Former Sri Lanka Youth World Cup cricketer Akshu Fernando is still fighting to fully recover more than three years after he was involved in a train accident after a training session in December 2018.
According to the parents of Fernando, who is bed-ridden at home and kept on a life-support machine, they have spent millions of rupees towards his recovery that has now been aggravated by the fuel and electricity crisis in the country.
Fernando was hit by a south bound train in December 2018 after finishing a training session on the beach at Mount Lavinia and underwent head surgery at the Colombo General Hospital where doctors said he had only a 50-50 chance of staging a full recovery.
A product of St. Peter’s College, Fernando represented Sri Lanka at the Under-19 Youth World Cup in New Zealand in 2010 as a top order batsman.
An eye witness at the time said that Fernando had attempted to cross 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, Fernando hit a maiden century two weeks before the tragedy against Moors Sports Club and was set for a good season ahead while playing as a top 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.
His parents have pleaded that any donations could be arranged by calling 0777001190.