The Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanka S. Bodaragama has temporarily lifted the travel ban imposed on former cricketer Sachithra Senanayake, who is facing match-fixing allegations in connection with a Sri Lanka Premier League T20 tournament.
After considering the facts presented on behalf of the suspect by Senior Counsel Ajith Pathirana, appearing for Senanayake, the Chief Magistrate temporarily lifted the travel ban imposed on the suspect on Monday.
Accordingly, the travel ban imposed on Sachithra was lifted until March 15, 2026.
The court also adjourned further proceedings in the case until that date.
The suspect, who is currently out on bail, appeared in court when the case was called up.
The Attorney General has already filed charges against Sachithra Senanayake before the Hambantota High Court for inciting cricketer Tharindu Ratnayake to fix matches during the inaugural edition of the 2020 Lanka Premier League.
The Attorney General has filed charges against Sachithra Senanayake under the Prevention of Offences in Sports Act for requesting, inciting and advising Tharindu Ratnayake not to inform the International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption Unit of an offer made by another party to fix matches for the Colombo Kings team during the 21st and 22nd November 2020.
Accordingly, charges have been filed against Senanayake under Section 5(d) of the Sports Corruption Amendment Act No. 24 of 2019.
Sachithra Senanayake was arrested in September 2023 by the Anti-Corruption Unit of the Ministry of Sports on the instructions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit.
He was produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and was later remanded before being released on bail.
The case was filed under the direction of Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena after reviewing the forensic evidence and other materials related to the incident.
Sachithra Senanayake, 40, represented the country in 49 ODIs and 24 T20Is from 2012 to 2016.
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