Sports minister Navin Dissanayake is making statements at television programmes that the accusations against Ranatunga cannot be proven.

There is speculation that the minister has reached a deal with Ranataunga over the broadcasting rights for the series against India starting in August.

Ranatunga has reportedly made plans, through former SLC president Upali Dharmadasa, for the minister to secure a good price from the deal.

Taj Television’s Ten Sports has obtained the broadcasting rights for the series at a low price of Rs. 189 million.

However, the minister told a television programme yesterday that discussions were underway into the possibility of selling the broadcasting rights to another channel at a higher price.