Leslie Donovan Perera Handunge
Born on 18 June 1921, Leslie Donovan Perera Handunge was a pioneering Sri Lankan boxer and sports administrator. He made history as the first Ceylonese boxer to win a bout at the Olympic Games, defeating Mexico's Guillermo Porteiro in the flyweight category at the 1948 London Olympics-a milestone in Ceylon's sporting history. Handunge was a versatile sportsman, excelling in rugby, cricket, and hockey during his time at Trinity College, Kandy. At the University of Peradeniya, he continued his sporting excellence, winning the Manning Cup for Best Boxer at the 1949 National Boxing Championship. He represented Ceylon again at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and had the honor of carrying the national flag.
After retiring from boxing at 31, Handunge pursued a Master's in Physical Education and became the first Ceylonese Director of Sports at the University of Peradeniya. He played a key role in shaping university sports in Sri Lanka, founding the Ceylon Universities' Sports Association (CUSA) in 1969, which later became the Sri Lanka Universities Sports Association (SLUSA), and initiating the triennial Sri Lanka University Games (SLUG).
Leslie Handunge's impact on Sri Lankan sports continues to resonate through prestigious honors and events, including the Leslie Handunge Award, presented to the Most Outstanding Sportsman at the University of Colombo. His remarkable journey as both a pioneering athlete and a visionary sports administrator has left an indelible legacy that inspires generations.