SLC to hold inquiry against abuse allegations

Sri Lanka Cricket will appoint an independent inquiry to perform a preliminary investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by officials around the Sri Lanka women's team, upon a directive made by the country's sports minister. The inquiry will begin in the next two days and will be conducted by a leading female lawyer, SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said. The inquiry's findings will then presented to the board's executive committee, who will decide on whether a full-scale investigation is required.

"The inquiry would be carried out by one person - a lawyer - with an assistant," de Silva said. "This would be only the preliminary investigation. Based on the report, the executive committee will make a decision on the way forward - whether we need to have another committee to carry out an inquiry or not."

Last week, SLC officials had already launched what they termed an "initial investigation" into the allegations of sexual abuse that had appeared in the local media. The reports had alleged that some national women cricketers were compelled to perform sexual favours for officials, in order to earn or keep their place in the national side. That probe, which was not independent, interviewed selectors, team management and players, but received "no accusations", de Silva said.

"To be fair by all the parties, it's necessary for us to carry out an independent inquiry - to clear the names of some people, if they're not guilty of something," de Silva said. "So far we have not had any accusations."

SLC did not disclose the name of the lawyer who is set to lead the inquiry, as the appointment has not yet been made official. She is understood to have significant experience in hearing sexual harassment cases. The inquiry will have free rein over its direction, and will be carried out over the next week. The executive committee is expected to move on its findings at their next meeting, on November 12.