The Pallekumbura Brothers
St. Sylvester's College, Kandy, has long been a cradle of boxing talent in Sri Lanka, and among its most illustrious athletes are the Pallekumbura brothers, whose dedication, discipline, and skill brought glory to their school during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Spanning a decade of exceptional performances, the brothers-Major General Janaka Pallekumbura, Colonel Jagath Pallekumbura, Jayanatha Pallekumbura, and Jaliya Pallekumbura-left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan school boxing.
A dominant force in the ring, Janaka Pallekumbura's boxing career was highlighted by his victory at the T.B Jayah Boxing Meet in 1989, where he was crowned the Best Boxer. His exceptional technique and relentless drive earned him recognition at the 1990 Junior National Championships, where he clinched the national title, showcasing his prowess on a national stage.
Jagath, captain of St. Sylvester's College boxing team in 1992, demonstrated remarkable leadership and skill. His accolades include:
- 1990 Stubb Shield Winner
- 1990 Junior National Champion
- Best Boxer, Junior Nationals 1990
- Winner of the Francis Jayawardena Memorial Cup in 1989
- Intermediate Champion 1989
- Sonaby Boxing Meet Winner 1989
- Donald Munasinghe Challenge Cup Winner 1989
at the National Boxing Championships, affirming his position among the country’s elite young
boxers.
Jaliya's consistent excellence earned him multiple victories across prominent school boxing competitions:
- Stubb Shield Winner: 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993
- Francis Jayawardena Memorial Cup Winner 1989
- Sonaby Boxing Meet Winner 1989
- Donald Munasinghe Challenge Cup Winner 1989
- L.V. Jayaweera Memorial Cup, T.B. Jayah Memorial Cup, and Stubb Shield Winner 1987
His extraordinary consistency made him a cornerstone of the Sylvestrian boxing legacy during this era.
Jayanatha, who went on to serve as Vice Principal of Rashing Dev College , also left his mark in the ring:
- 1990 Stubb Shield Winner
- L.V. Jayaweera Memorial Cup Winner 1990
- T.B. Jayah Memorial Cup Winner 1990
- Junior National Champion 1990
- Stubb Shield Winner 1994
Jayanatha’s achievements reflect the Pallekumbura family’s enduring contribution to boxing and education alike.
The Pallekumbura brothers exemplify the spirit of Sri Lankan boxing, blending discipline, talent, and determination. Their decade-long dominance in school boxing competitions not only brought prestige to St. Sylvester's College but also inspired a generation of young athletes across the country. From local meets such as the Stubb Shield and Sonaby Boxing Meet to national championships, the Pallekumburas consistently showcased the hallmarks of champions-skill, courage, and resilience. Today, they remain celebrated figures in Sri Lanka's boxing history, symbolizing the heights that dedication and family legacy can achieve in sport.