Suranga Wellalage, the father of Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage, has passed away at the age of 54 following a sudden heart attack. 

He was a former cricketer himself.

The tragic news reached the 22-year-old all-rounder on September 18, after Sri Lanka had secured a six-wicket victory against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup. 

According to reports, Wellalage was informed of his father's death inside the dressing room.

Dunith Wellalage has since departed from Abu Dhabi and returned to Colombo to join his grieving family. 

The mood in the Sri Lankan team reportedly shifted from one of celebration to shock and sadness upon hearing the news. Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya was seen comforting the young cricketer.