Welcome To Ceylon Boxing Federation
Honoring the Past. Empowering the Future of Sri Lankan Boxing.
The Ceylon Boxing Federation is the proud guardian of Sri Lanka’s boxing legacy celebrating our champions, honoring our veterans, and inspiring the next generation.
Who We are
Ceylon Boxing Federation
The Ceylon Boxing Federation (CBF) stands as a proud and passionate organization dedicated to preserving the rich legacy of Sri Lankan boxing while shaping its future. Established with a vision to honor our yesteryear boxing champions and uplift the next generation of athletes, the Federation serves as a unifying platform for all who share a love for the noble art of boxing.
Our mission is twofold -to celebrate the achievements of Sri Lanka’s past boxing greats who
have brought glory to the nation, and to support the development of underprivileged boxers and schools, providing them with the guidance and resources needed to excel in the sport.
In addition to our ongoing welfare and development efforts, the Federation has introduced a Death Donation Fund, ensuring that the families of our late boxing heroes receive due respect and support in times of need.
The CBF also takes pride in organizing boxing-related events, commemorations, and fellowship gatherings, creating opportunities for former champions, active boxers, and enthusiasts to come together in the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Through these initiatives, the Ceylon Boxing Federation continues to protect the heritage of the sport while inspiring the next generation to uphold the discipline, courage, and pride that define Sri Lankan boxing.
Fighting is not a physical thing, it is spiritual
To honor, support, and preserve the legacy of Sri Lankan boxing veterans and champions.
To build a recognized platform that celebrates our boxing heritage while inspiring future generations.
Why Choose us
Boost your confidence with us
With decades of history, we are the custodians of Sri Lanka’s boxing legacy, preserving stories of champions and veterans.
Led by former national champions, our mission is rooted in supporting and honoring the pioneers of Sri Lankan boxing.
We safeguard authentic archives, memorabilia, and achievements that highlight the true spirit of the sport.
By connecting past champions with future generations, we keep boxing alive as a source of pride and inspiration for Sri Lanka.
Preserving the Legacy of Sri Lankan Boxing
Celebrating champions, honoring veterans, and inspiring the next generation of boxing.
Our Class
Fighting is not a physical thing, it is spiritual
Whether you’re stepping into the ring for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, our training programs are designed to build strength, discipline, and confidence for every level of boxer.
Get personalized attention from experienced coaches who focus on your unique strengths and goals. Perfect for beginners and professionals aiming to refine their technique, fitness, and performance.
Experience the energy and motivation of group sessions where discipline, teamwork, and competitive spirit drive you to improve. Ideal for building stamina, learning techniques, and enjoying the boxing community.
Annals of Sri Lankan Boxing
Boxing is one of the oldest organized sports in the world, with its modern form having developed in England during the 18th century. Sri Lanka too has a proud and rich boxing heritage that spans over a century.
Modern boxing was first introduced to Sri Lanka by Mr. Donald Obeysekera, an old Royalist who learned the art of boxing while studying at Cambridge University in England. Upon his return to Ceylon, he promoted the sport locally, inspiring others to take it up. Boxing soon spread among the Armed Forces, where the Army, Navy, and Air Force each nurtured strong boxing traditions. Inter-services competitions and tournaments such as the Clifford Cup and Layton Cup, awarded by British Governors, became prestigious events. In 1913, boxing entered the schools arena, and in 1914, the historic Stubbs Shield competition was introduced by R.A.S. Stubbs. This tournament, which has continued almost unbroken for over a century, is the oldest schools boxing championship in the country. Initially dominated by schools such as Trinity College, Royal College, and S. Thomas' College, today more than 50 schools across Sri Lanka actively participate in boxing tournaments.
Sri Lanka's first international boxing hero emerged in 1938 when Barny Henricus, an Inspector of Police, represented the country at the Empire Games (now Commonwealth Games) in Sydney, Australia. Against all odds, and without a coach of his own, he secured assistance from an Australian coach at ringside and went on to win Sri Lanka's first-ever international boxing Gold Medal. Following in his footsteps, Sri Lanka produced several Commonwealth Games medalists such as K.A. Edwin, Albert Perera, and Alex Obeysekera. Sri Lankan boxing also made its mark at the Olympic Games. Notable Olympians include: Basil Henricus, Eddie Gray, Alex Obeysekera, K.A. Edwin, Albert Perera, Lesley Handunge (two-time Olympian), Dharmasiri Weerakon, Sumith Liyanage, Vincent Van Cuylenberg, Malcolm Bulner, H.K. Karunaratne, H.P. Jayasooriya and C.P. Jayasooriya (brothers who represented Sri Lanka at both the Olympics and Asian Games), Anuruddha Rathnayake, who qualified for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Sri Lanka had a proud moment in 1967 when it hosted the 3rd Asian Amateur Boxing Championships in Colombo. At that time, Mr. Fredrick Obeysekera served as President of the Amateur Boxing Association of Sri Lanka, with Eddie Gray as Secretary. The event was organized under the guidance of the Minister of Sports, Hon. V.A. Sugathadasa. Since Sri Lanka lacked a proper indoor venue, the old tram and trolley bus shed at Kotahena was hurriedly converted into what became the historic Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium-a landmark still in use today. Although India did not send a team, the championships featured strong participation from around ten nations, including Pakistan, Malaysia, Iran, Thailand, South Korea, the Philippines, and Japan. Sri Lanka shone at the event, with H.K. Karunaratne winning a Gold Medal and H.M. Marzook securing a Bronze Medal. Sri Lanka's first Asian medal, however, came earlier when Vincent Van Cuylenberg won a Silver Medal at the inaugural Asian Championships held in Bangkok in 1963. Another remarkable figure was Malcolm Bulner, who represented Sri Lanka at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics alongside Van Cuylenberg. Later, he migrated to Australia and competed at the 1968 Mexico Olympics under the Australian flag, before going on to become a respected international coach.
Sri Lanka has been blessed with some of the finest boxing coaches of the 1950s and 1960s, whose scientific methods produced disciplined and highly skilled boxers. Their legacy is still remembered with pride. The country also produced outstanding international referees and judges, such as: Eddie Gray Danton Obeysekera DIG Dharmasiri Weerakon Thomas de Silva Udeni Kiridena Nishantha Darmadasa Nelka Shiromala, who had the distinction of officiating at two Olympic Games.
For most of its history, boxing in Sri Lanka was a male-dominated sport. However, in the past two decades, female pugilists have entered the ring with determination and passion, breaking barriers and winning recognition at both national and international levels. Today, boxing remains one of the few sports capable of delivering medals for Sri Lanka on the world stage. With the right investment in training, facilities, and coaching, supported by the Ministry of Sports, the nation has the potential to once again rise as a boxing powerhouse in Asia.
Together, let’s preserve the spirit of Sri Lankan boxing
Whether you are a veteran, a boxing enthusiast, or someone passionate about sports heritage your involvement matters.
