The Colombo Magistrate’s Court was today told that Jaffna Kings co-owner Manjot Kalra allegedly offered over US$30,000 to influence the outcome of matches in the 2026 Lanka Premier League (LPL), as investigators outlined details of the ongoing sports corruption probe.

Kalra and a second suspect were produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama after being arrested by officers of the Sports Corruption Investigation Unit.

Presenting the facts, investigators told court that Kalra had allegedly approached several LPL players, including Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage and Avishka Fernando, with proposals to manipulate matches. They said the players subsequently reported the approach to the Sports Corruption Investigation Unit.

According to investigators, the players then acted under the guidance of the investigation unit as part of the operation. Court was informed that the initial financial offer was negotiated before the parties eventually agreed on a payment of Rs. 11.5 million, with Rs. 9.5 million to be handed over as an advance.

Investigators said the second suspect arrived at the agreed location in Colombo carrying Rs. 9.5 million in cash in a black bag, where officers arrested both suspects during the operation.

The court was further informed that investigators had recorded telephone conversations linked to the alleged plot and also obtained video evidence, which has been submitted under seal as part of the investigation.

Appearing for the suspects, defence counsel rejected all allegations, arguing there was no evidence that Kalra had offered or paid a bribe and stating that the suspects had travelled to Sri Lanka to promote cricket. The defence sought bail.

However, the Chief Magistrate observed that granting bail at this stage could prejudice the ongoing investigation and ordered that the suspects be further remanded. The court fixed the case to be called again on July 31. (Newswire)

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