Akshu Fernando Accident – Train
Akshu Fernando, a former Sri Lanka U19 cricketer, tragically passed away on December 30, 2025, after spending nearly eight years in a coma caused by a devastating train accident in December 2018. His death marks the end of a long and heartbreaking journey, one that robbed the cricketing world of a bright young talent with immense potential.
The Accident
On December 28, 2018, Akshu Fernando was struck by a train while crossing an unprotected railway track near Mount Lavinia Beach, a suburb of Colombo. Having just finished a team running session, he was on his way back when the accident occurred. The collision resulted in severe head injuries and multiple fractures, leaving him in critical condition and requiring immediate life support.
His Cricket Career
At the time of the accident, Fernando was regarded as one of Sri Lanka’s brightest cricketing talents. He had recently scored his maiden first-class century for Ragama Cricket Club and had already notched up seven 50-plus scores at the senior level. A promising right-handed batter and developing off-spinner, Akshu’s future in cricket seemed full of promise, and many believed he was destined for international success.
However, the tragic accident left him in a coma for almost eight years, during which time his family remained by his side, providing unwavering support. Despite his long struggle, Fernando’s death at the age of 25 cut short what could have been a flourishing career at the international level.
The circumstances surrounding Fernando’s death shed light on the critical issue of railway safety in Sri Lanka. The unprotected railway crossing near Mount Lavinia Beach, a busy area, was a tragic point of vulnerability, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and increased awareness to prevent such accidents in the future.
Akshu Fernando’s story is a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures in preventing similar tragedies. While his life was cut short far too soon, his memory will live on, and his passing should serve as a catalyst for change in addressing railway safety across Sri Lanka.