'I will be there for you like a father': Sanath Jayasuriya's emotional note to Dunith Wellalage after personal tragedy

Sanath Jayasuriya's emotional note to Dunith Wellalage after personal tragedy (Source: Sanath Jayasuriya/Facebook)

Dunith Wellalage, the Sri Lankan all-rounder, suffered a personal tragedy during their last Group B clash against Afghanistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Wellalage lost his father, Suranga Wellalage (aged 54), to a heart attack on September 18. However, the 22-year-old was unaware of it while playing the match. Only after Sri Lanka’s comfortable six-wicket win over Afghanistan was he informed of the devastating news and was told to leave for Sri Lanka on the earliest available flight.

It was former Sri Lanka captain and current head coach Sanath Jayasuriya who broke the news to Wellalage. Later, Jayasuriya was seen sharing a heartfelt message for the youngster, vowing to be a father figure for him in the future.

On his Facebook, Jayasuriya wrote: "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. 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."

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Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board shared an update on September 19, confirming that the all-rounder had returned home “to pay his last respects to his late father” and would rejoin the squad on September 20.

The update read: "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."

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… pic.twitter.com/ST16buupH3

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— Sri Lanka Cricket  (@OfficialSLC) September 19, 2025

Sri Lanka have enjoyed a strong campaign so far, finishing unbeaten at the top of Group B with three wins in as many matches and six points. Later on Saturday, they face Bangladesh in their first ‘Super 4’ clash in Dubai.

Wellalage has featured in only one match so far in this Asia Cup. Against Afghanistan, he picked up one wicket for 49 runs in four overs. He did not get a chance to bat as Sri Lanka chased down the 170-run target with six wickets and eight balls to spare. As per reports, his participation against Bangladesh remains uncertain, but he is expected to rejoin the squad in Dubai.