Who is Dunith Wellalage’s Father? Sri Lanka Cricketer Faces Personal Tragedy During Asia Cup

Abu Dhabi, September 18, 2025 – Sri Lanka allrounder Dunith Wellalage faced heartbreaking news on Thursday. His father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away on the same day Sri Lanka played their Asia Cup Group B match against Afghanistan.

The 22-year-old rising star only learned about his father’s death after the game. Sri Lanka won that match by six wickets with eight balls remaining, securing a spot in the Super Four stage. Immediately after the game, Wellalage left for home to be with his family.

Suranga Wellalage – Father of Dunith Wellalage

Suranga Wellalage was the father of one of Sri Lanka’s brightest young cricketers. While he stayed away from the spotlight, he was known for supporting Dunith’s cricketing journey from his early days in Colombo. His sudden passing has shocked Sri Lanka’s cricket community and cast doubt over whether Dunith will continue playing in the Asia Cup 2025.

Dunith Wellalage’s Asia Cup Journey

Thursday’s match was only Dunith Wellalage’s fifth T20I and his first appearance in this Asia Cup. Despite his personal tragedy, his career has already seen notable highlights. He has played 31 ODIs, with a career-best of 5 for 27 against India in Colombo in August 2024.

In the 2023 Asia Cup, played in the ODI format, Wellalage took 5 for 40 against India and finished as the equal-second highest wicket-taker of the tournament, with 10 wickets at an average of 17.90.

What’s Next for Sri Lanka and Wellalage?

Sri Lanka still have three confirmed Super Four matches left in the tournament – against Bangladesh on September 20, Pakistan on September 23, and India on September 26. Whether Wellalage will return to the squad remains uncertain as he mourns the loss of his father.

For now, his teammates and fans have shown deep sympathy and support, recognizing the emotional burden the young allrounder carries while representing his country.