Former IPL Star and Ex-PBKS Batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa in Controversy With Sri Lankan Actress — What Happened?

Out-of-favour Sri Lankan cricketer Bhanuka Rajapaksa has seemingly embroiled himself into a controversy with young actress Harshi Rasanga. Rajapaksa, who has represented the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL, reportedly sent a Letter of Demand (LOD) to Rasanga over alleged false accusations against him on social media.

What is the dispute between Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Harshi Rasanga?

According to Newswire, the dispute between the left-handed batter and the actress relates to a gold chain valued over a mind-boggling amount of ₹900000. Rasanga had borrowed it from Rajapaksa and later pawned it without the latter’s knowledge. On that note, Rasanga was arrested by the Thalangama Police and presented before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. However, she was also granted bail on two sureties of Rs. 500,000 each.

 As far as the court proceedings go, the defence claimed that the gold chain had been pawned but arrangements can be carried out to return and redeem it. But Rasanga revealed to the media later that the chain was gifted to her during a personal relationship. The legal action from Rajapaksa’s team has come in the wake of the actress’ contradictory claims. The court directed Thalangama Police to take custody of the golden chain and produce it before the court ahead of the next hearing, scheduled for April 22.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa played for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2022 and 2023

Meanwhile, the 34-year-old was part of the Punjab Kings and IPL in 2022 and 2024. In 13 games, the southpaw had clattered 277 runs at 23.08 alongside a strike rate of 145.02 with a solitary half-century. Rajapaksa had also come under the spotlight for stirring controversy ahead of T20 World Cup 2026, hinting at bat-tampering by the Indian team. He said on Hari TV’s Stand By with Lahiru YouTube programme:

“Indian players have bats that are far superior to the best bats we get. It feels as though a layer of rubber has been applied. I can’t imagine how that’s possible. These bats can’t even be bought by others — all players know this. It might sound silly, but that’s honestly what I felt.”

But later he issued a clarification on X, stating that he meant it as a praise but admitted the need to put that into better words, stating:

“Hi all, just a quick clarification about comments from a recent interview that have been interpreted differently and, in parts, lost in translation. My point was meant as praise: Indian cricket is incredibly advanced, from its systems and infrastructure to its equipment standards. Their bat manufacturers are truly among the best in the world. In hindsight, I could have provided clearer context. Nothing but respect always.”

The veter:n hasn’t played for Sri Lanka since November 2025.

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