Dimuth Karunaratne has been fined USD 7,500 by Sri Lanka Cricket
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Sri Lanka Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne has been fined USD 7,500 (approximately LKR 1.3 million) by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after he was arrested for drink-driving on Sunday.
Karunaratne’s actions breached his player contract and the fine equates to the match fee he would have received for a Test match.
“When you’re preparing for an important competition like the World Cup, and we’re spending so much money on this upcoming [Super Provincial] domestic tournament, we just cannot tolerate this kind of nonsense,” SLC secretary Mohan de Silva told ESPNcricinfo.
Karunaratne was arrested after he was involved in an accident with a three-wheeler in Borella, which is the largest suburb in Colombo.
The driver of the three-wheeler sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital, but he has since been discharged.
Karunaratne was released on bail, but his driver’s licence has been suspended.
Given the severity of the incident, SLC decided to impose a hefty fine in order to send a “strong message”.
Karunaratne will now captain Kandy in the Super Provincial Tournament, which begins on Thursday.
The 30-year-old also issued an apology over the incident and his behaviour, which can be found below:
Dear Friends / Fellow SL Team members / Cricket Fans World Over / All those at Sri Lanka Cricket and each and every Sri Lankan:
You may be aware of some disturbing news which occurred last morning! The vehicle I was driving back home unfortunately met with a minor accident in Colombo.
I firstly need to apologize to the owner of the other vehicle who had a few very minor injuries and was absolutely decent in his manner to very amicably sort out the matter directly with me.
As I type i am very pleased to note and would like to inform all of you that he has been discharged from hospital where he was under precautionary observation and is now resting at home.
Rest assured that my moral obligation towards his betterment and well been will be well looked after and that’s guaranteed.
This morning I produced my self in court and did follow the due Legal process of Sri Lanka and did abide by all formalities therein required . I shall continue to assist / follow with what ever Legal obligations are necessary from my end.
I am very much aware that perhaps my actions were utterly unbecoming of a Sri Lankan National Cricketer and I do apologize to all of you for this incident.
Thank you for your understanding on this matter during this tough time I am currently going through.
Sincerely Yours
Dimuth Karunaratne