Arjuna Ranatunga is a famous cricket player from Sri Lanka. He led his team to win the World Cup in 1996. Known for calm leadership and strong skills. A key figure in Sri Lankan cricket history. Many remember him for his smart play and team spirit.
Biography
| Arjuna Ranatunga – Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Deshamanya Arjuna Ranatunga |
| Native Names | Sinhala: අර්ජුන රණතුංග Tamil: அர்ஜூன ரணதுங்க |
| Date of Birth | 1 December 1963 |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan |
| Professions | Cricketer (Former), Politician |
| Cricket Achievements |
– Captain of 1996 Cricket World Cup winning Sri Lankan team – Scored the winning boundary in the 1996 World Cup final – Regarded as pioneer who elevated Sri Lankan cricket to global prominence – Nurtured young cricket talents like Praveen Jayawickrama |
| Post-Retirement Roles in Cricket |
– Held various posts in Sri Lanka Cricket administration – President of Sri Lanka Cricket until December 2008 – Appointed interim head of Sri Lanka Cricket in 2023 after board suspension |
| Political Career |
– Entered politics in 2001 via Sri Lanka Freedom Party – Elected to Parliament from Colombo District in 2001 elections – Deputy Minister for Tourism – Former Cabinet Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation – Joined Democratic National Alliance in 2010 and contested elections – Distanced himself from United National Party in January 2021 |
Early Life
Arjuna Ranatunga was born in Sri Lanka. He grew up in a family that cared about serving the country. From a young age, he loved playing cricket. He lived in Sri Lanka during a time when the country was going through many changes. As he grew older, he stayed in his hometown and worked hard to become a good cricket player. His early life was simple but full of learning and growing.
Family
| Relation | Name | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father | Reggie Padmasena Ranatunga | Reggie was a respected leader. He served as Governor of Sabaragamuwa in Sri Lanka. He was known for his dedication to public service and his support for his family. |
| Mother | Nandani Ranatunga | Nandani is the mother of Arjuna and his siblings. She supported the family and helped raise the children with strong values and care. |
| Brother | Nishantha Ranatunga | Nishantha is Arjuna’s brother. Like Arjuna, he was involved in cricket and contributed to Sri Lanka’s sports. |
| Brother | Samadara Ranatunga | Samadara is also Arjuna’s brother. He has played cricket and stayed close with the family. |
| Brother | Dhyan Ranatunga | Dhyan is Arjuna’s son, but sometimes mentioned among family in cricket. He is becoming a cricket player too. |
| Brother | Prasanna Ranatunga | Prasanna is another brother of Arjuna. He is known in Sri Lanka for his work outside cricket. |
Arjuna Ranatunga comes from a family with many brothers. His father, Reggie, was a governor and a leader. His mother, Nandani, cared for the family. Many of his brothers played cricket or helped in other ways. This family support helped Arjuna become a good cricket player and leader. Cricket and public service are important for this family.
Height, Weight, And Other Body Measurements
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | Before Weight Loss: Approximately 110 kg (242 lbs) After Weight Loss: Significantly reduced following bariatric surgery |
| Body Build | Formerly heavyset, now slimmer post weight loss |
| Batting Style | Left-Handed Batter |
| Notable Changes | Underwent bariatric surgery which led to sustained weight loss and improved health |
Wife/husband / Girlfriend/boyfriend
Arjuna Ranatunga is currently married to Samanthi Ranatunga. They have been together for many years. Samanthi often appears in family photos and posts with Arjuna. She is known as his longtime wife. They have children, including a son named Dhyan Ranatunga, who is involved in cricket in the USA.
About Samanthi Ranatunga
Samanthi is a private person who supports Arjuna in his life and career. The couple shares a strong bond and family values.
Previous Relationships
There is no public information or reports about Arjuna Ranatunga having other wives or girlfriends before Samanthi. It seems he has remained committed to his wife.
Career, Achievements And Controversies
Arjuna Ranatunga is a well-known cricket player from Sri Lanka. He became famous as a captain who led his country to a great victory. This made him a hero in Sri Lanka and respected in the cricket world.
Ranatunga started his cricket career in the 1980s. He was a skilled batsman and a strong leader. His most famous work was leading Sri Lanka to win the Cricket World Cup in 1996. This was the first time Sri Lanka won this important tournament. Many people remember him for this big success.
He played for many years and was known for his calm and smart captaincy. He helped Sri Lanka become one of the top cricket teams in the world.
For his work in cricket, Ranatunga received many awards. He was honored by the Sri Lankan government with special national awards. These showed the country’s respect for his achievements. He is also recognized in many cricket halls of fame and is remembered as one of the best captains Sri Lanka ever had.
Like many famous sportspeople, Ranatunga faced some controversies. Some critics said he was too strict or sometimes argued with cricket officials. There were also debates about his political views after he entered politics. Some people disagreed with him publicly.
Despite these issues, many fans still support him for what he achieved in cricket. Controversies did not stop him from being an important figure in Sri Lankan sport and politics.
Faq
Arjuna Ranatunga is a former cricket player from Sri Lanka. He was the captain of the Sri Lankan cricket team for many years.
He is famous because he led Sri Lanka to win the Cricket World Cup in 1996. This was the first time Sri Lanka won this big tournament.
He played cricket mainly during the 1980s and 1990s. He retired from international cricket in 2000.
He was a batsman and also the captain. As captain, he helped the team work well together.
After cricket, he worked in politics and other jobs. He stayed active in Sri Lanka’s public life.
He sometimes helps with cricket events and gives advice, but he does not play anymore.
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