Dian Gomes
The legacy of Dian Gomes stands as a powerful testament to discipline, vision, and lifelong service. From the boxing ring to the boardroom, his journey reflects an extraordinary blend of athletic passion, corporate leadership, and national contribution. Today, he is recognized as one of the most influential figures to shape the modern era of Sri Lankan boxing.
Born on 21 September 1957, Dian Gomes began his remarkable journey at Royal College, Colombo, where his innate talent for boxing quickly emerged.
- Royal College Flyweight Boxing Champion (1972-1977) dominating the division for four consecutive years
- Sri Lanka Junior National Light Flyweight Champion (1975) marking his entrance onto the national stage
These achievements laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to the sport and his vision for elevating Sri Lankan boxing.
Beyond sport, Dian Gomes distinguished himself as a respected business leader and global professional, earning recognition both locally and internationally.
- President, CIMA Sri Lanka Division (2001-2002)
- Chairman, Hela Clothing PLC
- Group Director, MAS Holdings a USD 3 billion multinational apparel enterprise
- Fellow of CIMA (UK), ACCA (UK) & CPA (Australia)
- Completed executive leadership programs at Wharton, Ashridge, and Harvard Business School
- Served on the Board of Nestlé Lanka PLC and various public and private sector institutions
- Business Leader of the Year CIMA-Janashakthi Pinnacle Awards (2003)
- Highly Commended Business Leader – CIMA UK (2004)
- Listed among Sri Lanka’s Male Icons (2007)
- Brand Leadership Award World Brand Congress, Mumbai (2009)
- Business Icon of the Year CIMA Leadership Awards (2012)
- Director Public Service Commission of Sri Lanka (2020-2022)
- Current Honorary Consul of Georgia in Sri Lanka
His accomplishments embody excellence, innovation, and unwavering commitment to ethical leadership.
Dian Gomes' contribution to Sri Lankan sports-especially boxing -has been both visionary and transformative.
Dian Gomes' contribution to Sri Lankan sports-especially boxing -has been both visionary and transformative.
- 2004-2009- First tenure
- 2017-2024-Second tenure
Across both terms, he championed structural reforms,
strengthened national programs, and enhanced Sri Lanka’s prospects on the international boxing stage
- Vice President, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka
- President, National Fencing Association of Sri Lanka
- Chef de Mission, Sri Lanka contingent 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
- First Sri Lankan Member, Commonwealth Advisory Body on Sport (CABOS) – 2013
- Board Director, International Boxing Association (IBA)
- Director, Asian Boxing Confederation (ASBC)
- Contributor to numerous global commissions and committees in sports administration
- African Sports Management and Leadership Award (2014) recognizing his regional and global impact
- National Title: “Sri Lanka Sikhamani” (2019)
conferred by the President of Sri Lanka for outstanding service to national development
These accolades reflect the far-reaching influence of his leadership, both within and beyond Sri Lanka.
From his early triumphs as a schoolboy boxer to his decades of service in national governance, corporate leadership, and global sports administration, Dian Gomes has left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan sport. His story continues to inspire athletes, administrators, professionals, and youth-proving that dedication, integrity, and purpose can shape not only a career but an entire nation's sporting future