Two Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketers were arrested in Colombo after allegations that they filmed guests bathing inside a hotel. The matter has triggered an ongoing police investigation and the players are due back in court later this month, while Sri Lanka Cricket continues to manage wider internal changes.
Key takeaways
- The accused players are alleged to have recorded people bathing inside a hotel located in Narahenpita, where they were staying.
- Custody was taken earlier in the week after women guests complained they were filmed on mobile phones in their bathrooms.
- Both cricketers were released on personal bail set at LKR 500,000 (about $1,564).
- Narahenpita police are investigating whether any of the alleged footage was uploaded or circulated online.
- The players appeared before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court and are scheduled to return on May 25.
- There has been no disciplinary decision announced by Sri Lanka Cricket so far, amid changes within the board’s leadership.
Arrest, bail and police probe in Colombo
In what has been described as an embarrassing incident, two Sri Lanka Under-19 men’s cricketers were taken into custody over allegations involving covert filming of people bathing. The reports state that the incident occurred at a hotel in Narahenpita, Colombo, where the players were lodged during the period in question.
The arrests followed complaints from women staying at the same property. They alleged that, while in their bathrooms, they were being recorded using mobile phones. After those complaints were made, the players were detained earlier in the week.
Following their release process, both players were granted personal bail. The bail amount was fixed at LKR 500,000, which is reported to be roughly equivalent to $1,564.
Police in Narahenpita are now checking the circumstances surrounding the alleged recordings, including whether any of the videos were shared on social media or other platforms.
Court appearance and Sri Lanka Cricket’s internal situation
After being brought into the legal process, the two cricketers were produced before the Aluthkade Magistrate’s Court for their first hearing. They are due to appear again on May 25.
As of now, Sri Lanka Cricket has not announced any disciplinary action against either player. The board is, however, in a period of transition, with its previous office holders removed over the past 48 hours and a Transformation Committee appointed in their place.
