Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga Wellalage, passed away due to a heart attack on Thursday (September 18).

Wellalage was featuring in Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup 2025 Group B match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi when he was informed of his father’s demise.

Former cricketer-turned-commentator Russell Arnold shared the news on-air after Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan by six wickets.

Wellalage received the heartbreaking news shortly after Sri Lanka pulled off the chase of 170 late in the evening.

A video has emerged on social media in which Sri Lanka coach Sanath Jayasuriya could be seen breaking the tragic news to Dunith. A photograph of the team manager consoling the cricketer, with his arm around him, also went viral on social media.

Dunith Wellalage flew home on the first available flight last night itself. It remains to be seen if he joins the team for the remaining Asia Cup games after attending his father’s last rites.

Dunith's father Suranga was also a cricketer who led the Prince of Wales College, though he couldn't represent the national team.

“Dunith Wellalage’s father, Suranga, passed away just a while ago. He played a bit of cricket too. You know how big our school cricket scene is. He captained Prince of Wales College when I captained my school, St Peter’s,” Arnold said while commentating on Sony Sports Network.

“Quite sad to hear that. The news has been broken to Dunith just a while ago. And our condolences with the family. The celebrations will be muted. The team is a tight place, the dressing room. Hopefully, this bonds them and helps them go on and do well in the Super 4 stage,” he added.

Dunith Wellalage didn't have the best of game against Afghanistan. The left-arm spinner conceded 49 runs in 4 overs, while only picking a solitary wicket. He was hammered for 5 sixes in a single over by Mohammad Nabi, who slammed 60 runs from 22 balls in the match. Despite Afghanistan's valiant efforts, it was the Sri Lankan team that emerged victorious.