The Development of His Cricket Journey Through Family Experiences and the Tragedy That Befell It.
Dunith Nethmika Wellalage is one of Sri Lanka’s brightest young cricketing prospects. Born on 9 January 2003 in Colombo, he is a left-arm spinner and handy lower-order batsman, having already played ODIs and major tournaments for Sri Lanka.
A strong family background was always behind his steady rise that nurtured his cricketing dreams, from school level to the international level.
Family Background and Early Support
Dunith comes from a sports-oriented family. His father, Suranga Niroshan Wellalage, was a former captain of Prince of Wales’ College, Moratuwa, and he also played club cricket and then went into business. He was present throughout as the guiding mentor of young Dunith.
His mother Harshani Kanchana Wellalage gave him great emotional support so that her son would not have to worry about anything apart from training and competitions. The family has two younger brothers, Pulina Senath Wellalage and Chamath Chithira Wellalage — one active in badminton and the other in cricket.
From St. Sebastian’s College to St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, the family invested time, resources and encouragement to help dunith refine his skill and reach the national team
Personal Tragedy & Its Impact
On 18 September 2025, during Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup Group B match against Afghanistan, Dunith played a key role in his team’s six-wicket win. Moments after the match, however, he was informed that his father had died of a sudden heart attack. The loss shocked the cricket community, with tributes pouring in from teammates, officials and fans alike.
Despite the grief, Dunith’s composure on the field and the values instilled by his father have drawn admiration. His father’s legacy of mentorship and belief in his son’s talent continues to inspire Dunith as he carries forward both his cricketing ambitions and his family’s name.
