All 24 officials who participated in the IBA 1-Star Referee and Judge course in December have successfully passed the examination. Their recognition was formally recognised during the 97th National Boxing Championship held at the Galle Face green and they were presented with their certificates and badges in a grand ceremony.
The course, sanctioned by the International Boxing Association (IBA), was conducted by veteran Welsh instructor John Waith. His expertise ensured that Sri Lankan officials were given world class training, enhancing their capabilities to officiate at international events.
The officials who earned their IBA 1-Star international referee qualification are: Jagath Pallekumbura, Prasad Wijesekara, Prabath Nanayakkara, Manoj Jayawardana, Mahesh Kothalawala, Anuruddha Ratnayaka, Erick Perera, Samantha Seelawansa, Rashmika Galhena, Wasantha Palamakumbura, Amila Ambagala, Anura Tennakoon, Anuradha Deshapriya, Tharanga Perera, PU Sampath, Manjula Sakalasooriya, Arjuna Perera, TCK Weerasinghe, Sithari Sandareka, Ishani Apsara, Thanuja Dharmasena, Niroshani Bodhipaksha, Madushani Fernando and Shiromali Weerarathne.
BASL President Dr. Anuruddha Bandara, had promised to elevate the standards of Sri Lankan boxing officials.
“This course provided an incredible opportunity for our local referees and judges, many of whom have waited years for international qualification,” stated Dr. Bandara.
“There has been a long-standing need for a 1-Star certification course in Sri Lanka, and our selection process was rigorous, with evaluations conducted at major national competitions,” said Capt. RK Indrasena (rtd) chairman of the BASL Referees and Judges Commission highlighting the significance of this achievement.
(TBR)
