An internationally renowned Sri Lankan boxing official Rukman Wekadapola has achieved the rare distinction of qualifying as an ITO (International Technical Official), R&J (Referee and Judge) Evaluator and R&J Instructor of the International Boxing Association (IBA).
He is the first Sri Lankan to achieve this honour after successfully passing the course held in March in Assisi, Italy. He achieved the top position from among 17 candidates.
A Physical Education teacher by profession, Wekadapola, 51, is one of the few Sri Lankan officials to gain international acclaim as a boxing referee.
Since qualifying as a 3-star IBA referee in 2013, Wekadapola has officiated as a neutral official in 26 international tournaments including four World Boxing Championships and one Youth Olympics.
In addition he has officiated in five World Series Boxing professional tournaments conducted by IBA.
He also officiated at the 2020 Olympic qualification tournament in London.
An outstanding product of Pilimathalawa Central College, he is a recipient of the coveted K Shiniya Challenge Cup awarded to the Junior Best Boxer at the Stubbs Shield meet.
As a 2-star IBA qualified coach, Wekadapola coached his Alma mater Pilimathalawa Central College, Kingswood College and Dharmaraja College and girl schools Viharamahadevi and Mahamaya in Kandy.
He is a former Secretary of the Schools Boxing Association of Sri Lanka and serves as Technical Advisor of the schools body in addition to being a member of the Referees and Judges Commission of the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka.
