Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage is set to rejoin the national cricket team after attending his late father Suranga’s funeral. Wellalage’s father died during Sri Lanka’s last group stage fixture against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2025 and the cricketer was informed about his demise after the game.
A photograph of the team manager consoling Wellalage after their victory was widely shared on social media. The left-arm spinner flew back to Colombo to attend his late father’s last rites and will now rejoin the team ahead of their Super 4 clash against Bangladesh on Saturday, September 20.
“Dunith Wellalage, who returned home to pay his last respects to his late father, will rejoin the team tomorrow morning. He will travel to the UAE tonight accompanied by Team Manager Mahinda Halangode. Sri Lanka will begin its Super Four stage campaign of the ongoing tournament tomorrow against Bangladesh in the UAE. Wellalage will be available for selection for the game,” wrote Sri Lanka cricket in a post on X.
Former Sri Lanka cricketer, Russell Arnold recalled Dunith’s father Suranga Wellalage was a respected cricketer who had captained one of Sri Lanka’s leading school teams. The former all-rounder said Suranga had skippered Prince of Wales College at a time when Arnold himself captained St Peter’s College.
Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya also expressed condolences to Wellalage and assured him that he has the support of the entire country.
“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,” he posted on Facebook.
“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,” he added.
Meanwhile, Wellalage didn’t have a memorable outing against Afghanistan as he was smashed for five consecutive sixes in the last over of the first innings. He ended up leaking 32 runs in the over and the second most expensive over by a Sri Lankan bowler after Akila Dananjaya. He finished with figures of 1/49 in four overs, dismissing Ibrahim Zadran.
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