Describing cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka’s alleged actions in Australia as an ‘Irresponsible individual act’, Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe has expressed his regret over the incident.
Commenting on the matter, the Sports Minister extended an apology to the victim, the Australian Government and its people, and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
“I am deeply concerned and would take the responsibility on behalf of my country and its people to take necessary and remedial action accordingly,” he said, in a Twitter message today (09).
Issuing a statement, Ranasinghe stated that the Ministry of Sports and Sri Lanka Cricket have taken action in coordination with the Australian High Commission to provide the accused with the legal assistance required to represent him relating to the charges filed.
Following a discussion with relevant cricket authorities yesterday (08), the Sports Ministry decided to appoint a 3-member investigation panel to initiate an inquiry into the alleged incident involving player Danushka Gunathilaka.
The committee consists of Justice Sisira Ratnayake (Retired High Court Judge), Mr. Niroshana Perera, Attorney-at-Law, and Mr. Asela Rekawa, Attorney-at-Law.
Danushka Gunathilaka was arrested in Sydney, Australia on Sunday morning and was charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent.
He was refused bail during a closed hearing on Monday in Downing Centre Local Court.
The case will be taken up again on 12 January 2023, while it is reported that prior to that a bail application is to be forwarded. (NewsWire)
