causing losses of nearly Rs. 800 million to the CPC.

Both accused have been charged with aiding and abetting in the process. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption has informed the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court that indictments have been filed in the Colombo High Court against former minister Arjuna Ranatunga and his brother Dhammika Ranatunga over an alleged financial loss of about Rs. 800 million to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

The Bribery Commission told the court that the alleged loss occurred through inflated local tenders awarded by the state-owned oil company during the period in question.

Arjuna Ranatunga was serving as Minister of Petroleum at the time, while his brother Dhammika Ranatunga was the Chairman of the CPC, according to court submissions.

Dhammika Ranatunga was arrested in connection with the case and later released on bail, officials said.

Former minister Arjuna Ranatunga is currently overseas, and further legal action is expected once he returns to Sri Lanka.

The case will proceed before the Colombo High Court. (Newswire)

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The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) on Monday informed court that it will arrest and produce former minister Arjuna Ranatunga in connection with an investigation into an alleged financial loss of nearly Rs. 800 million to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

The Bribery Commission said Ranatunga has been named as a suspect in a case involving irregular fuel tenders awarded at inflated prices, which investigators allege caused significant losses to the State-owned petroleum entity.

Earlier on Monday, Ranatunga’s brother, Dhammika Ranatunga, who served as Chairman of the CPC during the relevant period, was arrested by CIABOC in connection with the same investigation. He was later granted bail by court.

According to investigators, the alleged offences relate to procurement decisions taken during Dhammika Ranatunga’s tenure as CPC chairman.

CIABOC told court that further steps are being taken to arrest Arjuna Ranatunga and produce him before court as investigations continue.

Neither Arjuna Ranatunga nor Dhammika Ranatunga has publicly responded to the allegations. There was no immediate comment from their representatives at the time of reporting.

The Bribery Commission continues to investigate several high-profile cases involving alleged corruption and financial misconduct at State-owned institutions. (Newswire)

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Former World Cup-winning Sri Lankan Skipper Arjuna Ranatunga says players need brains to play the sport of cricket.

Speaking during an event, Ranatunga also stated that players must feel ashamed when they lose matches. 

“Discipline and commitment are essential to play cricket. Do your best to learn the techniques of cricket. A player with good technique can play T20, ODI, and Test cricket. Focus on building your technique,” he said.

Commenting on the current state of cricket, Ranatunga said the current cricketers are talented, but fail in discipline and commitment.

“They do not have commitment or discipline. They also need to feel ashamed when they lose matches. But we do not see such emotions now. This is because they have become focused on money. It is difficult to fix them. We cannot develop cricket in this nation,” he said.

Arjuna Ranatunga further blamed the cricket administration for the current state of Sri Lankan cricket. (Newswire)

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Sri Lankan cricket legends Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva joined as special guests at the Indian Film Festival which kicked off on Monday with the screening of “83

.The film, which depicts India’s historic 1983 Cricket World Cup victory, drew a packed audience, with the 1996 Sri Lanka World Cup-winning icons in attendance.

Indian Film Fest 2025 inaugurated by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage and High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha at PVR Cinemas, Colombo.

Speaking on the occasion Minister Gamage appreciated India’s film industry, particularly highlighting the contribution of films dedicated to sports.

High Commissioner underlined that the country-wide film festival is one of the first initiatives in the new year 2025 towards building stronger people to people connect between India and Sri Lanka.

Indian Film Fest 2025 will run across cities in Sri Lanka including Colombo, Badulla, Jaffna, Galle, Kurunegala, Matale, Matara, Monaragala and Nuwara Eliya throughout the week of 06-10 January.

The festival reached Monaragala with the screening of the films ‘Amma Kanakku’, ‘Vikram’ and ‘Jai Bhim’ at the Monaragala District Library Auditorium.

Governor of Uva Province Hon. J.M. Kapila Jayasekara along with India’s Consul General Shri Harvinder Singh inaugurated a Bharat Corner at the Library as well. A free Ayurveda Medical Camp was also organised for local residents.

Meanwhile, in Colombo, four screenings are scheduled for the day including ‘RRR’, ‘Aatam’, ‘Thinking of Him’ and ‘Reva’.

For the festival’s schedule in Colombo please write to dir.icc.colombo@gmail.com to avail free tickets. (Newswire)

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The foundation stone was laid today for a 42-storey apartment complex developed in partnership with members of Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup-winning team.

The plot of land located on Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha in Pelawatte, will feature 240 housing units, with each floor named after a cricketer from the iconic team.

Arjuna Ranatunga, captain of the 1996 World Cup-winning team laid the foundation stone.

“In 1996 then President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga granted the 14 members of the team some land of about ten perches each. After almost 30s, we have finally found an Indian investor to construct a 42 storey apartment complex,” Ranatunga said.

“We hope to bring an investment worth of USD 30 to 40 million to Sri Lanka through this project,” he added.

1996 World Cup team members Aravinda de Silva, Roshan Mahanama, Romesh Kaluwitharana, and their family members were among those present at the event. (Newswire)

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Former Minister Arjuna Ranatunga has refuted reports claiming that he has joined forces with the Opposition, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), as he had participated in the party’s May Day rally this week.

