Veteran Sri Lankan cricket coach dies after clash at Colombo sports facility

Sumith Fernando, a 62-year-old veteran coach and former school mentor, died after being hurt in a confrontation at a cricket facility in Colombo on August 8. The incident began when young players could not access drinking water, leading to a disagreement with stadium staff that escalated. Fernando, who also worked as a curator for Bloomfield Cricket & one outlet Club and previously coached at Prince of Wales College in Moratuwa, stepped in and was struck by a 17-year-old school cricketer.

He was rushed to Colombo National Hospital, where he died on Tuesday. The teenager was arrested and placed in child probation custody, with his detention extended until August 17. Fernando’s funeral was held on Thursday, honoring his contributions to Sri Lankan cricket.