Sri Lankan batter Gunathilaka faces sexual assault charges in Australia

Sydney: Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka, who was with the national squad for the T20 World Cup in Australia, was arrested on charges of sexual assault here on Sunday, prompting the Lankan government to order an “immediate investigation” into the incident.

It has been learnt that the 31-year-old Gunathilaka was arrested and taken to Sydney City police station in the wee hours of Sunday following an investigation into alleged sexual assault of a woman on November 2.

“Daushka Gunathilaka has been arrested for an alleged rape. The Sri Lankan team has left Australia without him,” a source aware of the developments told PTI.

In a statement, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) said it will take strict action against the player if found guilty.

“In consultation with the (International Cricket Council), (we) will expeditiously initiate a thorough inquiry into the matter and take stern action against the player if found guilty,” the statement said.