They were the pride of Police Boxing

If Sri Lanka Boxing is discussed be it at the Police Ring or otherwise (Depot Police) Bamabalapitiya, five boxers have left an indelible mark in the history of the Law Enforcing Officers Boxing Club. Quite a number of them excelled in the ring (School Boys) via Stubb Shield meets, four of them hit the pinnacle through blood, toil, sweat and tears to represent the country at Olympic Games.

Namely brothers H.P. and C.P. Jayasooriya, Sumith Liyanage and Dharmasiri Weerakoon cream of schoolboy sportsmen joined the Police at a time, there were no walk-in interviews unlike at present times. At that time there was quality, but no quantity. They had to work and play (Night Rounds) and at all levels maintained the dignity of their profession and served the service for the right reasons and with understanding. Doyen of Sri Lanka Boxing late Edward I. Gray had no peer in promoting the Noble art of self defence. He did much for Sri Lanka and Police Boxing until his last breath though living in Melbourne Australia.

The present Chairman of Police Sports Club DIG Nimal Lewke who started his humble career under legendary coach Derek Raymond at St. Sylvester’s. He has decided under the able guidance of new IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne to honour the ones who deserved to be honoured by unveiling the photographs of the five boxers, four of them have gone far beyond, brothers H.P. and C.P. Jayasoooriya and Dharmasiri Weerakoon, Bamey Henricus and the only boxer, dusky Sumith Liyanage who still a picture of fitness is among.

There were no foreign coaches. H.P., C.P. and Sumith were coached by D.C.A. Wickramasinghe, better known as ‘Guru’. The trio were members of the Singha Amateur Boxing Club and they trained at the dilapidated Eastern Motor Garage Ring. DCA totally committed, produced some of the best for the country. H.P. and C.P. proud products of Ananda, while Liyanage who learnt the skills at Ananda later shifted to Nalanda and turned out to be a gangling fast bowler like the West Indies’ Charlie Griffths. Liyanage represented Sri Lanka in the Rome Olympics in 1960 in the feather weight. There were 38 pugilists in this weight very competitive. He lost to medal Jessie Adamkski (Poland) on a split decision ultimate winner of the Silvester.

Brothers H.P. & C.P. represented at the Melbourne Olympics in 1956. H.P. also represented 1952 Olympics at Helsinki. He was the only Sri Lankan Boxer who represented at two respective Olympics. HP had ring craft and science to match best in his weight (Boxer). Battered bruised lost a gruelling contest to Dick Macgart (Poland) ultimate gold medal winner.

Dharmasiri Weerakoon from Christian College took part in the Rome Olympics. He was coached by Albert Perera, who took part at the Wembley Olympics. Dharmasiri was assisted by Danston & Rex Obeysekare.

Bamey Henricus (Police) hails from a boxing clan. Won the Empire Games Auckland (Sydney) “Gold” in the Bantam weight 1938.

DIG Nimal Lewke and IGP Jayantha Wickramaratne must be commended for doing the right thing at the right time in honouring the past stalwarts who have gone (unheard, unsung) during their tenure. Of course other sportsmen too will be recognized. Their portraits will be unveiled at Police pavilion on September 13 at 7.30 a.m.