COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Anuruddha Bandara, the freshly elected President of the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), is set on revolutionizing the sport in the country. At 40 years old, Bandara brings a new vision and energy to the role, aiming to address significant gaps in the development of boxing that have persisted for nearly a decade.
One of Bandara’s primary goals is to establish a national pool for boxing, a vital resource that has been absent from Sri Lanka’s boxing scene for the past eight years. To kickstart this initiative, Bandara pledges to allocate around 10 million rupees from his personal funds to support the formation of the national pool.
Identifying three key areas for development, Bandara highlights the importance of revitalizing boxing in Sri Lanka. He emphasizes the need for infrastructure, equipment, and nutrition support to empower boxers across the country.
“Creating the National Pool is just the beginning,” Bandara asserts. “We aim to provide a separate ring, equipment, and nutrition worth eight to 10 million rupees, all funded from my personal resources. This marks the dawn of a new era in Sri Lankan boxing.”
Reflecting on the legacy of his predecessor, the legendary Dian Gomes, Bandara acknowledges the progress made in the past two decades while highlighting the absence of a national pool since 2015. He is determined to fill this void and propel Sri Lankan boxing to new heights.
“Our focus extends beyond Colombo and Kandy,” Bandara states. “We aim to revive dormant clubs across the country, engaging with communities and providing necessary support to reignite their passion for boxing.”
Bandara outlines plans to categorize the national pool into ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C’ tiers, catering to different age groups and skill levels. He envisions increased participation in domestic and international events, with a commitment to field boxers across all weight classes.
“We’re shifting gears to embrace a more inclusive approach,” Bandara affirms. “Every boxer, regardless of their background or weight class, deserves a chance to shine on the international ring.”
In a gesture of unity, Bandara extends an olive branch to former office bearers, including current Director of IBA and ABA Dian Gomes and his defeated rival Wasantha Withanage and previous Secretary Colonel Hemantha Weerasinghe. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and collective effort in driving the success of Sri Lankan boxing.
“I’m eager to work alongside boxing enthusiasts and former leaders,” Bandara expresses. “Together, we can script a new chapter of excellence in Sri Lanka’s boxing history.”
With a blend of enthusiasm and pragmatism, Anuruddha Bandara stands poised to lead BASL into a new era of growth and prosperity. Armed with a clear vision and resolute commitment, he is ready to unleash the full potential of Sri Lankan boxing on the world ring.
