Features
JUDO FIGHTING IN SRI LANKA – Part 56
CONFESSIONS OF A GLOBAL GYPSY
By Dr. Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena DPhil
President – Chandi J. Associates Inc. Consulting, Canada
Founder & Administrator – Global Hospitality Forum
chandij@sympatico.ca
Discovering Judo in 1969
Just before I sat for the General Certificate of Education – Ordinary Level (grade 10) examinations in Ceylon in late 1969, I discovered Judo. Growing up in the Bambalapiitya Flats in Colombo, I noticed that the eldest son of the family in our next door flat, Raju Arulanandam. occasionally wore an unusual uniform with a brown linen belt while doing some fitness exercises. I had just turned 16 and Raju was about 10 years older than me. Due to his friendly personality and various athletic talents, Raju was our neighbourhood hero, who was very popular. Raju’s younger brother Roshan was around my age and a close friend of mine.
One day I saw Raju and Roshan (in similar uniforms) going to the beach behind our flat. When I followed them, I was baffled to see Raju throwing poor Roshan around on the beach. “What are you doing, Raju?”, I inquired. “Chandana, I am practicing Judo with Roshan as my sparring partner. I have a couple of fights in an important Judo tournament this weekend”, Raju’s response sparked an interest in me. I was very impressed when Raju did some rolling break falls when he was tackled at a neighbourhood rugby football game that evening. “Raju, I would love to learn Judo. Please introduce me to your Judo club” I requested.
Around that period, my father was in Japan on a scholarship, undergoing some training in publishing books. When he heard of my new interest, he sent me a postcard from Osaka confirming that he would bring me a special present from Japan. It was a ‘Judogi’ or the traditional uniform used for Judo practice and competition. A Judogi comprises of three parts that are usually cut from different fabrics: a very heavy jacket, lighter canvas pants and a cotton belt. My parents included a condition before they let me follow Raju’s footsteps into Judo fighting. I had to complete the grade 10 examinations and pass with at least four credits, which I did. I commenced Judo at the Central YMCA in Colombo on January 2, 1970.
The Origin and the Ranks of Judo
Judo is a martial art that was born in Japan in 1882. It is known around the world as an Olympic sport, since the 1964 Tokyo Olympiad. Judo was created by Jigoro Kano combining jujutsu, a form of close combat with the elements of mental discipline. Judo (
柔道) means “gentle way” in Japanese. Jigoro Kano commenced Judo classes in a Buddhist temple in Tokyo.
Judo practitioners are called a ‘judokas, who are ranked according to their skill and knowledge. Their ranks are indicated by the colours of belts that they wear. There are two broad categories of ranks: those who have attained a level of competency at which they are considered worthy of a black belt or ‘Dan’ degree grades and those who have yet to attain that level, therefore hold ‘Kyu’ grades.
In the current system as used in Japan, there are six student grades ranked in descending numerical order. Beginners are given the rank of sixth kyu white belt, and once they get promoted to the third kyu, they are awarded brown belts. The first kyu is the last kyu rank before promotion to the first-degree black belt (Shodan). There are 10 dan ranks, which are in ascending numerical order (one to ten). Only 15 individuals have been promoted to the rank of 10th dan. The highest-ranking Judoka practicing in Sri Lanka today is a former Judo colleague of mine, A. H. Jinadasa (Jinna), who has the rank of 5th dan.
The objective of competitive judo is to throw an opponent, immobilize them with a pin, or force an opponent to submit with a joint lock or a choke hold. Judo’s international governing body is the International Judo Federation. The Kodokan Judo Institute in Japan is the headquarters of the worldwide Judo community.
Judo in Sri Lanka in the early 1970s
Soon after I started practising Judo in 1970, I had some quick successes. In my third month in Judo, I competed in the national sports festival of Ceylon, and was the runner up of the fifth and sixth kyu heavy wight event. The Japanese ambassador gave away Judo awards at that festival. He also arranged to send a few Judo instructors (sensei) from Japan to teach Judo in Ceylon.
At the Central YMCA in Colombo in 1970, I was inspired by a 20-year-old Judoka – Asoka Jayawardana. Having commenced Judo when he was 14, Asoka had become the youngest national Judo champion in 1969, at the age of 19. Asoka also had a cameo role in the most popular Sinhala movie of 1971, ‘Hathara Denama Sooyayo’ as a Judo fighter at Colombo YMCA, training one of the four heroes of the movie. That movie which ran for over 100 days island-wide during the first release, helped Judo to become more popular in Ceylon.
