Sri Lanka Cricket Lifts Ban on Danushka Gunathilaka

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken a significant step by lifting the ban imposed on cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka, who had faced sexual assault charges in Australia. The decision to revoke the ban follows his acquittal from all charges filed against him in the District Court of New South Wales and his subsequent return to Sri Lanka on October 3, 2023. This development paves the way for the left-handed batter’s potential return to the national team.

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In November 2022, Danushka Gunathilaka, a member of Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup team, was charged with alleged sexual assault during his visit to Australia. A woman accused him of sexual assault, leading to his arrest and a legal battle that stretched over several months. The cricketer faced a harrowing period as he was charged with four counts of rape, which were later dropped by the prosecution before the trial.

Sri Lanka Cricket has lifted ban on Danushka Gunathilaka, making him eligible for a national team return..Danushka was banned in Nov 2022 after rape charges in Australia#DanushkaGunathilaka #SriLankaCricket pic.twitter.com/2umaupKroh

— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) October 17, 2023

During his time in Australia, Gunathilaka was also subjected to travel restrictions for a prolonged 11-month period. His ordeal finally culminated in a four-day-long trial, during which he pleaded not guilty to the charges. Ultimately, he was acquitted of all allegations, providing a ray of hope in his darkest hour.

However, a glimmer of optimism now shines on Gunathilaka as Sri Lanka Cricket’s Independent Inquiry Committee, led by Retired High Court Judge Sisira Ratnayake, along with legal experts Mr. Niroshana Perera and Mr. Asela Rekawa, unanimously recommended the immediate lifting of his cricketing ban. This decision was taken with due consideration to his exoneration, his cricketing career, and its broader impact on Sri Lanka’s cricketing ambitions.

The cricketing world often serves as a platform for stories of redemption, resilience, and second chances. Gunathilaka’s journey from facing serious charges to being acquitted is a testament to the power of the legal system and the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.”

In the coming months, Gunathilaka’s performance on the cricket field will be scrutinized. His success and commitment to the sport will not only define his career but also serve as a reminder that sport has the power to transform lives and grant individuals a path to redemption.

As the left-handed batter steps back into the world of cricket, he carries with him the weight of his experiences, the resilience of an athlete, and the hope for a brighter future.