Archive · 14 Aug 2026
Veteran Sri Lanka Cricket Coach Sumith Fernando Dies After Altercation
Mr. Sumith Fernando was a famous cricket coach in Sri Lanka who taught young players for many years.
Sadly, he passed away after getting hurt during a fight at a cricket match in Colombo.
The trouble started because some boys wanted drinking water from a tap, but there was no water.
An argument grew into a fight, and Mr. Fernando was injured.
He went to the hospital, but he died there a few days later at age 62.
The police arrested a 17-year-old school player who they believe hurt the coach.
The teenager is now under special care ordered by the court until August 17.
Mr. Fernando had once coached Kusal Mendis, who is now the captain of Sri Lanka's cricket team.
Many people in the cricket world are very sad about losing such a respected coach.
Veteran Sri Lankan cricket coach Sumith Fernando, 62, died in hospital after an on-field altercation with school players during a match in Colombo.
The incident on August 8 reportedly began with a dispute over drinking water after players found no water at a tap.
A 17-year-old school player was arrested Monday on suspicion of assault and placed under child probation custody until August 17.
Fernando previously coached at Prince of Wales College in Moratuwa and mentored Sri Lanka ODI captain Kusal Mendis; he later served as curator at Bloomfield Cricket & Athletic Club.
The incident comes ahead of the India vs Sri Lanka first Test scheduled for August 15 in Galle; reports differ on who allegedly initiated the assault.
- Who
- Sumith Fernando, a 62-year-old veteran Sri Lankan cricket coach and former Prince of Wales College coach; the suspect is a 17-year-old school player.
- What
- Fernando died in hospital after an on-field altercation with school players during a match in Colombo, reportedly sparked by a dispute over drinking water.
- When
- The incident occurred on August 8; Fernando died on Tuesday; the suspect was arrested on Monday; his funeral was held on Thursday.
- Where
- Colombo, Sri Lanka; Fernando previously coached at Prince of Wales College in Moratuwa, a Colombo suburb.
- Why
- The altercation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over drinking water; reports differ on whether Fernando or a club employee allegedly tried to assault a player first.
Employee-initiated account
Coach-initiated account
Who allegedly tried to assault a player first?
Employee-initiated account
One report says the argument broke out between players and a club employee, and the employee allegedly tried to assault one of the players, leading to the clash.
Coach-initiated account
Another report says Fernando allegedly attempted to assault a player, after which the 17-year-old hit back, causing the injuries.
- Victim
- Sumith Fernando, 62
- Role
- Veteran cricket coach; former Prince of Wales College coach; curator at Bloomfield Cricket & Athletic Club
- Incident date
- August 8, Colombo
- Dispute cause
- Argument over drinking water; no water at tap
- Death
- Tuesday, while receiving hospital treatment
- Suspect
- 17-year-old school player arrested on Monday
- Custody
- Child probation custody until August 17
- Notable mentee
- Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka ODI captain
