Former Sri Lanka Spinner Sachithra Senanayake Charged Under Anti-Corruption Law in Landmark Match-Fixing Case – 2025

Colombo,— Former Sri Lankan off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been officially charged under Sri Lanka’s stringent anti-sports corruption law, becoming the first individual to face prosecution under the legislation introduced in 2019. The charges stem from allegations that he attempted to fix matches during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL).

The charges were filed following a lengthy investigation by the Sports Corruption Investigation Unit, which accused Sachithra Senanayake of trying to influence two players to underperform in exchange for financial gains. This move is being seen as a major step forward in Sri Lanka’s ongoing battle against corruption in sports, particularly cricket.

Sachithra Senanayake – Arrest and Legal Proceedings

Senanayake was arrested in August 2023 and subsequently released on bail in September of the same year. The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court granted bail after determining that there was no evidence he attempted to obstruct or influence the investigation. As part of his bail conditions, Senanayake provided sureties of LKR 5 million (approx. USD 15,500) each and was placed under a temporary travel ban.

If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to LKR 100 million (approx. USD 317,000), or both — penalties set by the new anti-corruption law that criminalizes match-fixing and other forms of manipulation in sports.

A Fall from Grace – Sachithra Senanayake

Once a key figure in Sri Lanka’s white-ball teams, Senanayake represented his country in 1 Test, 49 ODIs, and 24 T20Is between 2012 and 2016. He was particularly known for his control and variations as an off-spinner. After his retirement in 2020, Senanayake remained involved in domestic cricket, including commentary and coaching roles.

His fall from grace has sent shockwaves through the cricketing community, with the case now being closely watched both domestically and internationally as a precedent-setter in combating corruption in sports.

A Message to the Sporting World

Officials from Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry and Cricket Board have praised the judiciary and investigative agencies for taking decisive action. Legal experts note that this case marks a watershed moment in cricket governance, serving as a warning to players and officials alike.

As proceedings continue, the cricketing world will be watching closely. The outcome of the trial may well shape how corruption cases are pursued not only in Sri Lanka but also in other cricket-playing nations.