Asoka was also the Judo team leader of the Colombo YMCA. In 1972, he was awarded a two-year YMCA scholarship to study in Japan. Asoka studied at the Kodokan Judo Institute. Having done a six-month course at the Ceylon Hotel School, he had some interest in a career in the hotel industry. Therefore, during his two-years in Japan, Asoka concurrently studied hotel management. When he returned to Sri Lanka, while continuing Judo, he joined the hotel industry as a manager. In later years, a few more Sri Lankans went to Japan on Kodokan Judo scholarships.
I continued Judo for five years until the end of 1974. I also did wrestling and Karate for short periods. As Judo has a component of ground fighting on the mat, knowledge of wrestling is useful. Some clubs such as Colombo YMBA occasionally recruited top wrestlers of the country to Judo teams, and provided them with basic Judo training prior to major Judo tournaments. That strategy worked well at times.
I won the open category of the Intermediate Judo Championship of Sri Lanka in 1973. Among ten different categories of bouts based on grades and weights of the fighters, the open event was the prime event of any Judo tournament, at that time. My opponent in the open final was stronger, heavier and more experienced in fighting than I. He, S. I. Ratnayake was a tough Inspector of Police. I was still in my late teens and he was ten years older. My opponent was expected to win the final bout of the tournament easily.
However, I had lot of support around the fighting arena from my neighbourhood buddies and Ceylon Hotel School batchmates. My aim was not to disappoint my fans by losing quickly. I held my opponent at bay for the whole duration. Twice, extra fighting time was allocated by the referee. In between, during a short break from fighting, I was kneeling down and adjusting my belt at a corner of the fighting mat. While catching my breath, I told Roshan Arulanandan cheering me by the ringside that my opponent was strong like a big tree. He told me, “Strong trees can also fall down with the right pressure.” To me that summed up a key concept of the art of Judo fighting. Upsetting the balance of the opponent was a good tactic.
During the final three minutes of extra time, my strategy was to be very aggressive. I kept on pushing my opponent while holding his judogi as tightly as possible and pulling his neck down. That angered the police officer and he aggressively pushed me back. At that moment, I used his own strength and weight while pulling him towards me and falling backwards with my right foot pushing his stomach up. This sacrifice throw called ‘Tomoe Nage’ is one of the traditional forty throws of Judo developed by Jigoro Kano. It was not a popular throw, as often it backfired when tried against more senior and heavier opponents. That day it was my last resort. It worked for me like a charm and my opponent went flying over me and fell flat on his back. I won the fight and became a Judo champion.
The next year, I was chosen to be on the five-member team of the Colombo YMCA Judo club. After a hectic, five-bout team event, we won the 1974 national Judo Championship in Sri Lanka. After that, I stopped Judo for six years to focus on building a strong foundation for my career as a resort hotelier on the south coast of Sri Lanka.
Returning to Judo in the early 1980s
Six years later, on re-locating in Colombo in 1981, I re-started Judo at my club, the Central YMCA. I was happy to get an opportunity to practice Judo and hoped to study for Judo grade promotion tests, once again. Unfortunately, my busy work schedule did not allow me to do so. I was still a fourth Kyu level Judoka as I had faced only a couple of grading tests in the early 1970s. However, by 1982, I had improved my fighting and recorded some successes at the tournaments.
One full point in judo is termed in Japanese as ‘Ippon’. The competitor who gets awarded with an Ippon is declared the winner of the match, commonly by throwing the opponent to his back with force, speed and control. This would be considered a ‘perfect throw’ in judo. To the contrary, a half point is termed as ‘Waza-ari’. When two Waza-aris are awarded in a match, then it is equivalent to an Ippon and the match comes to an end.
JUDO There are three other ways to score an Ippon win, which are:
Immobilizing the opponent with a hold-down (grappling) technique for 20 seconds.
Choking the opponent until he ‘taps’ (gives up) or ‘naps’ (passes out). Pressure is applied to the sides of the neck, windpipe or larynx. A properly applied choking technique can cause the opponent to pass out.
Applying an armlock to an opponent’s elbow joint until he gives up or the arm becomes dislocated.
In 1982, I had a scary experience on the Judo mat. At a national tournament, I was fighting an opponent from the Colombo YMBA. This Judoka, Jayantha Seram, was a better and more experienced fighter compared to me. He threw me, but could not win a full point (Ippon) to beat me outright, as I fell sideways on one shoulder. Seram was awarded a Waza-ari. Without wasting anytime, he continued to fight aggressively by trying to hold-me down for 20 seconds, with an aim to score an Ippon win.
