Akshay Thakur - Friday, Sep 19, 2025Dunith Wellalage's father dies: While playing against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025, tragic events struck young Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage. On September 18, while Wellalage was playing at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, his father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away from a heart attack.
Although Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan and secured a place in the Super-4, immediately after the match, team coach Sanath Jayasuriya broke the sad news to Dunith on the field, turning the team's joy into mourning. In a video that went viral on social media, coach Jayasuriya is seen encouraging the player by placing his hand on his shoulder during difficult times.
Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Vellalaage had a disastrous performance in the match against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025. He conceded 49 runs in four overs and took only one wicket.
Afghanistan legend Mohammad Nabi also hit five sixes in his one over. Despite this, Sri Lanka won the match and secured a place in the Super 4. However, after the match, Dunith Vellalaage received some sad news.
His father, Suranga Vellalaage, passed away due to a heart attack. A video of the incident is going viral on social media, showing Sri Lankan coach Sanath Jayasuriya and Dunith Vellalaage talking to each other.
The Sri Lankan coach placed his hand on the player's shoulder and encouraged him to overcome this tragic family tragedy. In the video, Dunith is seen running off the field upon hearing the news of his father's passing. Former Sri Lankan cricketer Russel Arnold said during commentary on Sony Sports Network
"Dunith Vellalaage's father, Suranga, just passed away. He played a bit of cricket too. You know how big school cricket is here. He captained Prince of Wales College when I was captain of St Peter's School."Suranga Wellalage was also a cricketer, although he never played for the Sri Lankan national team. This tragic incident dented Sri Lanka's chances of reaching the Super Four stage of the 2025 Asia Cup.
