Sri Lanka suspends Gunathilaka for sex assault

• Sri Lanka cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka has been suspended from all cricket with immediate effect.
• The 31-year-old was detained in Sydney for alleged sexual assault.
• Sri Lanka Cricket will not consider him for selection after suspension.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has suspended Danushka Gunathilaka from all cricket after his detention in Sydney for alleged sexual assault and will not consider him for selection.

On Monday, a Sydney court rejected bail to the 31-year-old cricketer charged with sexual assault.

The SLC said on Monday that Danushka Gunathilaka would be suspended from all cricket with immediate effect.

SLC stated it had “zero tolerance” for such behavior and will assist with Australian law police. Sunday, SLC announced an investigation.

A Sydney judge denied Gunathilaka bail earlier. Outside the court, defense lawyer Ananda Amaranath said the result was disappointing and his client was considering appealing to the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

The police prosecutor requested a closed court for Gunathilaka’s bail application.

The cricketer appeared in court via video connection in handcuffs and a grey T-shirt after a night in Surry Hills Police Station custody.

“Yes sir,” he informed the court.

Gunathilaka participated in Sri Lanka’s first T20 World Cup game, a loss to Namibia, before tearing his hamstring.

His lawyer said outside the court that the cricketer was doing well considering the circumstances.

The Sri Lankan cricket board and high commissioner support him. “He’s well,” Amaranath said.

Sri Lanka’s left-handed batter has played approximately 100 T20 and ODIs and eight Tests.

On Sunday, Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup team, missing Gunathilaka, returned home after losing their last group encounter against England on Saturday.

Consultant coach and former captain Mahela Jayawardene, who accompanied the team to Australia, told media at the Sri Lankan airport that the Australian justice system would decide what transpired.

“These tournament players are not school kids, they are professionals and they must accept responsibility for their behavior and decisions,” Jayawardene added.

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