Sri Lanka Cricket admits sexual harassment in women’s cricket; no evidence of physical intimacy
May 28, 2015 (LBO) – Sri Lanka Cricket on Wednesday admitted that there have been a few incidents of sexual harassment in women’s cricket though there was no evidence of any physical intimacy.
Sri Lanka Cricket and former Sports Minister separately appointed committees to probe alleged sexual harassment said to have been committed in 2013 and 2014 by some officials handling Women’s Cricket.
“Both Reports have concluded that, there have been a few incidents of sexual harassment which were committed by two male officials but that there was no evidence of any physical intimacy and that, there were no grounds to justify criminal proceedings,” Sri Lanka Cricket said.
The statement further said that two male officials who have been identified in the inquiry reports, no longer function in their previous positions since their contracts were not renewed when they ended in end April this year.
“There were incidents of improper conduct on the part of another male official which did not amount to sexual harassment.”
No allegations were made against any of the coaches or selectors of the women’s cricket team, Sri Lanka Cricket said.
“Both reports have highlighted the unsatisfactory situation that prevailed in the selection and other aspects relating to women’s cricket and widely prevalent perceptions of favoritism and bias,”
“Further, both Reports have commented adversely on the failure to ensure that a female manager handles the women’s cricket team.”
Sri Lanka Cricket will study these Reports further and take appropriate action to rectify any defects that prevail with regard to women’s cricket in Sri Lanka, the statement further said.
