Former Sri Lanka U-19 cricketer Akshu Fernando passes away

Former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer Akshu Fernando passed away today, after being in a coma for several years following a tragic railway accident.

Fernando sustained severe head injuries and multiple fractures in the accident that occurred on December 28, 2018, at an unprotected railway crossing near Mount Lavinia Beach. 

He had been returning from a team running session when he was struck by a train. He was critically injured and remained in critical care, on life support, with round-the-clock monitoring by his family. 

A promising all-rounder, Fernando was a product of St Peter's College, Colombo, and had a successful school and club cricket career. 

He represented Sri Lanka at the 2010 Under-19 World Cup, where he was the top scorer for his team in the semi-final against Australia with 52 runs. He also played for several clubs, including Colts Sports Club, Panadura Sports Club, Chilaw Marians, and Ragama Sports Club. Just two weeks before his accident, he scored an unbeaten 102 runs in a club match. His passing marks the end of a long battle and a career that many believed would have reached international levels.

"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," International cricket commentator Roshan Abeysinghe said.