Sri Lanka’s Gunathilaka Denied Bail; Banned From All Forms Of Cricket

Sydney: Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka was denied bail by a Sydney court today. He was was arrested in Sydney yesterday on charges of sexual assault on a 29-year-old woman.  He was apprehended by Sydney police while he was getting ready to fly back home with the Sri Lankan team. The rest of the team flew back home without him.

Magistrate Robert Williams in a Sydney court said that Gunathilaka did not have any prior criminal records, but the judge rejected his bail plea.

Gunathilaka’s lawyer called the decision “disappointing” and reiterated that they would move to the Supreme Court against the verdict.

Even if Gunathilaka’s bail is granted, he will have to stay in Australia until the case is decided.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board president Shammi Silva addressing media queries related to the incident said, “We are supporting (Gunathilaka), definitely”. But he refused to answer further questions.

However, soon after this SLC issued a statement banning Gunathilka from all forms of cricket with immediate effect.

“The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket decided to suspend national player Danushka Gunathilaka from all forms of cricket with immediate effect and will not consider him for any selections after being informed that Mr. Gunathilaka was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a woman in Australia,” the statement read.

The ExCo of SLC decided to suspend national player Danushka Gunathilaka from all forms of cricket with immediate effect and will not consider him for any selections. READ 👇https://t.co/0qp6lNVEoH

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) November 7, 2022