Seram was on top of me, but I was able to get a good grip on his Judogi to choke him. I applied pressure to the sides of his neck, as well as windpipe. I felt that it was working as his grip on me was gradually loosening. I took the opportunity to get off the mat and turn Seram down on the mat, while making the choke harder. As he did not tap me to indicate that he is giving up, I continued to choke him, aggressively.
The referee eventually stopped the fight to award me the win by Ippon, as froth came out of Seram’s mouth and he passed out. When I had turned him to the mat Seram had fallen with his hands behind his body, and neither of his hands were therefore free to tap. As the ambulance was taking a long time to arrive, I rushed Seram to the emergency room in my car to save his life. That day, I nearly gave up Judo.
The First Overseas Trip of the National Judo Team
I was surprised when one of the highest-ranking Judokas in Sri Lanka, Kithsiri De Soyza, made an offer to me in 1982. “For the first time in the history of Judo in Sri Lanka, a national team of ten Judokas has been invited to compete in an international Judo tournament. It will be held in Ghaziabad, near New Delhi, next month, with teams from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Japan. I will be the captain of the national team and SP Upali Sahabandu will be the national team manager. We may also take part in smaller tournaments in two other Indian cities.” Kithsiri told me.
He then added, “Chandana, the Sri Lanka Judo Association has decided to include you as a member of the national team to participate in India.” Rank-wise, I was the most junior Judoka who was chosen to represent Sri Lanka, for the first international Judo tournament, Sri Lanka was invited to take part. I was simply fortunate to become a member of the Sri Lanka national Judo team, within a year of returning to the sport.
Ten members of the national team were selected from four Judo clubs – Four from the Colombo YMCA, four from the Colombo YMBA, one from the Ceylon Police Force and one from the Gampola Judo Club. In the middle of the hot summer of 1982, our team took off to five cities in India for two weeks, with hope, anxiety and ambition. To be continued next Sunday…
Sri Lanka needs to take full stock of its current economic situation and use to the maximum the potential in its GSP+ facility for export sector growth. In the process, it should ensure that it cooperates fully with the European Union. The urgency of undertaking these responsibilities is underscored by the issues growing out of the recent US decision to sweepingly hike tariffs on its imports, though differentially.
These were principal ‘takes’ for participants in the Pathfinder Foundation’s Ambassadors’ Roundtable forum held on April 8th at the Colombo Club of the Taj Samudra. The main presenter at the event was Ms. Carmen Moreno Raymundo, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The forum was chaired by Ambassador Bernard Goonetilleke, Chairman, Pathfinder Foundation. The event brought together a cross-section of the local public, including the media.
Ms. Moreno drew attention to the fact Sri Lanka is at present severely under utilizing its GSP+ facility, which is the main means for Sri Lanka to enter the very vast EU market of 450 million people. In fact the EU has been Sri Lanka’s biggest trading partner. In 2023, for instance, total trade between the partners stood at Euros 3.84 billion. There is no greater market but the EU region for Sri Lanka.
‘However, only Sri Lanka’s apparel sector has seen considerable growth over the years. It is the only export sector in Sri Lanka which could be said to be fully developed. However, wider ranging export growth is possible provided Sri Lanka exploits to the fullest the opportunities presented by GSP+.’
Moreno added, among other things: ‘Sri Lanka is one among only eight countries that have been granted the EU’s GSP+ facility. The wide-ranging export possibilities opened by the facility are waiting to be utilized. In the process, the country needs to participate in world trade in a dynamic way. It cannot opt for a closed economy. As long as economic vibrancy remains unachieved, Sri Lanka cannot enter into world trading arrangements from a strong position. Among other things, Sri Lanka must access the tools that will enable it to spot and make full use of export opportunities.
‘Sri Lanka must facilitate the private sector in a major way and make it possible for foreign investors to enter the local economy with no hassle and compete for local business opportunities unfettered. At present, Lanka lacks the relevant legal framework to make all this happen satisfactorily.
‘Sri Lanka cannot opt for what could be seen as opaque arrangements with bilateral economic partners. Transparency must be made to prevail in its dealings with investors and other relevant quarters. It’s the public good that must be ensured. The EU would like to see the local economy further opening up for foreign investment.
‘However, it is important that Sri Lanka cooperates with the EU in the latter’s efforts to bring about beneficial outcomes for Sri Lankans. Cooperation could be ensured by Sri Lanka fully abiding by the EU conditions that are attendant on the granting of GSP+. There are, for example, a number of commitments and international conventions that Sri Lanka signed up to and had promised to implement on its receipt of GSP+ which have hitherto not been complied with. Some of these relate to human rights and labour regulations.
