Boxing legends bring back past in support of future

Former boxer and CBF Advisory Committee member Ikram Odayar (left) in conversation with the oldest living Sri Lankan Olympian Sumith Liyanage	Former BASL president Dian Gomes inaugurating the CBF website	HM Marzook silver medal winner of 1967

The Ceylon Boxing Federation (CBF) officially launched its website in a grand and dignified ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the history of Sri Lankan boxing.

The CBF successfully hosted the prestigious ceremony at the BMICH, bringing together legendary Sri Lankan boxers from the 1960s to the 1990s.

The prestigious event was organised under the leadership of CBF president Dushantha Kiriella, together with his dedicated and committed team.

The historic occasion was further elevated by the presence of Sri Lankan boxing stalwart Dian Gomes, former President of the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and Director of the International Boxing Association (IBA), who graced the event as a special guest.

Adding great value and nostalgia to the ceremony, over 150 former boxing champions from yesteryear participated with remarkable enthusiasm, reflecting the strong bond and enduring spirit within the boxing fraternity.

Among them were the oldest living Sri Lanka Olympian retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Sumith Liyanage who boxed at the 1960 Rome Olympics, 1967 Asian Boxing Championship silver medallist H.M. Marzook, 1978 Bangkok Asian Games bronze medallist HS Caldera and top schoolboy pugilist T.J.I. Ismail who won an unprecedented five Best Boxer awards in 1971.

Gomes praised the CBF for their “great initiative” to recognise and look into the welfare of veteran Sri Lanka boxers which has not been done by any organisation before.

Veteran official Priantha Malavi and Olympic referee Udeni Kiridena were the keynote speakers at the event.

The CBF continues to serve as a dedicated platform committed to the welfare and wellbeing of veteran boxing champions, according to its Secretary retired Major Mahinda Hettiarachchi. In line with this mission, the federation has now turned its focus toward fundraising initiatives aimed at providing meaningful support and assistance to veteran boxers across Sri Lanka.

The launch of the official website stands as a progressive step forward, strengthening communication, preserving the legacy of Sri Lankan boxing and reinforcing CBF’s commitment to those who have contributed immensely to the sport over the decades.

The occasion marked the induction of newly appointed Advisory and Executive Committee members. With strong participation from former champions and officials, the ceremony proudly celebrated the rich heritage and enduring legacy of Sri Lankan boxing.

Looking ahead, the federation has planned a busy and impactful calendar of events for 2026, reaffirming its commitment to honouring yesteryear champions.