Colombo: Renowned cricket commentator, Ranil Abeynaike of Sri Lanka passed away at a private hospital here following a severe heart attack, his family informed on Tuesday.

Abeynaike, who celebrated his 57th birthday only nine days ago, was a former first-class cricketer before Sri Lanka's non-Test playing era.

A leading left-arm spinner in the domestic scene, he played for Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) and Bedfordshire during the first-class career, which spanned for 17 years since 1973.

He was also the general manager of the SSC and had even served as its curator for many years.

But off late Abeynaike was known more for his role as a television commentator.