• Karunaratne apologises for drunk driving

    Sri Lanka’s Test captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, has issued an apology following his arrest for drunk driving, describing his behaviour as ‘utterly unbecoming of a Sri Lankan national cricketer’.

    Karunaratne was involved in an accident in Colombo early on Sunday morning with a three-wheeled vehicle. The driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries as the Sri Lankan cricketer was arrested and subsequently bailed out.

    READ ALSO: Sri Lanka Test captain arrested

    ‘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 apologise 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 myself 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 whatever 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 apologise 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’

    READ ALSO: Sri Lanka stun Proteas to make history

    Prior to the incident, Karunaratne not only led Sri Lanka to a historic series victory over the Proteas in South Africa, but he was also being tipped as a prospective captain during the upcoming World Cup by national selectors.

    It is yet to be seen whether Sri Lanka Cricket will impose any further punishment on Karunaratne once the legal process has concluded.

    Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

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