Sri Lankan Cricketer Dunith Wellalage Mourns Father's Sudden Death

Sanath Jayasuriya Consoles Dunith Wellalage After Heartbreaking News of Father’s Death Goes Viral

In a tragic incident during the Asia Cup 2025, Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage experienced an unimaginable personal tragedy when he was told about his father's unexpected death following a game against Afghanistan.

Tragedy Strikes Sri Lankan Cricketer Wellalage

The 22-year-old all-rounder had finished his first match in the tournament after a series of games that he had missed. In the game, Wellalage had a tough time, giving away 49 runs from his four overs, 32 of those coming in the last over when Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi hit five consecutive sixes.

Despite that, Sri Lanka chased down Afghanistan's score of 169/8 to win by a margin of six wickets and move into the Super 4 stage.

Following the match, Wellalage was met by Sri Lanka's head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, and the team manager, who broke the devastating news that his father, Suranga Wellalage, had died after suffering a heart attack in Colombo.

Suranga was 54 years old and a former cricketer who had captained Prince of Wales College, a leading school in Sri Lanka's cricketing arena.

Cricket Community Offers Support After Tragic Loss

A video of the moment Jayasuriya comforted Wellalage in the field has since gone viral, revealing the emotional complexity of the scene. In the video, Jayasuriya can be seen resting a soothing hand on Wellalage's shoulder as they have a subdued dialogue, with Jayasuriya saying, "No son should go through this."

The cricketing fraternity has stood by Wellalage in his moment of misery. Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi, visibly emotional, sent his condolences, asking Wellalage to "stay strong, brother."

Former Sri Lankan cricketer Russel Arnold also offered his respects, remembering Suranga's efforts in school cricket and expressing his sadness at the loss.

Wellalage Returns Home Amid Personal Loss

Following the tragedy, Wellalage returned to Sri Lanka to spend time with family. It is uncertain if he will continue playing in the Asia Cup as he continues to cope with this loss.  This demonstrates how sportspersons have emotional challenges beyond the field and how support structures become available in times of need.