Former Sri Lanka Under-19 batter Akshu Fernando has died, seven years after a freak train accident left him in a coma. The 34-year-old passed away on 30 December, having spent much of that time on life support.
Back in December 2018 Fernando had been walking across an unfenced railway line in Mount Lavinia, south of Colombo, after a routine beach training session. A fast-moving commuter train struck him, leaving severe head and internal injuries. Doctors managed to stabilise him, yet he never regained consciousness.
Until that day his career had been edging upwards. A right-hander with a neat off-side game, Fernando had just notched his maiden first-class century for Ragama Cricket Club. He was also turning his part-time off-spin into something more reliable, the sort of extra skill selection panels like to see. Across nine domestic seasons he produced seven scores over fifty and turned out for Colts, Panadura and Chilaw Marians in addition to Ragama. Those numbers are modest by international standards, but teammates speak of a player finding his feet late, perhaps ready for the next jump.
One of those teammates, senior administrator and broadcaster Roshan Abeysinghe, offered a heartfelt tribute:
“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.”
The Sri Lanka players’ association is expected to honour Fernando during the next round of domestic fixtures. For many in that circuit he remains a reminder of how suddenly the game – and life – can change.
