Sydney, Australia – In a significant development, Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka was exonerated of allegations of sexual assault in a court ruling delivered in Sydney on Thursday. The 32-year-old accomplished batsman, who has been awaiting resolution since his arrest in November of the previous year, expressed his eagerness to return to the cricket field.
Gunathilaka’s legal ordeal began shortly after his nation’s cricket team suffered defeat to England in the final match of the Twenty20 World Cup held in Australia last year. The cricketer had been initially charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent, stemming from a rendezvous arranged via a dating application at a bar near the iconic Sydney Opera House.
In a turn of events earlier this year, three of the aforementioned charges were dropped, leaving one remaining. In a verdict delivered by Judge Sarah Huggett, Gunathilaka was declared not guilty of the sole remaining charge, as confirmed by the New South Wales District Court in Sydney.
Addressing reporters outside the court, Gunathilaka expressed the toll the past 11 months had taken on him, stating, “The last 11 months have been really hard for me.” He also conveyed his appreciation for the unwavering support he received, emphasizing, “Everyone believed me, so that means a lot to me.”
With his legal battle behind him, Gunathilaka voiced his excitement about resuming his cricketing career, stating, “I am happy that my life is normal again so I can’t wait to go back and play cricket.”
During the trial, prosecutors had alleged that Gunathilaka had removed a condom during sexual activity without the woman’s consent, as she had only agreed to engage in protected sex, as reported by Australia’s public broadcaster, ABC. However, Judge Huggett took into consideration that the woman’s recollection of the events in question was not entirely clear.
Danushka Gunathilaka, who made his international debut in 2015, boasts an impressive cricketing record, having participated in eight Tests, 47 ODIs, and 46 T20 matches. Sri Lanka Cricket had suspended him from the sport after the charges were initially filed, pending the legal resolution of the case.
