Former Sri Lanka Youth cricketer and Ragama CC allrounder Akshu Fernando is currently in a critical state in hospital after being hit by a south-bound train following a training session with team-mates on the beach at Mount Lavinia on Friday evening.
Medical officers at the Colombo General Hospital where Fernando was rushed to said the cricketer has a 50-50 chance of staging a recovery after he underwent head surgery performed by Dr. Saman Wadanamby, the hospital’s Consultant General Surgeon.
His condition is currently being monitored at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit.
Coordinator of the National Emergency Unit of the hospital Ramyani de Soysa said that the 27-year old Fernando is also being treated for a fractured leg and was hopeful he could make a recovery.
Fernando is a product of St. Peter’s College and represented Sri Lanka at the Under-19 Youth World Cup in New Zealand in 2010.
An eye witness said that Fernando had attempted to cross the two rail tracks after a training session with team-mates and was hit by a train from the opposite direction after a first train passed by on the parallel track.
Turning out for Ragama Cricket Club in the current domestic First Class tournament, Fernando hit a maiden century two weeks ago against Moors Sports Club and was set for a good season ahead while playing as a middle order batsman and off-spin bowler.
Up to the time of the tragedy Fernando had 39 First Class matches to his credit after initially representing Panadura Sports Club.
He also had a stint at Colts Cricket Club and in-between seasons played in the minor county tournament in England.