Mendis granted bail; ordered to pay Rs. 1 m in compensation

Kusal Mendis

By Madushka Balasuriya 

Sri Lankan cricketer Kusal Mendis who was arrested on Sunday morning following a motor accident that killed a 64-year-old cyclist in Horethuduwa, Panadura was released on bail by the Panadura Magistrate yesterday. Bail was granted on two Rs. 1 million sureties, while Mendis was also ordered to pay Rs. 1 million in compensation to the victim’s family.

CCTV footage of the incidence shows Mendis’ vehicle veering on the wrong side of the road before hitting the victim. Mendis, who had been driving home from a wedding at around 5 a.m. on Sunday morning after having already dropped off some of his friends, is understood to have fallen asleep at the wheel of his SUV. Police have cleared Mendis of driving under the influence, while Daily FT understands that with Mendis in the vehicle was also fellow Sri Lankan cricketer Avishka Fernando.

Sri Lanka Cricket meanwhile has confirmed to Daily FT that no disciplinary action will be taken against Mendis.

This is the second such incident involving a Sri Lankan cricketer in the span of little over a year, with Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne arrested for driving under the influence in March last year.