Priantha Malavi was an official during a professional boxing event in Sri Lanka in 2022
Priantha Malavi, a name synonymous with boxing in Sri Lanka, marks a remarkable milestone this year as he completes 50 years in boxing administration. Known for his deep knowledge of the sport, tactical acumen, and sharp memory, Malavi has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of boxing in Sri Lanka, particularly at Royal College, where his contributions as a Technical Advisor have been instrumental in the school’s golden years.
Malavi’s journey in boxing began in the late 1960s at Royal College one of the most prestigious schools in Sri Lanka and came under the tutelage of the legendary Danton Obeyesekere and Ponnambalam Rajendran. As the Secretary of the Royal College boxing team in 1972, he quickly established himself as a dedicated and skilled administrator. Two years later, in 1974, he took on the role of Technical Advisor, a position he would hold for the next two decades, until 1994. During this period, Royal College experienced unprecedented success in boxing, winning the coveted Stubbs Shield, the premier inter-school boxing tournament in Sri Lanka, nine times out of the 19 wins in the school’s history. This remarkable achievement can be largely attributed to Malavi’s strategic planning, meticulous analysis and insightful coaching.
“As the Technical Advisor, I was involved in coaching, seconding, team selection and strategy planning of the team,” Malavi reflects. His keen eye for detail and ability to develop winning strategies helped Royal College dominate the Stubbs Shield series and other major tournaments such as the L.V. Jayaweera Cup, T.B. Jayah Cup, Francis Jayawardene Cup and the Phelps Trophy. Under his guidance, many Royal College boxers not only clinched victories but also earned Best Boxer and Best Loser accolades, showcasing the depth of talent nurtured during his tenure.
Beyond his contributions to Royal College, Malavi has been a cornerstone of boxing administration in Sri Lanka. He is a founder lifetime member of the Royal Boxing Club and served as its Treasurer for nearly three decades. His administrative skills and passion for boxing have extended to national levels, being a former Hony Auditor of the Boxing Referees & Judges Association of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Amateur Boxing Coaches Association.
Malavi’s dedication to boxing is further highlighted by his 30-year career as a boxing official, a journey that began in September 1982 when he became the youngest to qualify as a boxing referee in Sri Lanka. In this respect he received his initial guidance from the late Thomas de Silva, Donald Munasinghe, K.V. Dharmadasa, Dharmasiri Weerakoon, Mr. and Mrs Embuldeniya and Per Sonnerby. His first official duty was at the Royal College inter-house meet in 1983, and since then, he has been a prominent figure in the boxing community while officiating countless meets across the country. Known for maintaining high standards of skill and fair play, Malavi has built a reputation as one of the most respected referees and judges in Sri Lanka.
Known for maintaining high standards of skill and fair play, Malavi built a reputation as one of the most respected referees and judges in Sri Lanka.
In addition to his administrative roles, Malavi has made significant contributions as a commentator and historian of the sport. His sharp memory and deep understanding of boxing have made him a much sought-after commentator for various boxing events, including the Sri Lanka versus Philippines and Sri Lanka versus Vietnam dual meets, as well as the 2006 South Asian Games. He has also served as a TV commentator for matches such as Sri Lanka versus Tanzania and Sri Lanka versus India, Lions Cup and many local tournaments bringing the excitement of boxing to viewers across the country.
Malavi’s passion for boxing is evident not just in his administrative and officiating roles, but also in his commitment to preserving the history and stories of the sport. He has a unique ability to recall detailed accounts of Royal College’s battles in the ring, often recounting tales of past glories and the many talented boxers who came under his wing. His commentary and historical insights continue to inspire and educate new generations of boxing enthusiasts in Sri Lanka.
Reflecting on his 50-year journey, Priantha Malavi remains humble about his achievements but proud of his contribution to the sport he loves. “Boxing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” he says. “From my early days at Royal College to my role as a referee and commentator, I have always been passionate about the sport and committed to its growth in Sri Lanka.”
Today, while his activities are primarily focussed on commentating, Malavi’s influence in boxing administration is still felt throughout the country. He continues to be a guiding figure for many young athletes and officials, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience to help shape the future of boxing in Sri Lanka.
As he celebrates 50 years of dedication to the sport, Priantha Malavi stands as a testament to the power of passion, commitment, and hard work. His legacy is not just one of victories and accolades but of a lifelong dedication to fostering talent, promoting fair play and advancing the sport of boxing in Sri Lanka.
