Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that Dunith Wellalage will return home to rejoin the squad ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage. The videos of the 22-year-old all-rounder bidding his family farewell ahead of leaving for the airport to catch his flight to Abu Dhabi were shared online on Saturday. Dunith Wellalage lost his father Suranga Wellalage to a cardiac arrest and rushed home after Sri Lanka's final group stage game against Afghanistan on Thursday. He was accompanied by team manager Mahinda Halangoda.
The video doing rounds on the internet showed the youngster, with his packed bag on his back, taking blessings from his family elders who donned mourning clothes. He was seen hugging and touching the feet of a few as several relatives waited in and around his residence, before entering the vehicle with the team manager that sped away.
Dunith Wellalage is on a mission.
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 20, 2025
While his father’s body is still at home, He leaves for UAE to rejoin his team which is all set to play in the super 4’s in Asia cup 2025. What a sacrifice this is.. BTW his father’s funeral is to take place tomorrow (21) at Colombo.… pic.twitter.com/fDqjKcK25Y
The Asia Cup Super Four stage is a round-robin format and Sri Lanka is scheduled to take on Bangladesh on September 20 before meeting Pakistan and India on September 23 and 26 respectively.
What happened to Dunith Wellalage's father?
Dunith's father Suranga Wellalage, a former cricketer, breathed his last at the age of 54. The unfortunate news was broken to him after Lanka defeated Afghanistan to advance in the tournament. The youngster was initially informed about a medical emergency at home. Later, he was informed that his father was no more, Sri Lankan media reports said.
"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," wrote former Sri Lanka captain Lasith Malinga on X.
"Heartfelt condolences to Dunith Wellalage and his family on the loss of his beloved father. Stay strong brother," wrote veteran Afghanistan cricketer Mohammad Nabi on his X handle.
