Baddegamage Ranaweera
Lieutenant Baddegamage Ranaweera remains a respected figure in Sri Lanka's military and boxing history. Joining the Sri Lanka Army in 1948, he served with honour in the Sri Lanka Military Police, earning recognition for his discipline, integrity, and leadership. A gifted boxer, Ranaweera proudly represented Sri Lanka in Amateur Boxing Association events. His standout achievement came when he won a major international boxing title in Singapore, bringing pride and visibility to Sri Lankan boxing. For his exceptional sporting accomplishments, he received four rare and prestigious honours: Military Police Colours, Army Colours, Three Forces Colours, and Ceylon Colours-awards given only to athletes of the highest standard. After retiring from active competition, he continued to uplift the sport. As coach of the Sri Lanka Army Boxing Team and later as a respected ABA referee, he devoted his time to developing young talent and upholding the values of fairness and discipline.
Lieutenant Ranaweera remained deeply involved in the sport until his sudden passing on 12 June 1996. His loss was felt across the military and boxing communities. His legacy lives on through the athletes he inspired, the standards he set, and the honour he brought to both his uniform and the sport he loved.