Arjuna Ranatunga Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Politics, Career

Arjuna Ranatunga is a revered former professional cricketer, politician, and cricket administrator, celebrated as the captain who led Sri Lanka to their historic 1996 Cricket World Cup victory.

Known for his tactical brilliance, fearless leadership, and gritty batting, he transformed Sri Lankan cricket into a global force.

His post-cricket career in politics and administration continues to shape his legacy.

Profile

• Full Name: Arjuna Ranatunga
• Stage Name: Arjuna Ranatunga
• Born: December 1, 1963
• Age: 61 years old
• Birthplace: Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Nationality: Sri Lankan
• Occupation: Sri Lankan Politician, Cricket Administrator, and Former Professional Cricketer
• Height: 5’8″
• Parents: Reggie Ranatunga and Nandani Ranatunga
• Siblings: 5, Sanjeewa Ranatunga, Nishantha Ranatunga, Prasanna Ranatunga, Dammika Ranatunga, Ruwan Ranatunga (brothers)
• Spouse: Rukmini Ranatunga
• Children: Two sons (names not publicly disclosed)
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million to $8 million

Early Life and Education

Arjuna Ranatunga, a former professional cricketer, was born on December 1, 1963, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Reggie Ranatunga and Nandani Ranatunga. Growing up in a large Sinhalese Buddhist family with five brothers, all of whom played first-class cricket, he was immersed in the sport from a young age.

He attended Ananda College, Colombo, a prestigious institution with a strong cricketing tradition, where he captained the school team and earned the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award in 1980 and 1982. His leadership and batting prowess shone early, leading him to represent Sri Lanka at the youth level.

Details of his higher education are limited, as he pursued a professional cricket career with the Sinhalese Sports Club. His ethnicity is Sinhalese, and his religion is Buddhism.

Career

Arjuna Ranatunga, a former professional cricketer, is best known for captaining Sri Lanka to their 1996 Cricket World Cup triumph. A left-hand batsman and occasional right-arm medium-pace bowler, he debuted in Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test against England in February 1982 at age 18, scoring the country’s first Test fifty. He played 93 Tests, scoring 5,105 runs at an average of 35.69 with four centuries, and 269 ODIs, amassing 7,456 runs at an average of 35.84 with four centuries.

His 49 wickets across formats complemented his gritty batting.

As captain from 1988 to 1999, he led Sri Lanka in 56 Tests and 193 ODIs, transforming them into a competitive side with his bold strategies, notably backing players like Muttiah Muralitharan during controversies. His leadership in the 1996 World Cup, leveraging aggressive batting and spin bowling, culminated in a historic win against Australia.

After retiring in 2000, he entered politics, serving as a Member of Parliament (2001–2015) and holding ministerial roles, including Minister of Ports and Shipping (2015–2018). He later served as Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket (2008, 2024–present), focusing on cricket development.

Social Media

• Facebook Handle: Arjuna Ranatunga
• Twitter Handle: @ArjunaRanatunga

Personal Life

Arjuna Ranatunga, a former professional cricketer, lives in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with his family. He married his childhood friend Rukmini in 1987, and they have two sons, whose names are kept private.

Standing at 5’8″, Ranatunga is known for his outspoken yet affable personality, often standing up for his team against umpires and administrators during his playing days. A devout Buddhist, he draws inspiration from his faith.

Outside cricket and politics, he enjoys family time and supports charitable causes, including youth development programs in Sri Lanka. His political career, aligned with the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, reflects his commitment to public service, though it has faced controversies. He occasionally engages with fans on social media, sharing views on cricket and national issues.

Net Worth

Arjuna Ranatunga, a former professional cricketer, has an estimated net worth of $5–8 million. His wealth stems from his cricket career, including international match fees and endorsements during the 1990s. His political career, with ministerial salaries and benefits, along with his roles in cricket administration, including Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket, contribute significantly to his income.