Former Sri Lanka national cricketer Sachithra Senanayake was indicted today, at the Hambantota High Court on charges related to match-fixing during the 2020 Lanka Premier League (LPL).
The indictment, filed by the Attorney General on June 5, alleges that Senanayake made approaches and suggestions to a player to manipulate match outcomes during the tournament. High Court Judge Duminda Mudunkotuwa officially read the charges during today’s proceedings.
Appearing for Senanayake, a legal team led by Ajith Pathirana requested the court to lift the existing travel ban, citing that the former cricketer is currently engaged in professional activities abroad. After reviewing the request, the court lifted the temporary travel ban, which had been in place until November 27.
The court also granted bail, releasing Senanayake on two personal sureties of Rs. 1 million each, and scheduled the next hearing for November 27, 2025.
Senanayake had previously failed to appear when the case was last called on July 9, 2025, prompting the court to issue an order requiring his presence at today’s hearing.
This marks the first case filed under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, making Senanayake the first national-level athlete in the country — and reportedly in South Asia — to face criminal charges in court for match-fixing.
