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Sri Lanka Arrests Ex-CPC Chief Dammika Ranatunga as Arjuna Named in Oil Graft Case

The anti-graft watchdog alleges procurement changes in 2017 caused a loss of 800 million rupees.

Overview

  • Former Test cricketer and ex–Ceylon Petroleum Corporation chairman Dammika Ranatunga was arrested by CIABOC in Colombo and released on bail the same day.
  • The magistrate imposed a travel ban on Dammika, who holds dual citizenship in Sri Lanka and the United States.
  • CIABOC alleges he exerted undue influence over CPC crude-oil tendering in 2017, with 27 spot purchases replacing long-term contracts and an estimated 800 million rupee loss.
  • The commission told court that former petroleum minister Arjuna Ranatunga is the second accused, is currently overseas, and will be arrested upon his return.
  • The case is before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, with the next hearing set for March 13, 2026, in proceedings presented as part of a broader government anti-corruption drive that recently included the arrest of brother Prasanna in a separate matter.