In a recent court trial, a woman has come forward with a disturbing account of an alleged rape by Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka. The trial, which began on Monday in the New South Wales district court, has brought to light a harrowing incident that took place after a Tinder date between the woman and Gunathilaka. This blog will detail the events of that fateful night and the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Tinder Match and First Meeting
On October 29, 2022, Danushka Gunathilaka, a 32-year-old cricketer, matched with the woman on the dating app Tinder. Just four days later, they met for the first time at Opera Bar in Sydney. Little did the woman know that this encounter would lead to a traumatic experience.
Allegations of Rape through “Stealthing”
After their initial meeting, the pair proceeded to the woman’s home in the eastern suburbs. It is here that the woman accuses Gunathilaka of raping her through a disturbing act known as “stealthing.” This reprehensible act involves the removal of a condom during sexual intercourse without the other person’s knowledge.
Gunathilaka’s Plea and Woman’s Terrifying Experience
Gunathilaka has pleaded not guilty to one count of sexual intercourse without consent. The woman, who remains anonymous for legal reasons, recalls a nightmarish experience. She alleges that Gunathilaka forcefully kissed her and even slapped her buttocks on their way home that night. During the sexual encounter, he also choked her two or three times, causing her to fear for her life.
Consent and Trust
In the courtroom, the crown prosecutor, Gabrielle Steedman, emphasized a critical point. Just because someone consents to one type of activity does not imply consent to others. Gunathilaka’s actions that night raise significant questions about consent and trust.
A Disturbing Exchange
During the alleged assault, the woman repeatedly insisted that Gunathilaka wear a condom. Shockingly, he adamantly refused, assuring her by saying, “I won’t get you pregnant, darling.” He further urged her, “Don’t you trust me? You should trust me.”
Shocking Discovery of the Condom
The prosecution revealed that the woman discovered the used condom on the floor only moments after Gunathilaka stopped having sex with her. The shock and distress she experienced were evident during the trial.
Lack of Respect and Care for Consent
Prosecutor Gabrielle Steedman argued that the removal of the condom and Gunathilaka’s other actions that night demonstrated a complete disregard for the woman’s wishes. It showcased a lack of respect and care for consent.
Gunathilaka’s Defense and Questions About Credibility
In a police interview following his arrest at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on November 6, Gunathilaka denied removing the condom. He claimed that he had put on a second condom because the first one “was not good.” However, a search of the woman’s home by the police found only one condom, which contained DNA profiles matching both Gunathilaka and the alleged victim.
Questions Surrounding the Complainant’s Credibility
Gunathilaka’s barrister, Murugan Thangaraj SC, raised questions about the credibility of the complainant. He pointed out that when the woman first spoke to her friends and a doctor shortly after the alleged incident, she made no reference to the removed condom. It was only when she spoke to the police on November 5 that she mentioned this crucial detail.
The Ongoing Trial
The judge-alone trial continues, and the outcome remains uncertain. The proceedings shed light on the complex issues of consent and trust in intimate relationships, and they emphasize the importance of respecting boundaries and ensuring that all parties involved feel safe and secure.
The alleged rape by cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka has brought attention to an unsettling incident that highlights the importance of consent and respect in sexual relationships. As the trial unfolds, the woman’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the need to address such issues seriously and ensure justice prevails.
