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Former Sri Lanka U19 star Akshu Fernando passes away after battling Coma

Aakash Saini

Akshu Fernando [Source: @DanuskaAravinda/x]Akshu Fernando [Source: @DanuskaAravinda/x]

Former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer Akshu Fernando tragically passed away on Tuesday, December 30 after battling seven years of coma. The promising cricketer entered his state of unconsciousness following a devastating railway accident in Sri Lanka back in December 2018.

Notably, Fernando served the Sri Lanka Under-19 national team during the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2010 in New Zealand. He was one of the defining forces for Sri Lanka as they finished fourth in the tournament, scoring crucial runs against Canada in the Group Stage, against South Africa in the quarterfinal as well as against winners Australia in the second semifinal.

Akshu Fernando’s vigil ends in silence as cricketer passes away

Akshu Fernando was struck by a train back in December 2018 while he was attempting to cross an unprotected railway track near the Mount Lavinia Beach in Sri Lanka. The incident occurred when the then 27-year-old was returning from a training session.

With Akshu Fernando suffering severe head injuries and fractures on his body, he was immediately placed on life support and remained under medical care.

Fernando played his final competitive match mere days prior to the accident, when he represented the Ragama Cricket Club against the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Cricket Club in a Group A match of the 2018-19 Premier League Tournament Tier A at Colombo (Moors).

Back in January 2010, Akshu Fernando made it to the Sri Lanka Under-19 squad for the 2010 U19 World Cup in New Zealand. The promising right-handed batter justified his selection with match-winning knocks against Canada and South Africa.

Moreover, the star Sri Lankan batter also punched out a fighting 52 from 88 balls against Australia Under-19 in a nerve-wracking semifinal in Lincoln. Akshu Fernando eventually made just 10 against West Indies in a third-place playoff in Christchurch.