Sri Lanka cricket head coach Sanath Jayasuriya introduced the passing of Suranga Wellalage, father of nationwide staff participant Dunith Wellalage, who died on Friday at age 54 from a heart attack whereas watching his son play within the Asia Cup match towards Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. The information was conveyed to Dunith instantly after Sri Lanka’s six-wicket victory, main to subdued celebrations because the staff superior to the subsequent stage of the event.Suranga Wellalage collapsed whereas watching the tv broadcast of the match from a Colombo suburb on Thursday and was rushed to the hospital. A former novice cricketer himself, he suffered a deadly heart attack.
The 22-12 months-outdated Dunith Wellalage had bowled the ultimate over of the match, throughout which Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi hit 5 sixes, leading to 32 runs – the second most costly over ever bowled by a Sri Lankan in T20 format.WATCH: Moment when Dunith Wellalage was informed of his father’s passing“The manager came up and broke the news that Dunith’s father had passed away after the game was over,” Sanath Jayasuriya informed 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 expressed his condolences on social media platform X: “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 residence. (Image: Facebook)
In an extended 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 troublesome second, please bear in mind that you’re not alone. I will likely be there for you want a father — guiding you, standing with you, and supporting you each step of the best way. The total staff, the nation, and everybody who loves this sport are by your aspect. This second reminds us all how a lot ardour Sri Lankans have for cricket—it’s not only a recreation, however a household that stands collectively in pleasure and in sorrow. May your father’s soul relaxation in everlasting peace, and should you discover power within the love that surrounds you.“
Mahela Jayawardena paid tribute to Dunith Wellalage’s father, who passed away on Thursday. (Image: X)
Another legendary Sri Lankan Mahela Jayawardena asked for people to give the family space during this difficult time. “My heart goes out to Dunith and his household .. I can think about what they’re going through. Also like to plead everybody to give them the privateness they want. We don’t want live commentary throughout a extremely emotional privet second,” he wrote on X.Wellalage has returned home temporarily but is expected to rejoin the team for the remainder of the eight-nation tournament. Sri Lanka is scheduled to face Bangladesh in the Super Four stage on Saturday, September 20, followed by matches against Pakistan on September 23 and India on September 26.