Tourism Minister, SLTPB Chief, cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya visit Danushka Gunatilleke in Sydney

• Gunatilleke says ‘thank you for visiting me’

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Chairman Chalaka Gajabahu and former Sri Lanka cricketer and Sri Lanka Tourism Ambassador Sanath Jayasuriya paid a visit to Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunatilleke in Sydney, as part of theair ongoing tourism promotion campaign in the city.

Expressing his appreciation, Gunatilleke took to Instagram and shared a photo of the meeting noting; “thank you for visiting me.” Similarly, the Minister too shared a picture on Instagram stating: ‘nice to see you brother.”

 Gunatilleke has been unable to return to Sri Lanka since late last year due to allegations of sexual assault that emerged during Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaign in October. However, recent developments have seen the Australian police drop three out of the four charges against him. These charges included allegations of fellatio and “digital penetration” without consent.

 Despite the dropped charges, Gunatilleke still faces one count of sexual intercourse without consent. He maintains his plea of not guilty to this remaining charge and is prepared to stand trial.

 Tourism Minister Harin, SLTPB Chief Gajabahu and former Sri Lanka cricketer and Sri Lanka Tourism Ambassador Sanath Jayasuriya are currently in Sydney for a tourism promotion effort.

 The meeting between Gunatilleke, Minister Fernando, SLTPB Chairman, and cricketing legend Sanath Jayasuriya highlights the support and solidarity shown to the cricketer during this challenging period. 

 The outcome of Gunatilleke’s trial will determine his future and the potential for his return to the Sri Lankan cricket team. Meanwhile, the support from Minister Harin Fernando and Sanath Jayasuriya offers encouragement to Gunatilleke as he faces these legal proceedings away from home.