W.I.P. Perera
The Ceylon Boxing Federation proudly recognizes W.LP. Perera, a distinguished boxer, referee, judge, and mentor whose unwavering commitment has enriched Sri Lankan boxing for over five decades. His journey reflects not only personal excellence but also a lifelong passion for developing the sport and inspiring future generations.
W.L.P. Perera's boxing journey commenced in 1974 at Dehiwala Central, where he first showcased his natural talent and fighting spirit. His rapid progress was evident when he secured victory at the prestigious Stubbs Shield Boxing Championship in his weight category-an early testament to his promise as a rising young pugilist. In 1975, he joined the Sri Lanka Police Department, continuing his boxing career under the captaincy of M.Α. Jayalath. During this period, he dominated several major tournaments, including:
- ABA Novices Championship
- ABA Intermediate Championship
- Clifford Cup Boxing Tournaments
His crowning achievement came in 1978, when he clinched the Clifford Cup Boxing Championship in the welterweight category, affirming his status as one of the most formidable boxers of his time.
He also proudly represented Sri Lanka at the Indo-Sri Lanka Dual Boxing Meet marking an important milestone on the international stage.
In 1980, W.I.P. Perera joined Alrport Aviation Services, where he continued to represent the organization in both boxing and designated official duties. His commitment to the sport remained steadfast, and in 1991, he competed in the ABA National Boxing Championship (Welterweight), finishing as Runner-up. In a memorable final bout, he faced the late champion Ajantha Gamini Perera of the Police, under the refereeing of the late Donald Munasinghe. Beyond competing, he took pride in training young boxers at Airport Aviation, nurturing many emerging talents and enriching the boxing culture within the institution.
W.I.P. Perera's dedication to the sport extended beyond the ring. In 1993, he was selected for the ABA Referees and Judges Course, successfully passing the examination conducted by the Amateur Boxing Association of Sri Lanka. This achievement marked the beginning of a long and respected career as a boxing official. For years that followed, he officiated at:
- All major tournaments conducted by the ABA of Sri Lanka
- Numerous competitions organized by the Schools Boxing Association
His deep understanding of the sport, fairness, and integrity earned him great respect in the boxing community
In 1998, W.I.P. Perera represented Sri Lanka as an official during a boxing tour to India, where he successfully completed the 1-Star Referee Course-a significant international qualification. Continuing his pursuit of excellence, he further enhanced his credentials in 2012, passing the Referee and Judges Course conducted by the Amateur Boxing Association of Sri Lanka.
Today, the name W.I.P. Perera stands synonymous with dedication, discipline, and lifelong service to boxing. From champion boxer to respected referee, judge, and mentor, his contributions have strengthened the foundations of Sri Lankan boxing and inspired countless athletes and officials.