Leniency shown to coach despite complaints of sexual harassment

An inquiry has recommended the removal of a district level coach attached to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for allegedly demanding a sex bribe from a mother of a teenage cricketer.

However, SLC had let him off with a mere warning.

The coach--who runs a private clinic in Moratuwa, in addition to his official duty as a district coach in charge of that area--had demanded a sex bribe from the mother in order to give her child special attention.

The mother, who refused his advances, had complained to Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) which then initiated the inquiry.

According to sources, the coach had denied charges but the investigation had found enough evidence to prove them to be true. The inquiry had recommended that he be removed for bringing the institution to disrepute.

“This has been part and parcel of Sri Lankan sports for many years. But hardly do these things get reported. Parents are helpless as they want their children go up the ladder. So some are forced to respond, whether it’s sexual or any other benefits,” a cricket official said on the condition of anonymity. “The only way to stop this is by taking tough action but SLC has been very lenient this time,” he added.

In a separate incident, a physiotherapist attached to Sri Lanka Cricket had attempted to molest a young lady at her residence during a private treatment session.

The physiotherapist in question deals with Sri Lanka U 19 cricketers but uses his Sri Lanka Cricket identity to conduct a private practice.

Following a written complaint SLC received, a statement was recorded last week from the accused. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The complainant had stated that she feared for the safety of the young boys that the accused routinely deals with and has requested Sri Lanka Cricket to take stern disciplinary action against the accused. The incident occurred at the complainant’s residence. She had hired the services of the physiotherapist as he was attached to SLC and she felt he came with recommendations. However, he had wanted to carry out treatment in her bedroom where he later allegedly molested her.

SLC in May sacked three officials attached to the national women’s team after allegations that members of the women’s national team were asked to perform sexual favours to keep their places.

An internal inquiry found two of them guilty of sexual harassment and a third of improper conduct but refrained from naming the culprits.

The coach-who runs a private clinic in Moratuwa, in addition to his official duty as a district coach in charge of that area--had demanded a sex bribe from the mother in order to give her child special attention.