Sri Lankan Cricket Legend’s Father Passes Away

The Sri Lankan cricket fraternity mourns the passing of Keshema Sangakkara, father of national cricket icon and former team captain Kumar Sangakkara. The family confirmed the news, which was also reported by the local news outlet Newswire.

Keshema Sangakkara, a senior lawyer and respected attorney, had long served in the legal profession in the city of Kandy. Known for his integrity and dedication, he earned recognition not only within the legal community but also across local society for his professionalism and ethical standards.

According to Newswire, Keshema Sangakkara is survived by his wife Kumari, their four children—Thushari, Vemindra, Saranga, and Kumar Sangakkara—as well as his daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. The family has requested privacy during this period of mourning.

His body will lie in repose at his residence in Kandy, allowing relatives and well-wishers to pay their final respects. The funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 March, at 6:00 PM local time.

Keshema Sangakkara’s influence extended far beyond his immediate family. He was Kumar Sangakkara’s first cricket coach and remained a rigorous mentor throughout his life. In interviews, Kumar has recounted that even after scoring a double century in an international match, his father did not hesitate to offer constructive criticism. This unwavering guidance helped shape Kumar into a patient, strategic, and highly disciplined cricketer.

Kumar Sangakkara’s cricketing career is illustrious. He is the third-highest run-scorer in international cricket history and holds the record for the most runs in Sri Lankan cricket with 28,016 runs. He retired from international cricket in 2015 and formally concluded all forms of professional cricket in 2020.

Even after retirement, Kumar remains deeply connected to the sport—as a coach, cricket director, analyst, and commentator. He is currently serving as a commentator in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup.

The following table summarises key details about Keshema Sangakkara and Kumar Sangakkara’s career:

Keshema Sangakkara’s life and guidance not only shaped Kumar’s cricketing achievements but also instilled enduring values that influenced his outlook on life. His passing represents a profound loss to both Sri Lanka’s legal and sporting communities.