Danushka Gunathilaka can return to social media

Friday, 7 April 2023 00:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Next court hearing on 27 April

Danushka Gunathilaka

Rape-accused Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka can use Facebook and Instagram again after having his bail altered. Gunathilaka, 31, applied to vary his bail at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday. He is facing four counts of sexual intercourse without consent and has not yet entered a plea.

Gunathilaka was initially banned from using Tinder and other social media platforms when he was granted bail in November 2022. His bail conditions were altered in February so he could return to WhatsApp, an encrypted messaging platform owned by Facebook-parent Meta and popular in his home country, and go out at night.

The latest alteration to his bail allows Gunathilaka to use his existing Facebook and Instagram accounts. The court was previously told the alleged victim was being harassed on social media and had to close her accounts.

Gunathilaka’s case has been adjourned for three weeks so the prosecution can gather more information. After matching on Tinder, meeting up for a date and heading back to her home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the complainant alleges the cricketer refused to wear a condom and choked her three times. She cannot be identified.

Gunathilaka travelled to Australia with Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup team last year but only played in their first game before being ruled out of the competition with a hamstring tear. He was arrested in the early hours of 6 October at Sydney’s Hyatt Regency Hotel, shortly before he was scheduled to board a flight home with the rest of the team after they bowed out of the tournament. Gunathilaka’s case will return to court on 27 April. (Channel9News)