Some of the greatest boxers in history are born out of poverty. They may not have been born with a silver spoon in their mouths but boxing has provided many people an opportunity to keep away from the streets and become celebrated prize fighters giving them an identity and purpose in life.
In Sri Lanka where boxing is an amateur sport, prize fighting is unheard of. The ultimate goal is fighting in the Olympics which is a Herculean task in the modern era and winning a medal at international level is a realistic target for boxers who are genuinely interested.
This is what motivates a 33-year-old Leading Aircraftswoman (LAC) Muthuthanthri Patabedige Sajeewani Srimali Cooray to keep chasing that elusive dream. Born in a poor fishing hamlet in Moratuwa, she has always been fighting against the odds in life. Despite good results at the GCE (O/L) exam, she dropped out of school to pursue a career in cricket representing Moratuwa Sports Club as an all-rounder for which she owes a debt of gratitude to Ishani Kaushalya and Lasanthi Madushani. Having received her education at St. Anthony’s College, Kandalana, her inclination to do sports saw her indulging in athletics, cricket and volleyball.
Her life changed when she joined MAS Unichela in 2012 where she took a fancy to the tough sport of boxing where she was coached by Kamal Sameera and Rohan Dangalle. She was not naturally gifted or talented but her fighting qualities saw her embark on a successful boxing career becoming undisputed national champion since 2014.
Barely two years after learning the fundamentals of boxing, Sajeewani Cooray swept all before her winning the ABA Novices, Intermediates, Layton Cup, Clifford Cup and the Nationals before winning a gold medal in the international dual meet between Sri Lanka and Singapore.
The following year she represented Sri Lanka at the Indonesian President’s Cup where she lost to a Japanese boxer and also took part in the Thailand Open in 2019. In addition, she also competed in the World Military Games in China and World Military Championships (2019).
She was a Bronze medallist at the 2019 Kathmandu South Asian Games and the high point of her career came at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
She scored a significant victory over an opponent from Pakistan in the preliminary round but found the going tough against a South African in the quarter-finals though giving her best shot.
She has been virtually unbeatable at home barring a solitary loss at the 2019 Layton Cup being adjudged the Best Loser. Mother of a 14-year-old daughter, Cooray is the unwanted child of Sri Lanka boxing but has a burning desire to shine on the international stage. Despite being at the peak of her career being adjudged the Most Outstanding Boxer of the Year at the 2022 National Championships in January and also helping Air Force emerge champions, Cooray was overlooked for the World Championship in New Delhi and also for the forthcoming Asian Games.
“I will continue boxing until I win an international medal and bring glory to Sri Lanka,” said Cooray who came close to emulating Anusha Kodithuwakku’s bronze medal winning feat at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Cooray has come thus far through her single minded dedication to the sport and guidance of Air Force boxing coach Danushka Ariyaratne.
The sports authorities in the country have failed to give due recognition to an uncut diamond who has been fighting her own battles without the benefit of so-called ‘High Performance’ training.
Her technique may not be flawless but what matters is that she has a big heart and is willing to literally die in the ring for the sake of the country. What more can you ask from a boxer who fears none and has never ducked challenges in life both inside and outside the ring.