Panadura, December 30, 2025 – Talented cricketer Akshu Fernando, an old boy of St. Peter’s College, Colombo, and a standout from Panadura, passed away today at the age of 32, succumbing after seven years in a coma following a tragic train accident.
Fernando had been in a coma since December 28, 2018, when a train struck him at an unprotected railway crossing near Mount Lavinia beach. The incident happened as the young cricketer returned from a team running session at the beach, abruptly halting a career brimming with potential.
At the time of the accident, Fernando was hailed as one of Sri Lanka’s most promising young cricketers. He shared the Sri Lanka Under-19 squad with future national stars like Dhanushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Kamindu Mendis (noted as Kithruwan Vithanage in some records), several of whom went on to shine at the senior international level.
His international highlight came during the 2010 Under-19 World Cup semi-final against Australia in Lincoln, New Zealand, on January 27. Fernando top-scored for Sri Lanka with a gritty 52 runs, anchoring the innings in a high-stakes clash.
At St. Peter’s College, Colombo, Fernando built an illustrious school career, captaining the Under-13, Under-15, and Under-17 teams while serving as vice-captain of the Under-19 side. His leadership and batting prowess made him a beloved figure among peers and coaches.
On the club circuit, he represented elite teams including Colts Sports Club, Panadura Sports Club, Chilaw Marians Cricket Club, and Ragama Cricket Club. In a poignant final flourish, just two weeks before the accident, Fernando smashed an unbeaten 102 against Moors Sports Club on December 14, 2018, reminding everyone of his class.
Akshu Fernando was more than a cricketer-he was a wonderful young man whose life was cruelly cut short. His passing marks a sad day for Sri Lankan cricket, his family, friends, and the Panadura community.
Tributes have begun pouring in on social media, celebrating a talent lost too soo
