Talgamuwalage Hasitha Nuwan Jinadasa’s journey back to the boxing ring has been nothing short of remarkable. After a two-year hiatus from the sport during which he was employed overseas, Jinadasa returned with renewed focus and determination. His hard work paid off as he won the prestigious Layton Cup for the first time, claiming the title of Best Boxer at the 82nd edition of the championship.
The former Dharmaraja College, Kandy boxing star, who won the prestigious Stubbs Shield four times as a schoolboy, was widely regarded as one of the country’s brightest young talents having been coached by Niraj Wijewardena and Rukman Wekadapola in his formative years.
‘Jinna’ as the 26-year-old is affectionately called, launched his career by winning a silver at the L.V. Jayaweera meet for freshers, gold at the T.B. Jayah meet for novices, gold at the Stubbs Shield meet and crowned Best Boxer at the Junior National Championship in 2011.
He also won Best Boxer awards at the Novices and Intermediates tournaments conducted by the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka in 2018 before joining Slimline in 2019 and winning the silver medal at the Layton Cup and National Championships in 2020.
His natural ability and dedication earned him a spot on the Police team, who recognised his potential and offered him a pathway to return to competitive boxing. “Being drafted by the Police team was the spark I needed,” Jinadasa shared. “It gave me a new purpose and the opportunity to return to something I love deeply.”
Following his return, Jinadasa undertook an intense training regimen to ensure he was in peak condition for the Layton Cup. For the past one year through hard work and sacrifice he managed to reduce 15 kilos to bring down his weight to his normal fighting weight of 48kg.
The competition saw him engage in four gruelling bouts, each requiring strategy, skill and tenacity. It was a testament to both his physical and mental fortitude that he emerged victorious defeated reigning national champion Army’s M.L.P. Jayawardena and National silver medallist Daniel Tissaaratchy of Back2Fit. With each match, Jinadasa demonstrated sharp footwork, impeccable defence and the precision that has come to define his style. “Every fight was a challenge, but I reminded myself that this is where I’m meant to be. Winning the Layton Cup has been a dream of mine and I’m grateful to have had this chance,” Jinadasa reflected.
His coaches at Police Sports Club, including head coach Sameera Karunaratne, have praised Jinadasa for his relentless drive.
Karunaratne remarked: “Hasitha has an innate ability to adapt and adjust. Even after two years away from the ring, his resilience and focus made it seem like he never left.” Now, with the Layton Cup in hand, Jinadasa is poised to keep pushing his limits, representing Sri Lanka on the international stage.
One of Jinadasa’s inspirations in the ring is none other than Vasiliy Lomachenko, the Ukrainian boxing legend and two-time Olympic gold medalist. Known for his exceptional technical skill and movement, Lomachenko boasts an impressive amateur record of 396 wins with only one defeat. “Lomachenko has always been a role model for me,” Jinadasa remarked. “His ability to switch angles, his precision, and how he controls the ring – that’s the kind of boxer I aspire to be.”
The trophy awarded to the Best Boxer has a legacy dating back to 1942, adding to the significance of Jinadasa’s accomplishment. For Jinadasa, though, this victory is more than a personal milestone.
For Jinadasa, winning the Layton Cup is just the beginning of a new chapter. With his eyes set on future international competitions and hopefully, an Olympic berth in 2028, he aims to make his mark not only as one of Sri Lanka’s top boxers but also as a symbol of dedication and passion for the sport.
