Hemantha Weerasinghe
Sri Lankan boxing has been shaped by many committed individuals over the decades, but few have contributed to the sport with the depth, consistency, and distinction shown by this remarkable boxing personality. His journey reflects a lifelong dedication to boxing-as an elite boxer, coach, referee and judge, administrator, team manager, and international technical official-bringing pride and recognition to Sri Lanka on numerous platforms.
His boxing journey began at St. Sylvester's College, Kandy, where his exceptional talent quickly set him apart. In 1986, he was awarded the prestigious School Boxing Colours (Lion Colours) and also received Colours of Boxing from the School Boxing Association of Sri Lanka, marking him as one of the most outstanding schoolboy boxers of his era. During his school years, he dominated several major tournaments, earning multiple titles such as:
- Winner and Best Boxer at the Francis Jayawardena Boxing Championships (1985)
- Winner and Best Boxer at the Stubbs Shield Boxing Championships (1984)
- Clifford Cup Boxing Championships Winner (1984)
- Multiple Inter-House Boxing Championship titles
- Runner-up at the Junior National Boxing Championships and TB Jayah Boxing Meet (1982).
At national level, he continued his rise with remarkable consistency, claiming victories at the National Boxing Championships, Layton Cup, Clifford Cup, and selection tournaments for the 1984 Commonwealth Games, while earning several Best Boxer and Runner-up accolades.
His excellence extended to the international arena, where he proudly represented Sri Lanka:
- Asian Boxing Championships 1984- Bangkok, Thailand (Flyweight)
- 2nd South Asian Federation Games 1985-Dhaka, Bangladesh (Flyweight)
As a member of the Sri Lanka Army, he achieved further distinction by winning the Inter Unit Boxing Championships and being named Best Boxer in 1988, while also securing runner-up honors at the Defence Services Boxing Championships. His club contributions were recognized when YMCA Kandy awarded him for outstanding merit in boxing in 1986.
Committed to developing future generations, he pursued formal coaching education, successfully completing:
- Sri Lanka Army Coaching Seminar (1989)
- Sri Lanka Coaching Association Seminar (2005)
- Olympic Solidarity Boxing Coaching Course organized by the IOC (2007)
His expertise and integrity led him to officiating, where he served at the highest levels:
- National Referee & Judge (2003-2006)
- Asian Confederation Judge (2007-2009)
- AIBA 1-Star Referee & Judge (2010-2013)
He officiated at major international events, including the Asian Junior Boxing Championships in Kazakhstan (2007), and later qualified as an International Technical Official (ITO) after successfully passing the AIBA examination in 2013.
In 2023, he made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to qualify as a Deputy Technical Delegate.
As a Team Manager and Assistant Team Manager, he played a vital role in Sri Lanka's boxing success at major events, including:
- South Asian Games
- Commonwealth Games
- Asian Games
- World Boxing Championships
- International tournaments in Cuba, Italy, China, Thailand, the Netherlands, and Indonesia Under his management, Sri Lanka secured numerous medals, including gold, silver, and bronze at regional and international competitions.
His leadership within the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has been equally impactful. He has served in key roles including Secretary, Vice President, and Hon. Secretary, contributing significantly to governance, development, and reform within Sri Lankan boxing. He has also held senior positions in the Boxing Referees and Judges Association of Sri Lanka, and currently serves as Secretary of the Referees and Judges Commission, reflecting the trust placed in his expertise and vision.
At the continental level, he has been a long-serving member and Secretary of the Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC) Referees & Judges Commission, with multiple reappointments highlighting his credibility and influence His extensive list of ITO assignments spans Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including tournaments in Kazakhstan, China, India, Sweden, Taiwan, Vietnam, Kuwait, Thailand, and beyond.
From the boxing ring to the international officiating table, his journey represents discipline, integrity, and unwavering commitment. His contributions have not only elevated Sri Lankan boxing on the world stage but also inspired generations of boxers, officials, and administrators.