Sri Lanka’s Danushka Gunathilaka arrested for alleged sexual assault

Danushka Gunathilaka, who was a part of Sri Lanka’s T20 World World Cup 2022 squad, has been arrested by the Sydney police and charged for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman.

Gunathilaka was arrested in the early hours of Sunday at a hotel on Sussex Street, Sydney. According to smh.com.au, ‘he was taken to Sydney City Police Station and charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent.’

"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," a New South Wales police statement said,” according to ESPN Cricinfo.

"As part of ongoing investigations, a crime scene examination was undertaken by specialist police at an address in Rose Bay yesterday.

"Following further inquiries, a 31-year-old man was arrested at a hotel on Sussex Street, Sydney, shortly before 1am today (Sunday 6 November 2022).

"He was taken to Sydney City Police Station and charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent. The Sri Lankan national was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court via AVL [audio visual links] today."

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), in an official statement, have confirmed that they've been notified by the ICC about the arrest, and have vowed to 'take stern action' if Gunathilaka is found guilty.

"Sri Lanka Cricket confirms that it was notified by the ICC that player Danushka Gunathilaka has been arrested on the allegations of sexual assault of a woman in Sydney, and Mr. Gunathilaka is due to appear in court tomorrow (7 November 2022)

"SLC will closely monitor the proceedings in court and, in consultation with the ICC, will expeditiously initiate a thorough inquiry into the matter and take stern action against the player if found guilty."

Gunathilaka was a part of Sri Lanka’s original T20 World Cup squad, but missed the competition due to a hamstring injury. The 31-year-old has had a history of disciplinary issues, and in 2019 was suspended by Sri Lanka cricket, along with Kusal Mendis and Niroshan Dickwella, for breaching the bubble in Durham.