Sri Lanka mourns the loss of Keshema Sangakkara, father of national cricketing icon and former team captain Kumar Sangakkara. The family confirmed his passing, while local media outlet Newswire reported the news.
Keshema Sangakkara, a distinguished lawyer and attorney based in the city of Kandy, had long served the legal community with unwavering integrity. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a respected figure in local society, widely admired for his ethical standards and steadfast commitment to justice.
According to Newswire, he is survived by his wife, Kumari, four children—Thushari, Vemindra, Saranga, and Kumar Sangakkara—along with his daughter-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 is scheduled for Wednesday, 4 March, at 6:00 PM local time.
Keshema’s influence extended far beyond family life. He was Kumar Sangakkara’s first cricket coach and a rigorous mentor throughout his life. In interviews, Kumar has recounted how his father’s high standards and candid critique shaped him, even after notable achievements such as scoring a double century in an international match. Keshema’s guidance helped cultivate Kumar into a patient, strategic, and mentally resilient cricketer.
Kumar Sangakkara’s cricketing career is illustrious. He is the third-highest run-scorer in international cricket and the highest scorer in Sri Lankan cricket history, amassing 28,016 runs. He retired from the national team in 2015 and formally concluded all forms of cricket in 2020.
Despite retiring from professional play, Kumar remains deeply engaged with the sport, serving variously as a coach, cricket director, analyst, and commentator. He is currently contributing as a commentator for the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup.
Summary of Family and Career
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Deceased Name | Keshema Sangakkara |
| Profession | Lawyer, Attorney |
| Place of Death | Kandy, Sri Lanka |
| Spouse | Kumari Sangakkara |
| Children | Thushari, Vemindra, Saranga, Kumar Sangakkara |
| Grandchildren | Details not disclosed |
| Kumar Sangakkara International Runs | 28,016 |
| Retirement from National Team | 2015 |
| Retirement from All Cricket | 2020 |
| Current Roles | Coach, Analyst, Commentator |
Keshema Sangakkara’s life, professional integrity, and unwavering guidance not only shaped Kumar into one of the world’s finest cricketers but also inspired his approach to life. His passing represents an irreplaceable loss to both Sri Lanka’s sporting and legal communities.