Match-fixing allegations Aluthgamage risks court action if proved wrong

• If the allegations are proved to be false, the person making them is liable to a term in prison or a fine or both

By Yohan Perera   

Former sports minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage runs the risk of being tried under the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act if the allegations he had made are found to be false with regard to the 2011 Cricket World Cup final, former sports minister Harin Fernando said yesterday.    

• Mr. Aluthgamage’s allegations that the cricket final was fixed, raised  protests among others by some former MPs including government MP Namal Rajapaksa  stressing the need to safeguard the reputation of Sri Lankan cricketers

According to the Act any person making false allegations under Section 16, knowing the allegations to be false, commits an offence and shall, on conviction by a Magistrate, be liable to a fine not exceeding Rs.100,000 or a jail term not exceeding three years or both.   

Mr. Aluthgamage’s allegations that the cricket final was fixed, raised protests among others by some former MPs including government MP Namal Rajapaksa stressing the need to safeguard the reputation of Sri Lankan cricketers.   

Meanwhile, UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariyawasam commenting on the matter said there was nothing unusual about such situation because ruling party politicians were known to enact dramas for political mileage.