‘Successive governments have pledged to implement these conventions but thus far nothing has happened by way of compliance. GSP+ must be seen as an opportunity and not a threat and by complying with EU conditions the best fruits could be reaped from GSP+. It is relevant to remember that GSP+ was granted to Sri Lanka in 2005. It was suspended five years later and restored in 2017.
‘The importance of compliance with EU conditions is greatly enhanced at present in view of the fact that Sri Lanka is currently being monitored by the EU with regard to compliance ahead of extending GSP+ next year. A report on Sri Lanka is due next year wherein the country’s performance with regard to cooperating with the EU would be assessed. The continuation of the facility depends on the degree of cooperation.
‘A few statistics would bear out the importance of Sri Lanka’s partnership with the EU. For example, under the facility Sri Lanka benefits from duty free access in over 66% of EU tariff lines. The highest number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka in 2023 was from the EU’s 27 member states. Likewise, the EU’s 27 member states rank second in the origin of inflows of foreign exchange to Sri Lanka; with Italy, France and Germany figuring as the main countries of origin. Eighty five percent of Sri Lanka’s exports to the EU market benefits from GSP+. Thus, the stakes for the country are high.’
Meanwhile, President, In-house Counsel & Legal Advisor, The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, John Wilson said: ‘GSP+ should be seen as not only an opportunity but also as a necessity by Sri Lanka in the current international economic climate. ‘Implementation of local laws is what is needed. Considering the pressures growing out of the US imposed new tariff regime, a good dialogue with the EU is needed.
‘Sri Lanka’s level of business readiness must be upped. Among the imperatives are: An electronic procurement process, Customs reforms, a ‘National Single Window’, stepped-up access to land by investors, for example, a clear policy framework on PPPs and reform of the work permits system.’
It ought to be plain to see from the foregoing that Sri Lanka cannot afford to lose the GSP+ facility if it is stepped-up economic growth that is aimed at. It would be in Sri Lanka’s best interests to remain linked with the EU, considering the aggravated material hardships that could come in the wake of the imposition of the US’ new tariff regime. Sri Lanka would need to remain in a dialogue process with the EU, voice its reservations on matters growing out of GSP+, if any, iron out differences and ensure that its national interest is secured.
Chit-Chat
Chiara Tissera
Mrs. Queen of the World Sri Lanka 2024, Chiara Tissera, leaves for the finals, in the USA, next month
I had a very interesting chat with her and this is how it all went:
1. How would you describe yourself?
I am a sensitive and passionate individual who deeply cares about the things that matter most to me. I approach life with a heart full of enthusiasm and a desire to make meaningful connections.
2. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Actually, I wouldn’t change a thing about myself because the person I am today, both inside and out, is the result of everything I’ve experienced. Every part of me has shaped who I am, so I embrace both my strengths and imperfections as they make me uniquely me.
3. If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
If there’s one thing I could change about my family, it would be having my father back with us. Losing him six years ago left a void that can never be filled, but his memory continues to guide and inspire us every day.
4. School?
I went to St. Jude’s College, Kurana, and I’m really proud to say that the lessons I gained during my time there have shaped who I am today. My school and teachers instilled in me values of hard work, perseverance and the importance of community, and I carry those lessons with me every day. I was a senior prefect and was selected the Deputy Head Prefect of our college during my tenure.
5. Happiest moment?
The happiest moment of my life so far has been winning the Mrs. Sri Lanka 2024 for Queen of the World. It was a dream come true and a truly unforgettable experience, one that fills me with pride and gratitude every time I reflect on it.
6. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Happiness is a deeply personal and multifaceted feeling that often comes from a sense of contentment, fulfillment and well-being. For me, perfect happiness is in moments of joy, peace and accomplishments … and also being surrounded by my loved ones.
7. Are you religious?
Yes, I’m a very religious person. And I’m a firm believer in God. My faith guides me through life, providing strength, dedication and a sense of peace in every situation. I live by the quote, ‘Do your best, and God will do the rest.’
8. Are you superstitious?
I’m not superstitious. I believe in making my own decisions and relying on logic and faith rather than following superstitions.
9. Your ideal guy?
My ideal guy is my husband. He is compassionate, understanding and is always there to support me, no matter what. He’s my rock and my best friend – truly everything I could ever want in a partner.
