Rukman Wekadapola
Wekadapola Wasala Mudiyansele Rukman Wekadapola stands as one of Sri Lanka's most respected and internationally recognized boxing professionals, having devoted over three decades to the advancement of the sport as a boxer, coach, referee, judge, instructor, and administrator. His remarkable journey reflects a rare combination of athletic excellence, technical mastery, and lifelong service to the boxing community both locally and globally.
Rukman's passion for boxing ignited during his school years, where his skill and determination quickly set him apart. In 1992, he captured the National Schools Boxing Championship, marking the beginning of a distinguished journey that would see him rise from a promising schoolboy boxer to one of the most respected figures in Sri Lankan boxing.
Transitioning from athlete to mentor, Rukman began his coaching career in 1993, dedicating himself to nurturing young talent across the island. Over the decades, he has guided countless boxers to provincial and national titles, shaping the next generation of champions. He has served as coach at:
- Pilimathalawa Central College (1993-1995)
- Mapalana Maha Vidyalaya (1997-1998)
- Mapalana Maha Vidyalaya (1997-1998)
- Kingswood College (2002-2014)
- Dharmaraja College (2006-2025)
- Viharamaha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy (2007-2012)
- University of Peradeniya (2019-2022)
- Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy (2022-2025)
His dedication to professional growth is evident through his completion
of Olympic Solidarity Coaching Courses in 1999 (Wadduwa) and 2010 (Digana), further enhancing his technical expertise and coaching philosophy.
Rukman Wekadapola's contribution to boxing extends far beyond Sri Lanka's borders. His exceptional officiating and coaching skills have earned him numerous international appointments under the International Boxing Association (IBA), serving as a Referee, Judge, Coach, Evaluator, and Instructor across more than 15 countries. Some of his most notable assignments include:
- National Cuach, Asian Junior Boxing Championship, Pakistan (2008)
- Manager/Coach, Asian Junior Championship, Vietnam (2009)
- Coach, World Junior Championship, Azerbaijan (2009)
- Referee & Judge, Asian Games, Indonesia (2018)
- Referee & Judge, Youth Olympic Games, Argentina (2018)
- Referee & Judge Evaluator, Africa Championship, Congo (2023)
- Referee & Judge Evaluator, Africa Youth Championship, Guinea (2024)
In addition, Rukman has officiated three times as a Referee and Judge at the IBA World Championships held in Germany, Russia, and India a testament to his elite technical reputation and international standing.
He has also represented Sri Lanka as an official in major competitions held in Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria, Australia, Germany, India, and England, always upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in the ring.
Rukman's qualifications and international certifications reflect his exceptional expertise and recognition by the world's governing body for boxing:
- IBA Certified Referee, Judge Evaluator, and Instructor (2024)
- 3-Star Referee & Judge – IBA
- 2-Star Coach – IBA
Notably, he holds the proud distinction of being Sri Lanka’s first-ever IBA
Referee & Judge Instructor – a milestone achievement that underscores his pioneering role in developing technical officials in the country.
Beyond his technical and coaching achievements, Rukman Wekadapola has also contributed immensely to the administrative and developmental side of the sport. He served as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Schools Boxing Association, playing a key role in organizing and promoting school-level boxing across the island. He currently serves as the Technical Advisor to the Sri Lanka Schools Boxing Association, guiding the next generation of officials, coaches, and athletes with his vast experience and international insight.
Throughout his distinguished career, Rukman Wekadapola has embodied the true spirit of boxing discipline, respect, and dedication. His enduring commitment as a mentor, official, and leader has left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan boxing. Generations of young athletes continue to be inspired by his passion, professionalism, and contribution to the sport he has served with unwavering devotion.