The Nugegoda District Court today dismissed a defamation case filed against former cricket captain and current Petroleum Resources Minister Arjuna Ranatunga by current Deputy Speaker and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President Thilanga Sumathipala.

The case, filed in March 2005, alleged that Ranatunga made defamatory comments about Sumathipala at a press conference held in May 2003, calling him ‘corrupt and fraudulent’ and not suitable to be the Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket. 

The case filed by Sumathipala sought 500 million in damages from the former cricket captain but lawyers appearing on behalf of Ranatunga pointed out at that the accusations made by against Sumathipala did not amount to defamation.

Senior Attorney-at-Law Athula Bandara Herath together with Attorney-at-Law Shashika De Silava appeared on behalf of Arjuna Ranatunga - instructed by Paul Rathnayake Associates.

Gamini Marapana PC together with Attorney-at-Law Navin Marapana appeared on behalf of Thilanga Sumathipala.