Former Sri Lanka Under-19 player Akshu Fernando has passed away after spending several years in a coma, bringing a sad close to a long and painful chapter that had deeply affected his family, friends, and the cricketing community.
Fernando had represented Sri Lanka Under-19 earlier in his career and was regarded as a promising young cricketer at the time, with his journey only just beginning when tragedy struck. His prolonged medical condition kept him out of public view for years, but his story remained one that resonated strongly within Sri Lankan cricket circles.
Throughout his time in a coma, Fernando’s family endured an unimaginably difficult period, marked by hope, endurance, and emotional strain. Members of the cricket community continued to remember him, with former teammates and supporters often expressing solidarity and concern for his wellbeing, even as years passed.
Although his playing career was cut short before it could fully unfold, Fernando’s association with Sri Lanka’s Under-19 setup placed him among a group of players who had earned the honour of representing their country at youth level. That achievement remains a significant marker of his talent and dedication to the game.
News of his death has prompted messages of condolence and remembrance, reflecting not only the sadness of his passing but also the empathy felt for his family after such a long ordeal. Many have spoken of the cruel nature of a situation that denied a young sportsman the chance to live out both his cricketing and personal ambitions.
Akshu Fernando’s story is a reminder of the fragility that can exist behind sporting promise and public achievement. While his time in the game was brief, his life and struggle have left a lasting impression on those who knew him and followed his journey.
He is survived by loved ones who stood by him throughout the years of uncertainty. Sri Lankan cricket mourns the loss of a former youth international, remembering Akshu Fernando with respect, sadness, and compassion.
