Performed father's last rites... immediately decided to return to the Asia Cup, salute to the spirit of this 22-year-old star!

Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Welalage is set to rejoin the national cricket team after the funeral of his late father, Suranga. Welalage's father passed away during Sri Lanka's final group match against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup 2025. 

After the match, Welalage was informed of his father's passing, after which he left for home. However, he is set to rejoin the Sri Lankan team just a day after the funeral and will be available for the team's Super Four matches.

The manager gave information

Following Sri Lanka's victory against Afghanistan, a photo of the team manager consoling Wellalage was widely shared on social media. 

The left-arm spinner flew to Colombo to attend the funeral of his late father and will now rejoin the team ahead of their Super Four match against Bangladesh on Saturday, September 20.

Sri Lanka Cricket gave update

Sri Lanka Cricket wrote in a post on X, "Dunith Welalage, who returned home to pay his last respects to his late father, will rejoin the team tomorrow morning. 

He will depart for the UAE tonight with team manager Mahinda Halangode. Sri Lanka will begin their Super 4 stage campaign of the ongoing tournament against Bangladesh in the UAE tomorrow. Welalage will be available for selection for the game."

Head coach expressed grief

Sri Lanka head coach Sanath Jayasuriya also expressed his condolences to Wellalage and assured him that he has the support of the entire nation. 

He posted on Facebook, "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 win many matches for Sri Lanka and make them proud."

He added, "In this difficult moment, please remember that you are not alone. I will be there for you like a father – guiding you every step of the way, standing by you, and supporting you. The entire team, the nation, and everyone who loves this game is with you."

Velalage did not perform well

Meanwhile, Wellalage didn't have a memorable match against Afghanistan, as he was hit for five consecutive sixes in the last over of the first innings. 

He conceded 32 runs in that over, the second most expensive by a Sri Lankan bowler after Akila Dananjaya. He finished with figures of 1/49 in four overs, including the dismissal of Ibrahim Zadran.