Hasitha, Ishara savour Layton Cup success

Sri Lanka Police boxer Hasitha Nuwan Jinadasa, a four-time Stubbs Shield champion and a Dharmaraja College alumnus, earned the prestigious Layton Cup, awarded to the Best Boxer since 1942, after a hard-fought win in the minimum weight (48kg) category at the 82nd Layton Cup Boxing Championship, concluded on Saturday at Browns Beach, Negombo.

Known for his defensive prowess, Jinadasa edged out Daniel Tissaaratchy of Back2Fit in a closely contested bout, using counter punches to secure a split-decision victory at the event organised by the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL).

Jinadasa also received a gift voucher worth Rs. 50,000 from Arpico and a return ticket to Singapore from SriLankan Airlines.

In the flyweight (51kg) category, Police’s Umayanga Mihiran delivered a masterclass performance, knocking out last year’s Layton Cup winner, Navy’s Gayan Indika Bandara. The 21-year-old Mihiran showcased his speed and precision, ultimately forcing a stoppage in the second round after Bandara was deemed unable to continue.

Among the women, Air Force’s Ishara Thushari Perera earned the title of Best Boxer with her tactical superiority and skill, which helped her easily outpoint Army’s Dilani Silva. Perera, who holds a national championship title, used her reach advantage effectively, showcasing her technical acumen. She was awarded a gift voucher worth Rs. 50,000 from Arpico for her stellar performance.

The finals also saw impressive displays from Yazmin Mohamed Usaith in the middleweight (75kg) category, who triumphed over Army’s K.G. Pathmasiri. Meanwhile, Army’s Sanduni Priyadarshani secured the flyweight (52kg) title, showcasing her dominance against Police’s Maleesha Widanagamage. Vidyarathana SC’s Keshani Hansika (57kg) and Air Force’s Sajeewani Cooray (60kg) also stood out with commanding performances, signalling a bright future for Sri Lankan boxing.

This year’s Layton Cup, set against the backdrop of the Negombo coast, has redefined the Sri Lankan boxing landscape, with athletes and fans alike hoping it signals the start of a new era for the sport in the country.

A large crowd of boxing enthusiasts, including dignitaries such as Dr. Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando (rtd), Director General of the Department of Sports Development, gathered to witness this unique event.

BASL President Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara praised the efforts of BASL Vice President Eric Perera, Senior Superintendent of Police, Negombo Division, for successfully implementing the concept of popularising boxing beyond Colombo. Bandara reiterated his vision of sending Sri Lankan boxers to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and this tournament marked a step in that direction as BASL hopes to form a national boxing pool for the first time in eight years.

The BASL selection committee, led by Abdulla Ibunu, were in attendance with BASL selecting a national boxing pool for the first time in eight years, athletes are also competing for a chance to represent Sri Lanka at the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Jordan this November.

The finals, featuring 21 bouts across all men’s and women’s weight classes, were fiercely contested, with standout performances from both veteran and emerging athletes. The meet’s main sponsors, including 3R International, Melwa, and Pyramid Lanka Pvt Ltd, provided support, while Colombo Gem Bureau awarded cash prizes to male and female winners. The tournament’s best boxers were selected by international technical officials headed by the Technical Delegate of the event Capt. R.K. Indrasena (rtd).

K.K. Ishara Thushari Perera receiving her award

List of winners

MEN

48kg: T. Hasitha Nuwan Jinadasa (Police)

51kg: G.K.P. Umayanga Mihiran (Police)

54kg: G. Jayanath K. Ravindu Kumara (Vidyarathana SC)

57kg: P.A. Rukmal Prasanna (Army)

60kg: R.M.P.P.K. Rasnayaka (Army)

63.5kg: H.A. Hansa Dilsara Hettiarachchi (Navy Bismark)

67kg: P.S.P. Suranga Fernando (Army)

71kg: I.P.D. Chinthana Udayakumara (Air Force)

75kg: Yazmin Mohamed Usaith (St Sylvester’s Boxing Club)

80kg: J.M.I.P. Pathum Pushpakumara (Army Red)

86kg: Y.S. Prathap Sudamma (Army)

92kg: P.A. Rukman Sanjeewa Rupasingha (Army)

+92kg: U. Amitha Avishka (Army)

WOMEN

48kg: R.A. Nadeeka Pushpakumari (Vidyarathana SC)

50kg: K.K. Ishara Thushari Perera (Air Force)

52kg: H. Sanduni Priyadarshani (Army)

54kg: L.I. Nishadi Malshani (Air Force)

57kg: K.A. Keshani Hansika (Army)

60kg: M.P.S. Sajeewani Cooray (Air Force)

66kg: W.W.A.K. Thiwanka (Air Force)

75kg: K.A.G.N. Kaluarachchi (Air Force)