Kahawala Kankanamge Ishara Thushari Perera, a mother of a four-year-old daughter and an inspiring national boxing champion, has captured hearts with her resilience and dedication. The 29-year-old Leading Aircraftwoman in the Air Force has claimed multiple Best Boxer titles within a span of one year, including her second consecutive win at the prestigious Layton Cup. Her achievements are a testament to her journey from modest beginnings in Wadduwa to the pinnacle of Sri Lankan boxing.
Ishara receives her trophy from retired Rear Admiral Prof Shemal Fernando
Her journey, underscored by triumphs at last year’s Clifford Cup, 96th National Boxing Championship and the 82nd Layton Cup and being adjudged Best Boxer, reflects the brilliance of a pugilist poised to make her mark on the international stage.
Ishara’s story begins in a fishing family in the southern coastal town of Wadduwa, where she grew up as the eldest of three siblings. Her father’s work as a fisherman made for a challenging upbringing, but Ishara was determined to make a better life for herself. She studied at Thalpitiya Junior School and after completing her O-Levels, joined MAS Holdings in 2014. It was there that she discovered her passion for boxing when coach Rohan Dangalle saw her potential and encouraged her to step into the ring.
She swiftly rose through the ranks, capturing a Junior Nationals gold medal in 2014, followed by gold medals at the Novice and Intermediate meets in 2015, as well as a Layton Cup gold and Clifford Cup silver. Recognizing her potential, the Air Force recruited her in February 2016. Since then, Ishara has not only represented the Air Force with distinction but also established herself as a national boxing champion. She secured Layton Cup victories in 2022, 2023 and 2024 and achieved her long-held dream of winning the Best Boxer title at the National Championship after nine years of dedication and hard work.
Reflecting on her journey, Ishara is grateful for her early coaches, C.L.K. Anthony and Corporal Wettasinghe, who guided her initial training. Her skills flourished under the guidance of Flt Sergeant Susantha Karunatilleke, while her present coach, Danushka Ariyaratne, refined her technique and footwork. She also credits former Army coach Sampath Jayatilleke for helping her excel in the 50kg weight class. “Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she says, deeply appreciative of their mentorship.
Balancing her passion for boxing with family life, Ishara is grateful to her husband, Shihan Tharindu Perera, who is employed overseas, for encouraging her to pursue her dreams. “His support has been invaluable, especially with our daughter, Iyana Adithya,” she shares. With a reach and sound ring-craft that allows her to out-manoeuvre opponents, Ishara also draws inspiration from Sri Lanka boxing heroines Anusha Kodituwakku and Keshani Hansika during her spell at MAS. She hones her skills in the Air Force by regularing sparring with another veteran Sri Lanka boxer Sajeewani Cooray and national champions Nishadi Malshani and Thashmi Tiwanka.
For Ishara, each triumph represents not just a personal victory but a testament to the support system around her. She expressed her gratitude to the commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Chairman of Air Force Boxing Group Captain Buddhika Nissanka, Secretary Wing Commander Mahesh Kotalawala, Asst. Secretary Sqdn Ldr Ranushka Dissanayaka and manager Sgt. Edirisinghe, who have played key roles in her journey.
Supported by her husband, Shihan Tharindu Perera, who has encouraged her pursuit of boxing while raising their daughter, she balances her roles as an athlete and a mother. Her goal is to continue improving her skills, focusing on refining her jab and adding power to her punches, as she aims for the international arena.
From a young woman working in a garment factory to a national boxing star, Ishara Thushari Perera’s journey exemplifies the power of resilience. Her success not only shines a spotlight on women’s boxing in Sri Lanka but also on the opportunities made possible by her unwavering commitment and the Air Force’s support. As she sets her sights on international success, Ishara’s story serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.
Looking ahead, Ishara’s ambitions extend beyond national titles. Her dream is to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage and to bring home a medal, fulfilling not just her own aspirations but also bringing pride to her family and the country. Additionally, she hopes to complete her certification as a beautician, balancing her boxing career with her other passions.
Ishara Thushari Perera’s story is a remarkable testament to the power of perseverance and support. Her rise from a fisherman’s daughter in Wadduwa to a national boxing star has not only inspired a generation but has also set the stage for what promises to be an illustrious career in boxing.
