While playing for his country in the crucial Asia Cup 2025, Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage posted a heartfelt statement after his father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away unexpectedly. The 22-year-old all-rounder acknowledged his profound sorrow and thanked supporters, teammates, and well-wishers for their unwavering support throughout this tragic period.
Tragically, Dunith Wellalage father passed away from a heart attack on September 18, just after Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets in the Group B match in Abu Dhabi. In a heartbreaking moment that has since left the cricketing community in complete despair, team manager Mahinda Halangoda and head coach Sanath Jayasuriya broke the terrible news to the young player.
Dunith Wellalage confirmed this on Instagram on Monday.
“After my father passed away, I want to take a moment to truly thank everyone who supported my family and myself throughout the most trying time of my life. “The love, strength, and support I received gave me the courage to keep moving forward,” Wellalage wrote in a statement on his official social media handle. “Losing him has left a void that can never be filled.”
“I would especially like to thank Charith Aiya and my brothers in the Sri Lanka National Team, Sanath Sir, Mahinda Halangoda Sir, and the entire national coaching staff. I can never enough thank you for your counsel, generosity, and presence. Above all, I would like to express my gratitude to the people of Sri Lanka. I am never alone, thanks to your unwavering support, letters, and prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I will do everything in my power to honour my father, who had a hope that I would carry on this trip with all of you at my side,” he continued.
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Dunith Wellalage returned to the national team once the funeral ceremonies were finished, and he participated in Sri Lanka’s Super Four match against Bangladesh, which they lost. Pakistan and Sri Lanka will next play each other in the Super Four. Wellalage has bowled eight overs in two games so far in the Asia Cup, giving up 85 runs and taking one wicket.
The Lankan Lions have a fantastic chance to go to the continental competition’s final for the third time in a row, and Dunith Wellalage will be crucial to their success and defence of the T20 championship they took home in 2022 under Dasun Shanka’s captaincy.
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