Sri Lanka’s controversial opening batsman Danushka Gunathilaka has been severely warned and will be sent for the counseling by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) over an alleged misconduct, Cricket Age reliably learns. It comes in the wake of the recommendations of a 3 member Inquiry panel.
The said incident took place at hotel Doctor House in Matara on April 10, where Gunathillaka was present with his girlfriend and other friends.. The SLC management committee, headed by Professor Arjuna de Silva, had appointed a 3 member committee, chaired by renowned Attorney at Law Panduka Keerthinanda, to conduct the inquiry. Other two members of the committee were SLC HR Manager Tanesh Dias and assistant director of Sports Ministry Sheela Deseran. One of the most knowledgeable and experienced lawyer in the field of Sports Law, Keerthinanda was instrumental in bringing National Sports Policy, Convention Against Doping in Sports and Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports.
By issuing final warning and sending Gunathilaka for counseling, otherwise notorious Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), will be giving a strong message to trouble maker cricketers that anyone who does not fall in line will be dealt with strongly.
Cricket Age understand that before the Inquiry panel, Gunathillaka tried to hide facts and ended up giving wrong information. Gunathillaka stated that he consumed liquor at the said hotel, but he hid that it was bought from outside. However, Chaminda Bandara, manager of the Doctors House, stated that the hotel does not server liquor. Gunathillaka stated that he know the person who was involved in the brawl, but he refused to disclose the name. Thus, it was obvious that he tried to hide evidence. Gunathillaka also stated before the inquiry panel that he had visited Doctors House only on April 10. However, according to the bills, which were submitted to the panel, he visited the hotel next day also. Thus, it was obvious that he was trying to hide certain facts.
“His conduct was open to suspicion and he was involved in an activity which was not suitable for a national player. Therefore his conduct is unprofessional and he is tarnishing the Image of Sri Lanka cricket. It is alos noted that in past also he was found guilty of misconduct on several occasions. Thus, we recommend that he should be severely warned and sent for counseling” Inquiry panel report stated.
Notably, it’s first time in Sri Lanka cricket history that a player will be sent for the counseling. In world cricket, former New Zealand opener Jesse Ryder was sent for a counseling.
In past, SLC soft-pedalled on multiple occasions, when Gunathilaka was found guilty of misbehavior. In 2017, he was suspended for misconduct, having found drunk and turning up to the ground having forgotten his bag. Then, in 2018, he was once again suspended for the merely few home games, following another misconduct incident. However, the elected administrations at Maitland Place always refrained from giving harsh punishment for such repetitive misconduct incidents by Gunathillaka and others, largely due to vote bank politics.
“As he play for Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), the shameless club officials time and again used their power to get Gunathillaka Scot free. It has contributed significantly in making him a serial offender” an expert at Sri Lanka cricket had earlier told Cricket Age.
This time around, however, Professor Arjuna De Silva led management committee has provided a blueprint for elected administrations to deal with players like Gunathilaka!
The SLC is yet to release the official media statement regarding the same!
