Sawt Falasteen - Sri Lanka's Gunathilaka denied bail on sex assault charges

Gunathilaka appeared wearing handcuffs by remote video link to the court in Sydney, speaking only to confirm his identity and that he could hear proceedings.

The 31-year-old, who was arrested Sunday just hours after his country lost to England in the T20 World Cup, appeared calm as he sat wearing a grey T-shirt and blue jeans in a detention centre in the city.

The batter's bail application was heard in a closed session -- without journalists present -- after Magistrate Robert Williams agreed with a request from the prosecutor to suppress details of the allegations and other elements of the case.

The interim suppression order, which is scheduled to be reviewed by the court on Wednesday, was opposed by Gunathilaka's defence and by a media legal representative.

Sri Lanka's cricket board said it was following the case after being informed about the charges by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"SLC will closely monitor the proceedings in court and, in consultation with the ICC, will expeditiously initiate a thorough inquiry into the matter and take stern action against the player if found guilty," it said in a statement.

Gunathilaka was ruled out during the first round of the T20 World Cup with a hamstring injury but had remained with the team in Australia.

He made his international debut in 2015 and has played eight Tests, 47 ODIs and 46 T20s.

W.AbuLaban--SF-PST