Colombo, Sep 19 (NationPress) Heartbroken Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage is set to return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday night after paying tribute to his deceased father, Suranga Wellalage, who passed away due to a heart attack on Thursday.

According to a statement from Sri Lanka Cricket, “Dunith Wellalage, who returned home to pay his last respects to his late father, will rejoin the team tomorrow morning. He will travel to the UAE tonight, accompanied by Team Manager Mahinda Halangode.”

The 22-year-old allrounder had participated in his first Asia Cup match against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi when he learned of his father's passing. The tragic news was conveyed to him after the game concluded by head coach Sanath Jayasuriya and the team manager.

Wellalage promptly returned home but is expected to rejoin the squad ahead of Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup Super Four opener against Bangladesh in Dubai on Saturday, where he will be eligible for selection.

Expressing his condolences on social media, Jayasuriya shared an emotional tribute to the late Suranga Wellalage, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Suranga Wellalage, a father, a cricketer, and a man who raised a son the entire nation is proud of. Dunith, your father was a cricketer himself, and he can be truly proud of the son he raised. His values, love for the game, and spirit live on through you.”

“I know how strong you are, and I am confident that you will continue to make him proud by securing many victories for Sri Lanka. During this challenging time, please remember that you are not alone. I will support you every step of the way, just like a father would. The entire team, the nation, and everyone who loves this sport stand with you,” he added.

Wellalage has represented Sri Lanka in one Test, 31 ODIs, and five T20Is, taking a total of 46 wickets and scoring 427 runs. The left-arm spinner is particularly noted for his impressive ODI performances against India, including a remarkable 5/27 last year and 5/40 during the 2023 Asia Cup.

Led by Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka has shown strong form in the Asia Cup, clinching victories in all three group-stage matches to secure the top position. They commenced their campaign with a six-wicket win over the UAE, followed by a four-wicket victory against Hong Kong, and then defeating Afghanistan by six wickets on Thursday, which was the match where Wellalage faced his personal tragedy.