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Sri Lanka Mourns U19 Cricketer Akshu Fernando After 8-Year Coma Battle

Former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer Akshu Fernando has died after nearly eight years in a coma following a devastating railway accident in December 2018. The 25-year-old had been a rising star, representing Sri Lanka at the 2010 ICC Under-19 World Cup where he top-scored in the semifinal. Just two weeks before the accident, he scored an unbeaten century in domestic cricket, highlighting his immense potential. His passing marks the tragic end to a promising career that was abruptly cut short, leaving the Sri Lankan cricket community in mourning.

Key Points: Former Sri Lanka U19 Cricketer Akshu Fernando Dies After Accident

  • 2010 U19 World Cup star
  • Tragic 2018 railway accident
  • 8 years in a coma
  • Scored 102* two weeks before accident
  • Captained multiple school teams
2 min read

Former Sri Lanka U19 cricketer Akshu Fernando passes away after 8 years in a coma

Akshu Fernando, former Sri Lanka U19 World Cup player, passes away after 8 years in a coma following a 2018 railway accident. Read about his promising career.

"A cheerful, friendly and thorough gentleman was he. - Roshan Abeysinghe"

Colombo, Dec 30

Akshu Fernando, the former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer, tragically passed away on Tuesday, nearly seven years after being left in a coma following a devastating railway accident.

Fernando, 25, had been in critical condition since December 28, 2018, when he was struck by a train while crossing an unprotected railway track near Mount Lavinia Beach.

The incident occurred as he was returning from a team running session, leaving him with severe head injuries and multiple fractures. He was immediately placed on life support and remained under constant medical care, with his family by his side throughout his long battle for recovery.

A leading Sri Lankan newspaper reported the passing of the young cricketer, quoting international commentator Roshan Abeysinghe. "Just heard the sad news that Akshu Fernando has passed away. He was truly a wonderful young man whose promising career was cut short by a cruel accident. A quality player for his school and his final club Ragama. Its a sad day for all of us who knew him. A cheerful, friendly and thorough gentleman was he. We will miss you Akshu and remember you for the rest of our life. Rest in peace sweet prince," Abeysinghe said.

At the time of the accident, Fernando was considered one of Sri Lanka's brightest young cricketing talents. He had represented his country at the 2010 ICC Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand, where he made a significant impact, particularly in the semifinal against Australia. He scored 52 runs in that match, becoming Sri Lanka's top scorer in a contest that saw them narrowly miss out on a place in the final.

A product of St Peter's College in Colombo, Fernando's school cricket career was nothing short of exceptional. He led the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 teams and was the vice-captain of the Under-19 side. His leadership and field talent earned him a place at several prestigious local clubs, including Colts Sports Club, Panadura Sports Club, Chilaw Marians, and Ragama Sports Club.

His final competitive appearance came just two weeks before the tragic accident, when he scored an unbeaten 102 against Moors Sports Club on December 14, 2018.

Fernando's sudden death concludes a lengthy period marked by significant physical and emotional pain. It also brings back memories of a promising cricketing journey that many thought could have ascended to the top levels of international cricket.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
A tragic reminder of how fragile life is. He was just returning from training. The article mentions the railway track was unprotected—this is a serious infrastructure issue that needs addressing to prevent such accidents. Rest in peace, Akshu.
A
Ananya R
Om Shanti. What a sad story. To score a century just two weeks before the accident... his career was truly on the rise. His family's dedication over these years is the real, unsung story here. Wishing them peace.
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Vikram M
As someone who followed that 2010 U19 World Cup, I remember his knock against Australia. He was a fighter on the field. It's cruel that his life ended this way. The cricket community has lost a good one. #RIPAkshuFernando
K
Karthik V
While the loss is immense, I have to ask—where was the support system from the cricket board or his clubs during these 8 years? Promising players deserve a safety net. This should be a wake-up call for sporting bodies across the subcontinent.
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Michael C
A sobering read. Talent and hard work don't guarantee a long life. Puts things in perspective. Hope his story leads to better safety measures near railway lines, especially in coastal areas like Mount Lavinia.

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