Former SL Under-19 player Akshu Fernando dies after being in coma for years

Former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer Akshu Fernando has died on December 30, after having been in a coma for several years.

Fernando had been crossing an unprotected railway track in the southern Colombo suburb of Mount Lavinia following a training session on the beach, when he was struck by a train on December 28, 2018. Having been critically injured in the accident, he had been on life support for much of the time since.

A bright right-handed batter, Fernando's domestic career seemed to just be taking off when he was hit by the train at age 27. He had scored his maiden first-class hundred for Ragama Cricket Club in the weeks before the accident, and had also been developing his offspin at the time. All told, he had seven 50-plus scores at the senior level. In a nine-year domestic career, he had played for Colts Cricket Club, Panadura Sports Club, and Chilaw Marians Sports Club, among others.

International commentator and one of Ragama Cricket Club's most senior administrators Roshan Abeysinghe paid tribute to Fernando following the news of his death.

"He was truly a wonderful young man whose promising career was cut short by a cruel accident," Abeysinghe said. "A quality player for his school and his final club Ragama, it's 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."