Sri Lanka's cricket body said Wednesday it will not press charges against officials accused of sexually harassing players for the national women's team, despite an investigation finding instances of harassment.
Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement that two inquiries initiated last year have concluded "there have been a few incidents of sexualharassment which were committed by two male officials but that there was no evidenceof any physical intimacy." The statement said the absence of evidence of physical abuse meant there were no grounds for criminal action.
However lawyers say any type of harassment of woman is a crime under Sri Lankan law.
Attorney Lakshan Dias said physical harassment, by word, action or indirect action, could carry up to a five-year prison sentence, a fine or both under the penal code.
Sri Lanka Cricket Chief Executive Ashley de Silva said the decision not to take legal action was taken on legal advice and he refused further comment.
The sports ministry initiated the inquiries after some players complained that officials demanded sexual favours in return for a place in the team.
The statement said the board did not extend the contracts of the officials in question.
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