John Waith
The Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has announced an important milestone for local boxing officials, as a 1-star course for referees and judges will be held in Kandy from December 18 to 22, coinciding with the prestigious Clifford Cup Championship.
The course, approved by the International Boxing Association (IBA), will be conducted by veteran Welsh instructor John Waith, a renowned figure in global boxing as a Technical Delegate and IBA Referee and Judge Instructor.
BASL President Dr. Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, who took office in May, is fulfilling a key promise to uplift the standards of Sri Lankan officials.
“This course provides a great opportunity for our local officials who have been waiting for years to qualify at the international level,” said Dr. Bandara.
“It’s also a cost-effective solution for those unable to travel overseas. By hosting this, we aim to improve transparency and raise standards which are essential for Sri Lanka to shine on the global stage.”
BASL Referees and Judges Commission Chairman, retired Capt. R.K. Indrasena, echoed this sentiment, reiterating the importance of the initiative. “This is a long-felt need for our boxing referees and judges,” he stated. “With more than 100 national RJs in the country, including 35 new officials added last year, this course will allow 25 of our best to qualify for the 1-star ranking. We’ll select the candidates after stringent evaluations at major local competitions.”
In addition to the local contingent, five foreign officials will also participate, making this a truly international event. “Having John Waith, an experienced instructor who has conducted similar courses globally, ensures this program’s success,” Capt. Indrasena added.
Dr. Bandara highlighted that Sri Lankan officials have often been criticised for poor or incorrect decisions, underscoring the importance of this initiative.
“Providing international exposure and training is vital for our referees and judges to handle bouts with greater accuracy and confidence,” he said. “This will ultimately lead to fairer outcomes and better performances by our boxers in international tournaments.”
This course, scheduled on the IBA calendar, represents a significant development for Sri Lanka boxing, building local capacity and improving officiating standards.
“The Clifford Cup, one of Sri Lanka’s premier boxing events, is an ideal platform to integrate this course,” noted Capt. Indrasena. “It not only strengthens the credibility of our officials but also enhances the reputation of Sri Lankan boxing.”
With the collective efforts of BASL and the expertise of John Waith, this initiative marks a pivotal step in professionalising Sri Lanka’s boxing officiating and boosting its international presence.
