Ex-cricketer Sachithra Senanayake further remanded over match-fixing charges

By T. Farook Thajudeen

Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis extended the remand detention of former Sri Lankan national cricketer Sachitra Senanayake until 25 September in connection with alleged match-fixing during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL) Cricket Tournament.

The Magistrate decided to extend the remand after reviewing the arguments presented by Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Pieris, who informed the court that the suspect had misled investigators by providing false information. Pieris noted that during the previous inquiry, the suspect had committed to provide accurate information about an individual through whom he had sent a bottle of whisky to Tharindu Ratnayake.

During the probe, the CID investigators had contacted the individual whose information had been provided by Senanayake, only to discover that the information was false. Consequently, Peiris objected to granting bail to the suspect, expressing concerns that his release on bail could potentially lead to further interference with the ongoing investigations.

Senior Counsel Kalinga Indatissa PC, representing Senanayake, requested bail for the suspect and assured that the necessary conditions would be adhered to. He further pledged that the suspect would not interfere with witnesses or the ongoing investigations. 

However, the Magistrate ordered Senanayake to be further remanded and ordered the Prison officials to provide facilities to the investigation officers to record a statement of the suspect within the prison premises on 19 September.

Senanayake was arrested by the CID on 6 September on charges of match-fixing after he surrendered to the Special Investigation Unit of the Ministry of Sports. 

It is alleged that Senanayake had been involved in match-fixing during the 2020 edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) Cricket Tournament. It was revealed that he made contact with two cricketers via telephone from Dubai in an attempt to manipulate the outcomes of matches.

Senanayake has vehemently denied all the accusations, asserting that they were baseless and intended to tarnish his and his family’s reputation.