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Danishka’s Ban on Cricket to Be Lifted

Published

3 years ago

on

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.

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Cricket

SLC President Shammi Silva and Executive Committee Step Down Effective Today

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42 minutes ago

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April 29, 2026

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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.

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Cricket

Sri Lanka Cricket Grants Rs. 10 Million to Rising Javelin Athlete Rumesh Tharanga

Published

17 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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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.

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Cricket

Sports Ministry Yet to Confirm Reports of Leadership Change at Sri Lanka Cricket

Published

1 day ago

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April 28, 2026

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The Ministry of Sports has not released any official statement regarding speculation over a potential leadership change at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), according to Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage.

Addressing recent media inquiries, the minister clarified that reports suggesting SLC President Shammi Silva could step down and be succeeded by former Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) parliamentarian Eran Wickramaratne remain unverified.

“We have not issued any official statement as a ministry on this matter. These claims are currently limited to social media reports,” Gamage said.

He further noted that the ministry intends to address the situation formally in the near future.

“We are planning to hold a media briefing soon and will release an official statement. Further discussion can take place after that,” he added.

The remarks come amid growing public attention over the administration of Sri Lanka’s cricket governing body, though authorities have yet to confirm any changes at the top.

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