Sri Lanka's World Cup-winning captain, Arjuna Ranatunga, is facing arrest on corruption charges related to his tenure as the federal petroleum minister. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) informed the court on Monday that Ranatunga has been named as a suspect in a case involving alleged financial losses of nearly Rs. 800 million (approximately $2.7 million USD) to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC).

The allegations stem from irregular fuel tenders awarded at inflated prices, which investigators claim caused significant losses to the state-owned petroleum entity. These offenses reportedly relate to procurement decisions made during the period when Ranatunga's brother, Dhammika Ranatunga, served as Chairman of the CPC.

Dhammika Ranatunga was arrested earlier on Monday in connection with the same investigation and was later granted bail. A travel ban has been imposed on Dhammika, who holds dual citizenship in Sri Lanka and the United States.

According to CIABOC, Arjuna Ranatunga will be arrested and produced in court as investigations continue. The alleged offences occurred in 2017, with accusations that Arjuna and his brother changed the process for awarding long-term oil procurement contracts. The commission stated that the total loss to the state from 27 purchases amounts to 800 million rupees.

Arjuna Ranatunga, aged 62, was reportedly abroad when the arrest warrant was issued and is expected to be arrested upon his return. 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 next hearing is scheduled for March 13, 2026. This case marks a significant development in Sri Lanka's efforts to combat corruption and ensure accountability among public officials.