Rtd. DIG Saman Gunaratne
M.K.B.S. Gunaratne, fondly known as Saman Gunaratne, is a name synonymous with courage, discipline, and leadership. From his formative years as a promising schoolboy boxer in Kandy to his distinguished career as a Deputy Inspector General of Police, his journey embodies perseverance, excellence, and patriotic service.
Saman Gunaratne's boxing journey began in 1976 at St. Sylvester's College, Kandy, where his natural strength, discipline, and fighting spirit quickly set him apart. Within a year, he captured the Central Province Boxing Championship (1977), marking the beginning of an exceptional sporting career.
A proud Sylvestrian, he went on to secure multiple Junior National School Championships and Stubbs Shield titles, establishing himself as one of the most talented schoolboy boxers of his era. His leadership potential was evident early on when he was appointed Vice-Captain of the college boxing team, foreshadowing the leadership roles he would later assume in both sport and public service.
After completing his schooling in 1984, Gunaratne transitioned seamlessly to the national boxing arena. That same year, at the prestigious Clifford Cup Tournament, he made a powerful statement by knocking out a Nepalese South Asian Games Silver Medalist, announcing his arrival among the elite. Between 1987 and 1991, he dominated Sri Lankan boxing, winning several National Championships, Layton Championships, and Clifford Cups. His exemplary leadership earned him the honour of serving as Captain of the Sri Lanka National Boxing Team from 1989 to 1992, during which he led with pride, discipline, and professionalism. In 1989, he was crowned Best Boxer of the National Championships, followed by a series of prestigious accolades including Best National Sports Star (1990 & 1991), Most Popular Sports Star (1990 & 1991), and Most Outstanding Boxer (1990).
One of the most memorable highlights of his international career came at the 1989 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Islamabad, Pakistan, where he secured the Silver Medal for Sri Lanka. During the same event, he had the rare honour of meeting legendary heavyweight champion Muhammad All at the Pakistan Presidential Palace-a once-in-a-lifetime experience he continues to cherish. In 1990, he solely represented Sri Lanka at the 14th Commonwealth Games held in Auckland, New Zealand. Competing against world-class opposition, he recorded two knockout victories against African opponents in the preliminary rounds, further enhancing Sri Lanka's reputation on the international boxing stage. That same year, Gunaratne made history by reclaiming the Sir William Manning Challenge Trophy for the Sri Lanka Police Department after a 31-year lapse, a landmark achievement in police boxing history. His outstanding contributions to sport and society were further recognised when he received the Top 10 Lion Award from the Lions Club.
In 1988, Gunaratne joined the Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force (STF) as a Sub-Inspector, marking the beginning of another illustrious chapter. The discipline, resilience, and leadership cultivated in the boxing ring proved invaluable in law enforcement. Over an exceptional 37-year career, he served in numerous key roles, including Camp Commanding Officer, District and Zonal Commanding Officer, Operations Commanding Officer, Director at the President's Office, and Deputy Commandant of Administration and Operations. During the Sri Lankan civil conflict, his courage and leadership in critical operations earned him multiple commendations and gallantry medals. His distinguished service culminated in his promotion as Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) and Deputy Commandant of the STF. He retired in 2024, concluding a lifetime of devoted service to the nation.
Rtd. DIG Saman Gunaratne stands as a symbol of grit, glory, and grace. Whether in the boxing ring or in national service, he exemplified unwavering commitment, integrity, and excellence. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of boxers and officers alike -reminding us that true champions are defined not merely by medals or rank, but by character, sacrifice, and service to the nation.