Match-fixing allegations Court calls for report on voice sample of Sachithra

• If convicted, Rs. 500,000 fine or 10-year jail term imposed under new law

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday issued a reminder, directing the Government Analyst to submit an analytical report on the voice sample of former Sri Lankan national cricketer Sachithra Senanayake, concerning the investigations into match-fixing allegations.

The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Sports Ministry is currently conducting investigations against Sachithra Senanayake over allegations of match-fixing in the Lanka Premier League in 2020. The Court had earlier issued an order directing the Government Analyst to provide an analytical report on the voice sample of Sachithra Senanayake.

The Attorney General’s Department had given instructions to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Sports Ministry to frame criminal charges against Sachithra Senanayake regarding this incident.

The Attorney General is of the view that sufficient materials have been disclosed in terms of the Prevention of Offences related to Sports Act No. 24 of 2019 to frame criminal charges against Sachithra Senanayake.
The case had been filed by the Sports Ministry’s SIU under 2019 No. 24 prevention of offences related to the Sports Act. Under this act, if anybody is found guilty before the magistrate’s court, they would have to pay a fine of Rs. 500,000 and/or a 10-year jail term.