Shamlath Fernando
Shamlath Fernando stands among the most accomplished schoolboy boxers to emerge from Royal College, Colombo, leaving an enduring legacy through his performances in the ring, his leadership, and his continued service to the sport.
Fernando captained the Royal College Boxing Team in 1980 and 1981, a period during which Royal College maintained its reputation as one of the strongest schoolboy boxing units in Sri Lanka. Under his leadership and contribution, Royal College achieved significant success, including:
- significant success, including: Stubs Shield Winners
- Junior Nationals Winners
In 1980, Fermando was selected to represent the Sri Lanka Schools Boxing Team, marking him as one of the top young prospects in the country. That same year, he earned the prestigious opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the Junior World Boxing Championship in Fukuoka, Japan (1980) a milestone. achievement that placed him among an elite group of Sri Lankan youth boxers to compete on the world stage.
Fernando distinguished himself with exceptional skill and dedication, earning:
- Royal College Senior Best Boxer 1979
- Royal College Colours for Boxing-1978, 1979, 1980, 1981
He also holds a unique place in the school’s boxing history as:
- The first Royalist to win in his weight class at an open boxing meet, establishing a lasting Royal College record.
Furthermore, he was a founding member of the Royal College Boxing Club, contributing to the long-term development and formal structure of the sport within the school.
Expanding his service to the sport beyond the ring, Fernando served as a Technical Official at the Boxing Arena of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. For his contribution, he was awarded the Diploma in Volunteering, recognizing his professionalism and commitment on one of sport's greatest global stages.