M. A. Jayalath
M. A. Jayalath is a distinguished Sri Lankan boxer whose career spans two decades, evolving from an accomplished school-level athlete to a national and international competitor, and later to a respected coach and official. Jayalath began his boxing journey at Royal College, Colombo, where he earned College Colours from 1969 to 1973 and captained the school boxing team in 1972. He was a key contributor to Royal College's success in the L.V.G.U.S.S. Shield Boxing Championships, helping secure the championship titles in 1969/70 and guiding the team to a runner-up finish in 1971/72.
At club level, Jayalath captained the Sri Lanka Police Boxing Team in 1982 and was an integral member of the Clifford Cup and Layton Cup winning teams from 1982 to 1989. Representing Sri Lanka internationally, he competed in the 1982 Asian Games, took part in an invitational meet in India in 1985, and participated in the Hellenic Championships in 1987.
Following his competitive career, Jayalath transitioned into officiating and coaching. He qualified as an ABA Referee and Judge in 2006 and further strengthened his coaching expertise by earning diplomas from Korea (2004) and Cuba (2002). Since 1976, he has served continuously as a boxing coach, supporting Royal College as a standby coach and currently coaching at Carey College, Borella. Throughout his extensive coaching career, M. A. Jayalath has trained more than 250 boxing coloursmen in Sri Lankan schools, playing a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and advancing school-level boxing in the country.