Sri Lanka’s head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, shared the heartbreaking news of Suranga Wellalage’s passing. Suranga, father of national team player Dunith Wellalage, died on Friday at the age of 54 due to a heart attack. The tragic incident occurred while he was watching his son play in the Asia Cup match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. Dunith was informed of his father’s death immediately after Sri Lanka’s six-wicket victory, which led to notably subdued celebrations as the team advanced to the next stage of the tournament.
Suranga Wellalage had collapsed on Thursday while watching the match broadcast from a Colombo suburb and was rushed to the hospital, where he suffered a fatal heart attack. He himself was a former amateur cricketer.
Dunith Wellalage was informed of his father’s passing in Colombo after Sri Lanka booked their place in the Asia Cup Super 4s.
Adding to the emotional weight, the 22-year-old Dunith Wellalage had bowled the final over of the match, during which Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi hit five sixes, scoring 32 runs. This made it the second most expensive over ever bowled by a Sri Lankan in the T20 format.
“The manager came up and broke the news that Dunith’s father had passed away after the game was over,” Sanath Jayasuriya told AFP. “We were stunned. Suranga was a cricketer himself, a few years younger to me. We are in constant touch with Dunith and our thoughts and prayers are with him.”
Jayasuriya later expressed his condolences on social media, stating: “Saddened by the loss of Mr. Suranga Wellalage. Dunith, your father raised a son the whole nation is proud of. Stay strong — we are with you, and his blessings will carry you forward.”
Sanath Jayasuriya, a former Sri Lanka captain, had consoled Dunith Wellalage after informing him of his father’s passing at home.
In a more extensive Facebook post, Jayasuriya wrote: “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. 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.”
Mahela Jayawardena paid tribute to Dunith Wellalage’s father, who passed away on Thursday.
Fellow Sri Lankan legend Mahela Jayawardena appealed to the public to respect the family’s privacy during this challenging period. He wrote on social media: “My heart goes out to Dunith and his family… I can imagine what they are going through. Also like to plead everyone to give them the privacy they need. We don’t need live commentary during a highly emotional private moment.”
Wellalage has temporarily returned home but is expected to rejoin the team to compete in the remainder of the eight-nation tournament. Sri Lanka is scheduled to play Bangladesh in the Super Four stage on Saturday, September 20, followed by matches against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26.