10. Which living person do you most admire?
The living person I admire the most is definitely my mummy. Her strength, love and unwavering support has shaped me into who I am today. She is my role model and she inspires me every day with her wisdom and kindness.
11. Your most treasured possession?
My most treasured possession is my family. They are the heart of my life, providing me with love, support and strength. Their presence is my greatest blessing.
12. If you were marooned on a desert island, who would you like as your companion?
I would like to have my spouse as my companion. Together, we could make the best of the situation, supporting each other, sharing moments of laughter and finding creative ways to survive and thrive.
13. Your most embarrassing moment?
There’s quite a few, for sure, but nothing is really coming to mind right now.
14. Done anything daring?
Yes, stepping out of my comfort zone and taking part in a pageant. I had no experience and was nervous about putting myself out there, but I decided to challenge myself and go for it. It pushed me to grow in so many ways—learning to embrace confidence, handle pressure, and appreciate my own uniqueness. The experience not only boosted my self-esteem but also taught me the value of taking risks and embracing new opportunities, even when they feel intimidating.”
15. Your ideal vacation?
It would be to Paris. The city has such a magical vibe and, of course, exploring the magical Eiffel Tower is in my bucket list. Especially the city being a mix of history culture and modern life in a way that feels timeless, I find it to be the ideal vacation spot for me.
16. What kind of music are you into?
I love romantic songs. I’m drawn to its emotional depth and the way they express love, longing a connection. Whether it’s a slow ballad, a classic love song or a more modern romantic tune these songs speak to my heart.
17. Favourite radio station?
I don’t have a specific radio station that I like, but I tend to enjoy a variety of stations, depending on my mood. Sometimes I’ll tune into one for a mix of popular hits, other times I might go for something more relaxing, or a station with a certain vibe. So I just like to keep it flexible and switch it up.
18. Favourite TV station?
I hardly find the time to sit down and watch TV. But, whenever I do find a little spare time, I tend to do some spontaneous binge – watching, catching whatever interesting show is on at that moment.
19 What would you like to be born as in your next life?
Mmmm, I’ve actually not thought about it, but I’d love to be born as someone who gets to explore the world freely – perhaps a bird soaring across continents.
20. Any major plans for the future?
Let’s say preparing and participating in the international pageant happening in the USA this May. It’s an exciting opportunity to represent myself and my country on a global stage. Alongside this, I am dedicated to continuing my social service work as a title holder, striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others through my platform.
The formation of wrinkles and fine lines is part of our ageing process. However, if these wrinkles negatively impact appearance, making one look older than they actually are, then trying out some homemade remedies, I’ve listed for you, this week, may help in giving your skin a fresher look.
* Banana:
Bananas are considered to be our skin’s best friend. They contain natural oils and vitamins that work very perfectly to boost our skin health. Skincare experts recommend applying the banana paste to the skin.
Take a ripe banana and mash a quarter of it until it becomes a smooth paste. Apply a thin layer of the banana paste on your skin and allow it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes before washing it off with warm water.
* Olive Oil:
Olive oil works as a great skin protector and many types of research suggest that even consuming olive oil may protect the skin from developing more wrinkles. Olive oil contains compounds that can increase the skin’s collagen levels. Yes, olive oil can be used as a dressing on your salads, or other food, if you want to consume it, otherwise, you can apply a thin layer of olive oil on your face, neck and hands and let it stay overnight.
* Ginger:
Ginger serves to be a brilliant anti-wrinkle remedy because of the high content of antioxidants in it. Ginger helps in breaking down elastin, which is one of the main reasons for wrinkles. You can have ginger tea or grate ginger and have it with honey, on a regular basis.
* Aloe Vera:
The malic acid present in Aloe Vera helps in improving your skin’s elasticity, which helps in reducing your wrinkles. Apply the gel once you extract it from the plant, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. You can wash it off with warm water.
* Lemons:
Lemons contain citric acid, which is a strong exfoliant that can help you get rid of your dead skin cells and wrinkles. Also, as an astringent and a cleansing agent, it helps to fade your wrinkles and fine lines. You can gently rub a lemon slice in your wrinkled skin and leave it on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse afterwards and repeat this process two to three times a day.
* Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil contains essential fatty acid that moisturises the skin and helps to retain its elasticity. You can directly apply the coconut oil, and leave it overnight, after gently massaging it, for the best results.
Sun directly overhead Hatthikuchchi, Kalankuttiya, Halmillewa, Ipalogama, Palugaswewa and Habarana at about 12:11 noon. today [10]
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