While playing for Sri Lanka against Afghanistan in a Group B match in the ongoing Asia Cup in UAE, Sri Lanka all-rounder Dunith Wellalage lost his father Suranga Wellalage to a suspected heart attack on Thursday night in Sri Lanka. While the 22-year-old cricketer was told about his father’s demise post the match by head coach Sanath Jayasurya and team manager, the all-rounder has now flown back to Sri Lanka. Jayasuriya, who is the head coach of the Sri Lanka team for the Asia Cup, shared his grief over the loss and shared the entire team and everyone is by his side in this tough hour.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, a father, a cricketer, and a man who raised a son the entire nation is proud of. Dunith, your father was a cricketer himself, and he can be truly proud of the son he raised. His values, his love for the game, and his spirit live on through you. I know how strong you are, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make him proud by winning many games for Sri Lanka. At this difficult moment, please remember that you are not alone. I will be there for you like a father—guiding you, standing with you, and supporting you every step of the way. The entire team, the nation, and everyone who loves this sport are by your side,” Jayasurya posted on his official Facebook page.
Wellalage had made his international debut in 2022, when he played in an ODI against Australia. The 22-year-old all-rounder has played one Test, 31 ODIs and five T20Is till present. He had conceded 32 runs in the last over of the Afghanistan innings in the Group B match on Thursday. While Sri Lanka chased down the target with six wickets in hand, Wellalage was told about the death of his father post the end of the match. Jayasuriya and the team manager told the youngster about the tragedy. Jayasuriya also shared how the whole cricketing family in Sri Lanka stands together with the youngster at this tough hour. “This moment reminds us all how much passion Sri Lankans have for cricket—it is not just a game, but a family that stands together in joy and in sorrow. May your father’s soul rest in eternal peace, and may you find strength in the love that surrounds you,” Jayasuriya wrote further.
The 22-year-old all-rounder is currently in Sri Lanka and his participation in the remainder of the Asia Cup remains uncertain with Sri Lanka set to play against Bangladesh in the Super Four Stage on Saturday with two more matches in Super Four Stage with one against Pakistan on September 23 and one against India on September 26. “Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga, passed away just a while ago. He played a bit of cricket too. You know how big our school cricket scene is. He captained Prince of Wales College when I captained my school, St Peter’s. Quite sad to hear that. The news was broken to Dunith just a while ago. And our condolences to the family. The celebrations will be muted. The team is a tight place, the dressing room. Hopefully, this bonds them and helps them go on and do well in the Super 4 stage,” former Sri Lanka cricketer Russel Arnold said while commentating on Sony Sports Network.
