The Sri Lankan Police on Friday ended its investigation into allegations made by former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage that the 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka was ‘sold’ to India for money.

The Head of the ‘Special Investigation Unit on Prevention of Offenses Relating to Sports’ of the Sports Ministry, Senior Superintendent of Police Jagath Fonseka said the investigation into the former Minister’s allegation was concluded as it found no evidence to support the allegation after recording statements from several cricketers and officials.

"Without further investigating into this incident, we will send a report to the Secretary of the Sports Ministry who referred this complaint to us," SSP Fonseka told reporters.

“A discussion with our unit officials was held this morning. Our OIC, Deputy Director and others participated. There we decided to conclude the investigation. ”

“It has become a controversial situation to bring down all the players and record statements. This can be a big problem. We see no reason why players must be further questioned,” Fonseka added.

According to the Head of the SIU, the 14-point allegations levelled by Aluthgamage, could not be corroborated.

“From the three statements recorded by our unit, we realized that the 14 points submitted by Mr. Mahindananda Aluthgamage cannot be substantiated. Despite the Minister’s claim that ICC (International Cricket Council) was informed, ICC had not responded or conducted an investigation.”

“All three players we questioned gave reasonable explanations in response to the allegations, particularly why changes were made in the final team. This is a case of 2011,” he added.

Aluthgamage alleged that last-minute changes were made to the team at the final match without his approval.

The SIU recorded statements from Aravinda de Silva, the chairman of selectors at the time, one of the opening batsmen Upul Tharanga, Captain Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

The former captain Sangakkara was interrogated yesterday for nearly 10 hours by the SIU.

The questioning of Sri Lanka’s legendary cricketers Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene drew ire of the public and fans staged protests outside the Sri Lanka Cricket office yesterday.

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