F.H. Abdulla Ibunu, Chairman of the National Selection Committee of the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), has strongly defended the recent selection process for the upcoming Asian Youth and Under-22 Boxing Championships. Amidst criticism and allegations of bias, Ibunu emphasises that the process is based purely on merit and guided by a clear vision for Sri Lanka’s boxing future.

A former Royal College boxer who began his career in 1996, Ibunu is no stranger to the ring. He boasts a remarkable record as a four-time Stubbs Shield gold medallist and a three-time Junior National champion. He captained Royal College’s boxing team for an unprecedented three years (2003–2005) and led the Sri Lanka U-19 team at the World Junior Boxing Championships in Jeju, South Korea. Although he bowed out in the quarterfinals to a German boxer, his leadership and skill were unmistakable.

His coaching career is equally distinguished. He served as coach of the national youth team for three years and was assistant coach to the senior national squad for four. A former Secretary of the BASL, today he heads the powerful national selection committee.

Reacting to claims of irregularities in the selection for the Asian meet, Ibunu categorically stated: “There is no pressure from anyone regarding selections. We are a transparent and independent selection committee.”
He further noted that the committee comprises respected individuals from diverse backgrounds: Khan Weerasinghe, Officer-in-Charge of Kaduwela Police Station; Susantha Weerasena, Additional Director of Education in Nuwara Eliya; and Navy officers WASP Fernando and Sumedha.

“We participate as selectors wherever and whenever – in Colombo, Kandy, or anywhere in the country – with the objective of raising the standard of boxing in the country,” Ibunu said.

According to Ibunu, Sri Lankan boxing has significantly improved under the leadership of BASL President Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara.

“Since he took over, there has been a big change – a big difference,” he noted.

In a remarkable show of dedication, the BASL President has invested Rs. 19 million of his personal funds in the sport within just eight or nine months of his tenure, according to Ibunu.

“We are doing a voluntary service for the sake of boxing. No one can criticise or blame the selectors in this regard,” Ibunu emphasised.

He detailed the rigorous selection criteria, stating that they assess whether the selected boxers can go three rounds, fight for medals, and match the standard of top Asian competitors.

“We have selected such boxers and they are undergoing training,” he affirmed.

Addressing the controversy over the article headlined “Gimhani out, Fernando in’, in the Daily Mirror, Ibunu clarified: “Gimhani of Sri Pragnaratne Central College, Geli Oya, won a close 3-2 decision at the selection meet. But in the three sparring sessions that followed – including the final one at Royal College – she did not perform well.”

He added that Fernando was included in the original pool and showed greater potential across the board.

On another selection dispute involving Royalist Thenuwan Meegalla and Sandun Heshan, Ibunu explained that Meegalla had won unanimously in the trials and in the subsequent sparring bouts.

“Meegalla’s technique is better than most of the boxers. He was the Best Boxer at Stubbs and winner of an international gold medal,” he said.

He urged critics not to discredit the selection process.

“We want to select the best boxer, not axe anyone without reason. There are some who criticise and who want to bring disrepute to the sport. We are not angry with them or want to take revenge. But we appeal to them to shed aside differences and support us.”

Addressing a specific allegation, Ibunu firmly stated: “There was an allegation that Coaches Commission Chairman Amila Aravinda Tissera tried to influence me. I categorically state he has never tried to influence me. Even if he does, I will never do it.”

He reiterated that the Selection Committee is fully independent: “We don’t discuss matters with anyone else – not even the BASL President. Even he cannot tell me whom to select. This is the rule. Otherwise, no chance.”

Looking ahead, Ibunu believes the national pool currently in training at the Police Training School in Katukurunda – under coach Amila Aravinda and his team – has real medal potential.

“They are following a good training schedule. I believe the squad we have selected for the Asian meet have a good chance of fighting for medals,” he said.

However, he stressed that the future success of boxing lies in more than just training.

“We have to ensure they are stable economically. Guide them, motivate them to go further,” he urged.

He also called on corporate sponsors and the state to join hands with BASL.

“If we get two or three sponsors, I’m pretty confident and certain we can win a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games,” he stated boldly.

“With this programme and pathway created by the BASL President – with residential training camps, nutrition, vitamins, and supplements – we should appreciate what he is doing.”

Making a passionate appeal to the Head of State, Ibunu said: “I appeal to the Honourable President of the country, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to look at what we are doing for the sport and help us lift the standard of boxing.”

He concluded with a reminder of boxing’s heritage: “Boxing started in Sri Lanka in the 1900s. There is a rich history we should preserve. The objective of the BASL President is to bring a gold medal to Sri Lanka – and we won’t give up until we achieve that.”