Ex-Sri Lanka U19 star Akshu Fernando's seven-year battle with coma ends in unfortunate demise

Aged 34, former Sri Lanka U19 cricketer Akshu Fernando passed away on Tuesday, December 30 after being in coma for several years. Akshu was placed on life support for most of the time since being critically

injured after being hit by a train in December 2018.

Akshu was massively injured after he was hit by a train in a gruesome accident while he was crossing an unprotected railway track. This incident occurred in the southern Colombo suburb of Mount Lavinia after finishing a training session on the beach.

The cricketer was considered as a bright talent and an elegant left-handed batter. His domestic career was just about taking off when he was injured by the accident aged 27. A week prior to the accident, Akshu had registered his maiden First-Class ton for Ragama Cricket Club. He had also been working on his off-spin bowling around the time.

Akshu had six fifties and one ton across 39 FC and 25 List-A matches. He had also taken 40 catches including T20s as well. Akshu played 19 T20s during his career. In a nine-year-long domestic career, the left-handed batter played for Colts Cricket Club, Panadura Sports Club and Chilaw Marians Sports Club, among other clubs. The Panadura-born also represented Sri Lanka U19 in the 2010 Under-19 World Cup, which was held in New Zealand.

Prominent Sri Lankan commentator and one of Ragama Cricket Club's most senior administrators, Roshan Abeysinghe, paid tribute through a heartfelt message directed towards Fernando following the news of his unfortunate passing.

"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. 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," wrote Abeysinghe.