Under the visionary leadership of Dr. Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, Hon. President of Sri Lanka Boxing (BASL), the sport has moved beyond the status quo of the last two decades. While critics cling to the traditional ways of the past, the current administration has ushered in a new era of modernization, inclusivity, and professional opportunity.
Bringing Boxing to the People
For years, boxing was confined to private indoor halls. Dr. Bandara has broken those walls down, moving the sport into the public eye to inspire a new generation. By shifting from the Royal MAS Arena to iconic locations like Negombo Beach, Galle Face Green, Kandy’s Ahas Uyana, and the Horana Public Ground, boxing has become an accessible, high-energy spectacle for all Sri Lankans, not just a select few.
Global Standards and Hosting Prowess
The administration’s ability to organize major international events has put Sri Lanka back on the global map.
• Historic Milestone: After a gap of over 50 years, Sri Lanka successfully hosted the Under-22 Asian Championships, proving our nation’s immense organizing capacity.
• Official Development: There has been a rigorous focus on upgrading Referees and Judges (RJs) through national and international certification courses (including the One-Star course), ensuring our technical officials meet global standards.
A New Frontier: The Professional Path
The most significant shift under Dr. Bandara is the transition of boxing from a purely amateur pursuit to a viable career. Through the Lions Pride Pro Night, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Boxing Council (IBC), a legitimate professional ecosystem is being built.
The creation of the CPBC (Ceylon Professional Boxing Council) serves a vital purpose:
• Career Transformation: It turns boxing into a legitimate profession, retaining elite talent who previously had nowhere to go after their amateur years.
• Economic Growth: By creating a commercially viable ecosystem, the sport now offers financial stability and commercial opportunities.
• Social Upliftment: This professional path serves as a powerful tool for social change, especially for athletes from underprivileged backgrounds who can now fight their way to a better life.
We are no longer just playing a sport; we are building an industry. Under Dr. Bandara’s leadership, we are transforming boxing from an amateur-only pursuit into a professional career path that fosters growth and dignity for every boxer.
The “mess” described by the past is simply the dust kicked up by rapid, necessary progress. Sri Lanka Boxing is finally on a Right Royal Path toward a professional and prosperous future.