Former Vidyarathane University College, Horana boxing star Gayan Rathnasiri is one of the finest pugilists to emerge from Police in the past decade.
A four-time winner of the Stubbs Shield and two-time Junior National champion, Rathnasiri proved his class by winning his maiden National title in 2018 and bringing glory to Police as a fresh-faced teenager.
A gangly light heavyweight (81kg) boxer with a unique unorthodox style almost challenging his opponents to dare attack him by keeping his hands dangerously low, Rathnasiri has coupled sound technique with smart ringcraft with consistency to emerge as one of Sri Lanka’s best prospects to win a medal at international level.
In an age when boxers look more like bodybuilders, Rathnasiri displays tactical nous to scientifically outpoint opponents who are out for the kill using their brawn rather than brain in the ring. He resembles a crown among thorns but his vast potential is still untapped despite having the speed and agility of a light weight and technical excellence to overpower the best in his weight class.
He has proved his ability not just once but thrice against 2019 Kathmandu South Asian Games gold medallist Rumesh Sandakelum. Rathnasiri beat the tough Army southpaw a month before he went to Nepal and more recently twice in consecutive duels at the first Selection Trials for the Commonwealth Games and more convincingly at the Layton Cup meet.
“He has been my toughest opponent with a dangerous hook. I had to tactically outsmart him,” said Rathnasiri who smothered his tough adversary with quicksilver footwork and precision counter punching skills.
Having joined the Police straight out of school, he beat a Navy veteran DPLR Kumara in 2018 to become the first national boxing champion from Police after 2008. The last time Police produced a winner at the Layton Cup was in 2012.
Rathnasiri also won bronze medals at the Layton and Clifford Cup in addition to being runner-up at the Nationals in 2019.
A Police Constable attached to Sri Lanka Police Training College (SLPTC), Kalutara, Rathnasiri is coached by Police assistant coach Rusiru Opanayake. He is grateful to the support given by Police boxing chairman DIG Lionel Gunathilaka, Police boxing secretary ASP Aruna Katugampola and Director SLPTC SSP Ajith Hesiri to pursue his boxing career.
The second child in a family of three, 24-year-old Gayan Prabath Rathnasiri is in peak condition and at the prime of his career. He has been boxing since 2009, winning laurels at school and Police. His dream is to bring glory to Sri Lanka. “My target is to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games,” said Rathnasiri with conviction. He is supremely confident having beaten the best in Sri Lanka and aims to pursue his dream with dedication.