News
Danishka’s Ban on Cricket to Be Lifted
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) wishes to announce that the Independent Inquiry Committee appointed by SLC,
which was tasked with investigating the impact of the criminal allegations against Mr. Danishka
Gunathilaka in Australia has recommended a full lifting of the ban imposed on him in November 2022
following Mr Gunathilaka’s acquittal from all charges filed in the District Court of New South Wales
and his return to Sri Lanka on 3rd October 2023.
In November 2022, the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket suspended Mr. Danishka Gunathilaka
from all cricket activities upon learning of his arrest and charges related to alleged sexual assault in
Australia during his travel as a member of the National team for the T20 World Cup 2022. This
suspension was pending the outcome of legal proceedings and was imposed considering the impact
of his actions on the reputation of cricket and the country.
Mr Gunathilaka, who was under travel restriction in Australia for the past 11 months, faced a full trial
in the District Court of New South Wales, Australia, where he was acquitted of the single charge
levelled against him. Other charges under which he was initially arrested were dropped by the
Prosecution prior to trial.
After careful evaluation of Mr Gunathilaka’s 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, Mr Niroshana Perera, Attorney at Law and Mr 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.
The Executive Committee of the SLC, at its meeting held on 13th October 2023, has ratified this
recommendation. They have also cautioned Mr Gunathilaka always to uphold his status as a
national representative in all his future actions.
Sri Lanka’s cricket administration has entered a period of transition after the government stepped in to take temporary control of the sport’s governing body.
Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has accepted the resignation of Shammi Silva and the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, marking a significant shift in leadership.
Following the resignations, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced that it would assume oversight of cricket administration under the authority granted by the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973. The decision places all operational and administrative matters of SLC under ministerial supervision with immediate effect.
Authorities indicated that the arrangement is temporary and part of a broader effort to stabilise the sport’s administration. A new committee is expected to be appointed in the coming days to examine existing issues and propose structural reforms aimed at improving governance and accountability.
The leadership’s decision to step down was communicated to the government earlier, prompting swift action to ensure continuity in the management of Sri Lanka’s most prominent sport.
The President of Sri Lanka Cricket, Shammi Silva, has officially resigned from his position with immediate effect, according to an announcement released by the board today (29).
In a significant development, all office-bearers and members of the Executive Committee have also stepped down from their respective roles, signaling a complete leadership transition within the governing body.
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that the decision has been formally conveyed to Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
No further details were immediately provided regarding the reasons behind the mass resignation or the process for appointing new leadership.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) today provided a financial grant to rising javelin thrower Rumesh
Tharanga Pathirage.
This support was extended under the direction of the SLC President Mr. Shammi Silva and
the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, following a request made by the Minister of
Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
Rumesh Tharanga received the grant this evening at the SLC headquarters.
This initiative is part of SLC’s ongoing efforts to support and promote sports beyond cricket,
as well as to assist promising athletes in achieving success at the international level.
Sunil Kumara Gamage Accepts SLC Resignations, Ministry Steps In
SLC President Shammi Silva and Executive Committee Step Down Effective Today
Sri Lanka Cricket Grants Rs. 10 Million to Rising Javelin Athlete Rumesh Tharanga
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