Match-fixing allegations baseless so probe stopped

• No basis to continue the probe
• Several former cricketers recorded statements

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

he investigations into the match-fixing allegations made by former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage relating to the 2011 Cricket World Cup final which Sri Lanka lost to India, has been stopped after the special investigation unit found the allegations baseless, Police Media Spokesman SSP Jaliya Senaratne said yesterday.   

He told Daily Mirror there was insufficient evidence to prove the allegations and as such it was decided it was no longer necessary to continue the investigations, which began on June 24 to find out whether the match was fixed and if so who was responsible.   

“The investigation unit will submit a report to the Sports Ministry Secretary on the progress of the inquiry according to the statements recorded from witnesses,” SSP Senaratne said.   

The investigators recorded several statements from former Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee Chairman Aravinda de Silva, cricketer Upul Tharanga and from Kumar Sangakkara who captained the team at the finals.   
Former Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene was told his statement would be recorded on another date.   
Meanwhile, informed sources said at a meeting of the Special Investigation Division it was decided to call off the probe.   

Meanwhile, former MP Namal Rajapaksa had also said summoning cricketers to the CID without any preliminary investigation conducted by the International Cricket Council (ICC), could tarnish Sri Lanka’s image. 

• Former Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene was told his statement would be recorded on another date
• Due to insufficient evidence to prove the allegations, it  was decided it was no longer necessary to continue the investigations,  which began on June 24 to find out whether the match was fixed and if so who  was responsible