From Lasith Malinga to Mahela Jayawardene: Cricket fraternity mourns Dunith Wellalage’s father tragic passing

In a truly heartbreaking turn of events, Sri Lankan all-rounder Dunith Wellalage suffered a major personal loss when his father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away on Thursday, September 18, due to a heart attack. The tragedy occurred while Dunith was on the field, representing his country in a crucial Asia Cup 2025 group stage match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi. Unaware of the devastating news, he learned of his father’s demise only after Sri Lanka had secured a six-wicket victory, a bittersweet triumph that has cast a shadow over his participation in the remainder of the tournament.

The tragic confirmation of Dunith Wellalage’s father and team’s support

The devastating news was confirmed on air by former Sri Lankan cricketer and renowned broadcaster Russell Arnold, who was commentating on the match. Arnold, who knew Suranga from their days in school cricket, expressed his condolences, sharing that the news had been conveyed to Dunith shortly after the team’s successful chase of 170.

According to reports from Sri Lankan media, Dunith was informed of the tragedy by his team manager and coaches in the dressing room. A poignant video shared by a journalist captured a visibly shaken Dunith being comforted by a team official, with an arm around his shoulder, highlighting the immense grief he was experiencing. The young cricketer has since returned home to be with his family, casting uncertainty over his future involvement in the Super Four stage.

The moment when Sri Lanka’s coach Sanath Jayasuriya and Team manager informed Dunith Wellallage about the demise of his father right after the match. Dunith’s father passed away due to a sudden heart attack. He was 54.🥲
video credits- Dhanushka pic.twitter.com/P01nFFWlVW

— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 18, 2025

The news of his father’s demise has undoubtedly cast a somber shadow over Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup campaign, even as they advanced to the next stage. While Sri Lanka are scheduled to play crucial Super Four matches against Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India in the coming days, the team will be without one of its key players. The cricketing world has extended its deepest sympathies to Dunith Wellalage and his family as he navigates this incredibly difficult time away from the sport.

Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: Amit Mishra hits out at Mohammad Yousuf over ‘pig’ jibe at Suryakumar Yadav

Here’s how cricket fraternity reacted on Wellalage’s father passing

Suranga Wellalage‘s passing leaves a void not only in his family but also in the cricketing community. The cricket world is mourning the tragic passing of Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage‘s father, Suranga Wellalage. Suranga, a former cricketer himself, passed away from a heart attack on Thursday night while his son was playing in the Asia Cup match against Afghanistan. The news was conveyed to Dunith after the match, prompting him to return home to be with his family. The news has led to an outpouring of condolences from the cricketing fraternity, including tributes from legendary Sri Lankan cricketers.

The cricket fraternity has come together to offer condolences to Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage following the tragic passing of his father, Suranga Wellalage. Here is a list of cricketers who have reacted to the news:

Mahela Jayawardene: The former Sri Lankan captain took to social media to express his grief and asked for privacy for the grieving family. He wrote, “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 privet moment,”

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 privet moment 🙏🏻

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) September 19, 2025

Lasith Malinga: The legendary fast bowler shared a heartfelt message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, father of Dunith Wellalage. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Stay strong Dunith, the whole nation stands with you and your family in this difficult time,”

Deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, father of Dunith Wellalage. My heartfelt condolences to the family. Stay strong Dunith, the whole nation stands with you and your family in this difficult time.
May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.🙏

— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) September 18, 2025

Sanath Jayasuriya: Sri Lanka’s head coach was seen consoling Wellalage after the match when he was informed of his father’s death. He also shared a tribute on social media, writing, “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,”

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. pic.twitter.com/JltogBY2cm

— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) September 19, 2025

Mohammad Nabi: The Afghan all-rounder, who had a memorable on-field exchange with Wellalage during the match later posted a condolence message on social media, saying, “Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong Brother,”

Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father.
Stay strong Brother pic.twitter.com/d6YF2BhlnV

— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) September 18, 2025

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Mr. Suranga Wellalage, beloved father of Sri Lankan cricketer @wellalage01.

My thoughts and prayers are with Dunith and his family during this difficult time.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana. 🙏

— Dasun Shanaka (@dasunshanaka1) September 19, 2025

Deeply saddened by the passing of dunith’s father. May his soul rest in peace🙏 thoughts and prayers with you and family in this moment of grief 🙏

— Angelo Mathews (@Angelo69Mathews) September 19, 2025

Keep your head high @wellalage01 🙏💙

Deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your father, Suranga Wellalage, at the age of 54. A former cricketer himself.

May the almighty grant him eternal peace and give strength to the family in this difficult time.

— Litton Das (@LittonOfficial) September 18, 2025

It was not just saddening but shocking too, to hear of the sad demise of the father of Dunith. Knowing how hard the late father worked to make his son what he is today, the win over Afghanistan however spectacular it may be has paled into insignificance for me. Yes Sri Lanka are…

— Roshan Abeysinghe (@RoshanCricket) September 19, 2025

Deeply saddened by the passing of Dunith Wellalage’s father. Having guided him in his U19 days, I know the strength his family gave him. Heartfelt condolences to Dunith and his family. Dunith – Your father will always be proud of you💔🙏 #Rip

— Farveez Maharoof (@farveezmaharoof) September 18, 2025