In addition to being subject to travel restrictions for 11 months in Australia, Danushka Gunathilaka was charged with four counts of rape, which were later withdrawn by the prosecution before to trial.
Danushka Gunathilaka’s ban from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) was removed on Tuesday in response to a sexual assault accusation in Australia, allowing the left-handed batter to rejoin the national squad. “…the Independent Inquiry Committee appointed by SLC, which was tasked with investigating into the impact of the criminal allegations against Mr. Danushka Gunathilaka in Australia, has recommended a full lifting of the ban imposed on him in November 2022 following Mr. Gunathilaka’s acquittal from all charges filed in the District Court of New South Wales and his return to Sri Lanka on 3rd October 2023,” according to a press release. “He would now be able to return to national duty,” it continued.
The cricket player was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Australia in November 2022 while he was there representing Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup. A woman accused him of sexual assault, leading to his detention.
The 32-year-old cricket player was placed under travel restrictions for 11 months in Australia and faced four charges of rape, which were later dismissed by the prosecution before to trial.
After entering a not guilty plea and going through a four-day trial, Gunathilaka was ultimately found not guilty of all counts brought against him in the District Court of New South Wales. On October 3 of this year, he went back to Sri Lanka.
The cricket player was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Australia in November 2022 while he was there representing Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup. A woman accused him of sexual assault, leading to his detention.
The 32-year-old cricket player was placed under travel restrictions for 11 months in Australia and faced four charges of rape, which were later dismissed by the prosecution before to trial.
After entering a not guilty plea and going through a four-day trial, Gunathilaka was ultimately found not guilty of all counts brought against him in the District Court of New South Wales. On October 3 of this year, he went back to Sri Lanka.
“This suspension was pending the outcome of legal proceedings and was imposed considering the impact of his actions on the reputation of cricket and the country,” the statement said.
“After careful evaluation of Mr. Gunathilaka’s exoneration and with due consideration to his cricketing career and its impact on the cricketing ambitions of the nation, the Inquiry Panel, headed by Retired High Court Judge, Sisira Ratnayake, Mr. Niroshana Perera, Attorney at Law and Mr. Asela Rekawa Attorney at Law, unanimously recommended an immediate lifting of his cricketing ban, allowing him to resume regular cricket activities and return to national duty.”
