Danushka Gunathilaka, 32, was detained following very serious sexual assault charges made against him in Australia. In a significant step, Sri Lanka Cricket announced that they will be reducing the player’s suspension.
On October 13, following a meeting regarding the same, the executive committee of the board approved the recommendations for him. It’s important to remember that the all-rounder received a warning that instructed him to “always uphold his status as a representative of the nation in all his future actions.”
Notably, Danushka Gunathilaka was detained in Australia in 2022 after being charged during the T20I World Cup.
He was subject to countrywide travel restrictions for 11 months following his detention. He was also accused of four separate sexual assaults, but those charges were dismissed prior to prosecution.
The 32-year-old entered a not guilty plea and was put through a trial before being exonerated of the allegation. The all-rounder will finally be free to resume his international responsibilities after a protracted absence thanks to the SLC removing his suspension.
“After careful evaluation of Danushka Gunathilaka 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, Niroshana Perera, Attorney at Law, and 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,” according to the SLC press release.
Sri Lanka seeks to recover from its setback against Australia.
Regarding Sri Lanka’s recent on-field accomplishments, the team has had a terrible start to the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Sri Lanka has participated in three games of the prestigious competition but has yet to claim a victory.
Sri Lanka has lost every game thus far, including those against South Africa, Pakistan, and Australia. It would be interesting to observe how the team does in their forthcoming match against the Netherlands, who they will play next.
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