Sri Lanka's Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne was on Wednesday, 3 April, fined $7,500 by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), for involvement in a drink driving incident.
The fine is equivalent of the match fee Karunaratne would receive for one Test, according to a ESPNCricinfo report.
"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 cannot tolerate this kind of nonsense," SLC secretary Mohan de Silva told ESPNcricinfo.
‘My Actions Utterly Unbecoming of a Sri Lankan Cricketer’
Karunaratne was on 31 March arrested for drunk driving after he was involved in an accident that had the driver of a three-wheeler in hospital.
Karunaratne later offered an apology on social media. Below are the contents of his post.
Dear Friends /Fellow SLl 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 being 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 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 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
"We just want to send a strong message to everyone that we mean business," de Silva said.
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