The UNP charged in Parliament today that the government, through the accusation of match fixing, had committed the most serious assault on the fame of the ex-captain of Sri Lanka’s cricket team Arjuna Ranatunga who brought glory to the country by winning the World Cup in 1996.

Speaking during the budget debate, UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake said that Mr. Ranatunga who is now an MP had been humiliated in this manner by making such an allegation.  He demanded that an inquiry be made to clear Ranatunga’s name.

Last Wednesday, former Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge and Government MP Thilanga Sumathipala who was the chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket at that time, accused Ranatunga and his vice captain, Aravinda de Silva of match fixing at that time. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)