Sri Lankan coach Sumith Fernando dies after altercation in Colombo
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 7:55 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026
Veteran Sri Lankan cricket coach Sumith Fernando passed away at 62 following injuries from a violent altercation at a cricket facility in Colombo on August 8. The incident arose over a dispute regarding drinking water and escalated into physical confrontation involving players. Fernando was hospitalized after intervening and succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. A 17-year-old cricketer has been arrested in connection with the incident, placed under child probation custody as the investigation continues. Fernando was notable for mentoring current ODI captain Kusal Mendis during his school days.
- •Sumith Fernando died on August 8 after an altercation with players.
- •The incident occurred over a dispute about drinking water at a facility.
- •A 17-year-old player has been arrested on suspicion of assault.
- •Fernando was well-known for mentoring Kusal Mendis.
- •His funeral was held on August 13.
- 7:55 PMYahoo Sports — Sri Lankan coach dies after altercation with cricketer in Colombo
"Tragic news strikes the cricket community as veteran coach Sumith Fernando passes away at 62 following a violent altercation. The incident, which took place on August 8 at a Colombo cricket facility, started over a dispute regarding drinking water. A 17-year-old player has been arrested in connection with this troubling event. Fernando was well-known for his role in mentoring Sri Lanka's ODI captain, Kusal Mendis.
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