Reports surfaced that Ranatunga had joined the SJB after he had attended the SJB’s May Day rally in Thalawakele on May 01.  

Clarifying the matter, Ranatunga told Newswire that reports of him joining the SJB were untrue and that he had only attended the SJB’s rally after he was personally invited to the event by MP Palani Digambaram. 

Ranatunga stressed that his participation in the rally does not mean he has joined the SJB. 

When inquired about SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the former minister said he has immense respect for the Opposition Leader as he had fought hard in Parliament to save the sport of cricket in Sri Lanka. 

Ranatunga pointed out that it was essential to join hands with good people fighting for the right cause rather than joining forces with political parties. (Newswire)

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Former World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga has questioned the involvement of betting in the Legends Cricket Trophy 2024 held in Sri Lanka recently.

Speaking to reporters, Ranatunga questioned as to who granted permission to host this cricket tournament in Sri Lanka. 

The Sri Lankan cricketing legend also revealed that betting companies had been permitted to advertise during the cricket tournament. 

“Sri Lanka does not allow betting companies to advertise. However, this cannot be seen by the Sports Minister, President, Prime Minister, or relevant authorities,” he said. 

The former cricketer said that this was because Sri Lanka has come to a point of betting via sports and that several individuals were providing assistance in this regard. 

Stating that technology has been moved away from the sport of cricket, he pointed out that this was because the cricket administration and its officials were focused on money. (NewsWire)

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A new political alliance has been formed together by former cricketer and minister Arjuna Ranatunga, former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, and MP Lalith Ellawala, identified as ‘Dushanaya Nawathamu – Mawbima Godanagamu’ (Let’s stop corruption & develop our motherland). 

Speaking to NewsWire, former minister Arjuna Ranatunga said the alliance is formed together by politicians and civil organizations, with the intention of bringing in clean politicians to the Parliament of Sri Lanka. 

He further said that the key objective of the alliance was to rid of the Executive Presidency and Prime Ministerial powers and to grant more power to the Parliament. 

Ranatunga, a former Sri Lankan cricketer, further said that the alliance is working towards creating clean politics with national policies for all institutions, and mainly to promote the concept of ‘One nation, One people’.

Stating that there are various divides in the country, especially in the Parliament, for political advantage, the former minister said that it was essential to promote Sri Lanka as one nation. (NewsWire)

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Former Sri Lanka World Cup-winning skipper Arjuna Ranatunga has questioned the role of Mahela Jayawardena as a Consultant coach for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). 

Addressing the media, Ranatunga inquired about the responsibilities of former cricketer Mahela Jayawardena in this capacity.

Stating that he is not against paying high salaries to former cricketers who deserve such pay, Ranatunga said they should take responsibility for the actions they take.

The former Sri Lanka cricket legend pointed out that no one has taken accountability for the national team’s failure in the 2023 World Cup and that the SLC has not taken action or sacked any coaching staff in this regard.

The SLC has only patched up the mess, adding more people to the coaching staff and has not removed any, he said.

He said that the game of cricket in Sri Lanka has continued to deteriorate under SLC President Shammi Silva and that it was evident when Sri Lanka struggled to beat Zimbabwe in the last game.

He also questioned an advertisement that was placed in a weekend newspaper claiming to be from the Sports Ministry about reviving cricket and questioned who spent money for it.

Arjuna Ranatunga further called on Sports Minister Harin Fernando to release the inquiry report on the claims made by Former Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee head Pramodya Wickramasinghe of a conspiracy related to the 2023 cricket World Cup defeat. 

He added that the Sports Minister must reveal the facts behind these claims instead of concealing them.

Promodya Wickramasinghe had given a statement to the Police Unit of the Sports Ministry after former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe had raised questions on the claims. (NewsWire)

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The country must be built first in order to build the sport of cricket, Sri Lanka World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga said. 

Addressing the media today (Dec 19), the former cricketer said he had intended to fix Sri Lanka cricket, as corruption related to cricket was a repeating occurrence under any government.

“However, the minister who exposed corruption has been sacked, while no action has been taken against other persons involved in the incident,” he said. 

Ranatunga said that when the entire Parliament had agreed that the Sri Lanka Cricket administration was corrupt, the Presidential power was used to appoint the individuals they wanted. (NewsWire)

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The Sports Minister and the recently appointed Interim Committee for Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have decided not to intervene in the matters of cricket until the ongoing court case is concluded, former cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga said.

Speaking to reporters today, Ranatunga, who was appointed to head the interim committee, said they will not intervene even if the sport of cricket is further destroyed.

“We came to fix the issues related to cricket. We have high expectations from the judiciary,” he added. 

Ranatunga further said that he is hopeful that the court will make the right decision and allow them to fix the sport of cricket in Sri Lanka.

He also revealed that several other cricketers have come forward and are looking to join hands to revive the sport of cricket.

The case regarding the Interim Committee for SLC was taken up for hearing today. 

Following the hearing today, the case was postponed to November 22, 2023, for further hearings. (NewsWire)

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