Sri Lanka Cricket makes decision on Danushka Gunathilaka following rape charges in Sydney

In a major development, Sri Lanka Cricket suspended Danushka Gunathilaka who was apprehended on the charges of rape. Recently, the Lankan Lions returned after playing their last game of the Super 12 round against Australia. The team returned to their country without the left-hander while he is facing criminal trials. In the midst of all this, the SLC has decided to suspend for the time being.

In the statement issued by the apex body, they said that the needful would be done depending on the results of the trial. They added that the board emphasizes having a ‘Zero Tolerance’ policy for any player involved in such misconduct.

“Furthermore, Sri Lanka Cricket will take the necessary steps to promptly carry out an inquiry into the alleged offense, and, upon conclusion of the aforementioned court case in Australia, steps will be taken to penalize the said player if found guilty,” stated the cricket board in an official media release.

“Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to emphasize that it adopts a “zero tolerance” policy for any such conduct by a player and will provide all the required support to the Australian law enforcement authorities to carry out an impartial inquiry into the incident,” it added.

Danushka Gunathilaka has been suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket from all forms of cricket with immediate effect and will not be considered for selection after he was arrested in Sydney over an alleged sexual assault. #SriLanka #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/mWqO2QH0Ig

— Manasi Pathak (@ManasiPathak_) November 7, 2022

Danushka Gunathilaka and the victim met each other online: New South Wales Police

After arresting the 31-year-old, the NSW police said that the duo met each other online. According to the police, the crime happened on November 2, four days before it was made public.

“The woman met with the man after communicating with him for a number of days via an online dating application; it’s alleged he then sexually assaulted her on the evening of Wednesday 2 November 2022. As part of ongoing investigations, a crime scene examination was undertaken by specialist police at an address in Rose Bay yesterday,” the New South Wales police said in a statement.

Danushka Gunathilaka, 31, met with his alleged victim for “consensual sex,” but at the crucial moment refused to wear a condom. Then he choked the 29-year-old woman and forced himself on her, according to Sydney police spokeswoman Jane Doherty. pic.twitter.com/k3wfgkQke3

— Ranga Sirilal (@rangaba) November 6, 2022