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Percy Abeysekera, a long-time supporter of the Sri Lanka cricket team, passed away in Colombo on Monday after a battle with prolonged illness.
In loving memory of legendary cheerleader, Percy Abeysekera (87).
His passion and energy on the cricket field will be dearly missed. 🙏 #RIPUnclePercy pic.twitter.com/JDF3fRU6Ig
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) October 30, 2023
He was 87. Abeysekera was remembered for his iconic way of waving the Sri Lankan fan during the national team’s cricket games.
Abeysekera, who was fondly called as Uncle Percy by fans and cricketers alike, was a constant presence on cricket grounds across the world where his country played.
Abeysekera, known for his colourful dressing, began his travels to cheer for the Lankan cricket team from the 1979 World Cup and since then he attended all major cricketing events except the ongoing World Cup owing to poor health.
His friendship with leading Lankan cricketers like Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara made him an unavoidable figure in the country’s cricketing landscape.
Jayasuriya and former cricketer Russell Arnold paid tribute to Abeysekara on social media.
It is with great sadness that I heard our beloved Uncle Percy has met his maker. You were the first superfan and for all of us you will always be special RIP
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) October 30, 2023
RIP #unclepercy 😞😞😞 pic.twitter.com/yhXNKoTacD
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) October 30, 2023
Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan also offered condolences to Uncle Percy.
My condolences to the family of UNCLE PERCY. Srilankan cricket’s biggest fan is no more. If Srilanka lost or won, He was always happy. Indian team had lot of respect towards him. pic.twitter.com/HCp3c9ocN8
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) October 30, 2023
Abeysekera also shared cordial relationship with Indian cricketers like MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Rohit had visited Abeysekera at his home in Colombo during the recent Asia Cup.
Kohli had invited Abeysekera to the Indian dressing room for a short interaction during the tour to Sri Lanka in 2015.
However, Abeysekera’s health was not at its best over the last year and the Sri Lanka Cricket had recently given him LKR 5 million to meet his medical expenses.
With inputs from PTI
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