Bandula Rathnapala, the only Sri Lankan professional boxing coach in the USA, is on a mission to develop and promote professional boxing in his homeland. A former boxer turned coach, Rathnapala has dedicated his life to the sport, working tirelessly to create opportunities for talented fighters who often go unnoticed after their amateur careers.
“I want to be involved in developing professional boxing in Sri Lanka – that’s my dream,” Rathnapala states emphatically. His aspirations have been a long time in the making, dating back to his discussions with former Sports Ministers Navin Dissanayake and Dayasiri Jayasekera. Unfortunately, those talks did not yield the desired outcomes, leaving him frustrated.
He reflects on the current state of amateur boxing in Sri Lanka, where talented fighters participate in prestigious events like the Layton, Clifford Cup and Nationals but often find themselves at the crossroads once their amateur careers conclude. “These fighters end up with medals and certificates sitting in a showcase, and after that, many turn to odd jobs, like becoming security guards. It’s heartbreaking because their talent isn’t nurtured for professional level,” he laments.
Rathnapala aims to select promising fighters and bring them to the US for training at his gym, where they can receive the necessary support and promotion. “If I’m doing this in America, why can’t I do the same in Sri Lanka?” he questioned.
A former St. Mary’s College, Dehiwela and Navy boxer, Rathnapala believes that with proper guidance, these fighters could transition to professional boxing. He emphasizes the importance of structured training, explaining that one doesn’t start by jumping into a 10-round fight. “You build your way up – four rounds, then six, eight and eventually ten, depending on their skill, experience, and readiness,” he explains.
As an advocate for young talent, Rathnapala has a clear plan to elevate the boxing scene in Sri Lanka. He aims to select a handful of promising fighters and hopes the new Sports Minister will facilitate their training at his gym, Straight Jab Boxing Academy, in Passaic, New Jersey. “These fighters need to gain that kind of experience,” he asserts. “In the early fights, they can start earning small, maybe $2,000 or $3,000 per fight. But if they’re good, they’ll move up the ranks.”
He draws inspiration from the success stories of fighters like Manny Pacquiao, who rose from humble beginnings to become a global icon. “I want to do the same thing for Sri Lanka,” Rathnapala asserts. Among the fighters he believes in is Tharindu Roshan Madusanka, whom he sees as having real potential to become a professional boxing star.
Rathnapala’s commitment to youth extends beyond boxing. He shares his personal experience with a young boy named Jonathan, whom he has taken under his wing. “He’s 11 years old. He doesn’t even know who his father is. I’m raising him like he’s my own son,” Rathnapala reveals, highlighting the impact he hopes to have on children in need of guidance.
He recalls a recent encounter with youngsters in Sri Lanka who expressed their aspirations to become athletes. “One of them said to me, ‘I want to become a basketball player, like LeBron James.’ I mean, in Sri Lanka?” he chuckles. He encourages them to pursue their dreams, reminding them that success comes from hard work and belief in oneself.
His dedication to nurturing future generations shines through as he recounts the story of another girl who dreams of becoming a karate master. “Not every kid wants to become a doctor or an engineer. These kids have their own dreams, their own paths. My goal is to help them believe they can achieve what they set their minds to,” Rathnapala states passionately.
Rathnapala acknowledges the uphill battle facing professional boxing in Sri Lanka despite DJMC holding an event two years ago. He has witnessed the emergence of boxing clubs across the country, driven by a newfound interest in the sport, but he emphasizes the need for proper training and understanding of what it means to be a professional boxer.
“Many young athletes think that if they get some basic training, hit the bag, and do a few sparring sessions, they’re ready to go pro,” he notes. “But heart alone isn’t enough. We need structured, professional training to take these fighters to the next level.”
He proposes a solution: “What I can do is bring one of my coaches from the U.S. to Sri Lanka for at least a month. If the government supports this by providing a small salary, my coach can train a group of local coaches here, so the knowledge stays in Sri Lanka even after he leaves.”
For Rathnapala, support from the government and corporate sponsors is crucial. He reflects on the discrepancy in funding between cricket and other sports, lamenting that while cricket receives substantial investment, other sports, including boxing and athletics, are often neglected. “There’s money for cricket, but where’s the funding for the rest of us?” he asks. “Helping athletes isn’t just good for them; it’s good for the sponsors too. It’s a win-win.”
Rathnapala has invested his own resources into building his gym and training fighters in the USA, and he hopes to replicate that success in Sri Lanka. “I’ve been doing this for 23 years. I’ve trained kids who were on the wrong path and helped them find jobs and build careers. I saved their lives, gave them direction. Now, I want to do the same in Sri Lanka.”
With a dream to establish a vibrant professional boxing scene in Sri Lanka, Rathnapala envisions a future where young athletes can thrive in their chosen sports. “I want to bring quality training and develop good coaches,” he reiterates. “We need proper facilities – a quality boxing ring, for example. Once I’ve identified a small group of fighters, I can work with my head coach in the U.S. to arrange their training.”
Rathnapala believes that with the right support and training, Sri Lankan fighters can compete on the international stage. “If these fighters do well, and we get the right people involved, we’ll create a ripple effect,” he states confidently.
“This is my dream – it’s what I’ve wanted for years. I believe that once we have the right fighters and the right training, others will follow.”
“I was born and raised in Sri Lanka, but I’ve spent a significant part of my life in America, where my children and grandchildren have been born.
“This country has provided me with invaluable opportunities, such as a free education and the chance to learn boxing. I believe it’s important to acknowledge and give back to the place that shaped me. While I appreciate everything America has given me, I can’t ignore my roots. I want to share what I’ve learned and experienced here to positively impact the lives of others in Sri Lanka,” said Rathnapala.
