What unfolded inside the ring in Horana last night has sent shockwaves far beyond the ropes—an Olympic hopeful left stunned, a furious crowd pushed to breaking point, and allegations of manipulation and favoritism that now threaten to tear apart Sri Lanka’s boxing establishment.
Tournament Overshadowed by Explosive Claims
The Sri Lanka National Boxing Championships, currently underway in Horana, were plunged into turmoil last night amid serious allegations of match-fixing and corruption that have sent shockwaves through the boxing community. The controversy has placed the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka under intense scrutiny, with critics accusing its leadership of manipulating outcomes to benefit a select inner circle.
The prestigious championships, scheduled from January 27 to 30, reached a breaking point during the final bout of the evening, one involving one of the country’s most highly regarded boxers.
The Bout That Sparked the Uproar
The flashpoint came during the contest between Sri Lanka’s Olympic hopeful and Asian Bronze medallist Umayanga Mihiran of the Police Boxing Team, and Ravindu Kumara, representing a local boxing club.
Eyewitnesses say Mihiran dominated the contest from the opening bell through to the end of the third round. Ringside observers noted a clear gulf in class, with Mihiran landing clean combinations, controlling distance, and dictating the pace throughout the bout.
Officiating Decisions Under Fire
The fight, however, was marred by what critics have described as blatant officiating bias. Ravindu Kumara was repeatedly seen throwing “open glove” punches, an infringement under international boxing regulations, which were allegedly ignored by the referee.
Further controversy arose when Kumara was seen deliberately spitting out his gum shield on more than five occasions while under pressure, a tactic widely understood to be used to disrupt momentum and gain recovery time. Under standard international rules, such conduct can lead to point deductions or even disqualification. No penalties were imposed.
Judges’ Verdict Ignites Chaos
When judges delivered a 4–1 split decision in favour of Ravindu Kumara, the reaction inside the venue was immediate and explosive. Spectators erupted in anger, with many branding the verdict a “robbery” rather than a genuine judging error.
What followed was chaos. The crowd began hooting and shouting, and the situation rapidly escalated into physical confrontations. During the unrest, Sanjeva Nickson Dasanayaka, the coach of Ravindu Kumara, was reportedly assaulted by enraged spectators amid the melee.
Allegations of Cronyism and Influence
Critics allege the incident is symptomatic of deeper structural rot within Sri Lankan boxing. Ravindu Kumara’s club is coached by Dasanayaka and Head Coach Amila Aravinda, both described by insiders as close associates of BASL President Anuruddha Bandara.
The allegation is stark: that judges and referees were deliberately selected to ensure a favourable outcome for athletes connected to the BASL leadership, regardless of what unfolded in the ring.
Police Official Accused of Betrayal
The controversy deepened further with serious allegations directed at Kaan Weerasinghe, a senior police officer and member of the selection committee. Despite being affiliated with the Police Boxing Team, Weerasinghe is accused of acting in the interests of the BASL leadership rather than protecting the athletes under his charge.
According to multiple reports, Weerasinghe allegedly threatened members of his own team to remain silent about the allegedly rigged bout. Even more troubling are claims that he issued threats against a civilian during the aftermath of the incident. A formal police complaint is said to have been lodged, prompting calls for an immediate criminal investigation.
Insiders further allege that Weerasinghe’s loyalty to the current BASL administration has been rewarded with foreign tours and other undisclosed benefits, claims that if substantiated, raise serious questions about abuse of authority and conflict of interest.
A Sport at a Breaking Point
This incident has intensified long-simmering discontent within Sri Lanka’s boxing fraternity regarding the leadership of Anuruddha Bandara. Critics now openly accuse Bandara, Head Coach Amila Aravinda, and senior officials of undermining the sport through favoritism and entrenched patronage networks.
With a national Olympic prospect like Umayanga Mihiran allegedly denied justice in full public view, confidence in the integrity of Sri Lankan boxing has been severely shaken. As the championships draw to a close today, attention has shifted decisively away from medals and results to an urgent demand for accountability, transparency, and reform within the BASL.
For many within the boxing community, the events in Horana may prove to be a defining moment—either the catalyst for long-overdue change, or a confirmation that the sport is in profound crisis.
