The festivities began with a motorcade and dancers at Pannala on 2nd January 2012.
Greeting A.M. Amila Nuwan were the Pannala Pradeshiya Saba Council Members, Principle of Pannala National School and residents of Pannala who were very proud to receive the nineteen year old International Boxing Bronze Medalist. Amila Nuwan is the first male from Slimline, Pannala to win a medal at an international level boxing meet. Anusha Kodithuwakku and Nilmini Jayasinghe both hailing from Slimline, Pannala are veteran female Boxers who are performing at international standards and considered Olympic medal hopefuls for Sri Lanka.
Amila Nuwan of Slimline Boxing Club, won the Bronze Medal in the Light Fly Weight under 49kg category beating the Pakistan opponent during the quarter finals of the 2nd Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Memorial International Boxing Tournament, held in December 2011, in Islamabad, Pakistan. Amila lost his chance to win a Silver Medal when faced with an injury to his hand during the semi-final bout against the Mongolian opponent in his weight class.
An old boy of the Pannala National School, Amila won the Stubbs Shield in 2006 and 2008. He also won the Gold in LV Jayaweera meet in 2006, Cadet Boxing Championship in 2007/2008, Youth Boxing meet in 2010. Amila was adjudged the Junior National Best Boxer in 2010 as well. Due to financial difficulties, Amila decided to give up Boxing in 2010 and find employment. At this time the MAS Slimline factory in Pannala stepped in to assist and Amila. He is now successfully employed as a Trainee Executive in Human Resource while being coached and trained in the factory’s state of the art gymnasium.
Subsequently, Amila went on to win the 2011 Novices Meet Gold Medal in his weight category and the Silver Medal in the Intermediate Meet. He also won the Layton Cup Gold in 2011 which qualified him to represent Sri Lanka in the 2nd Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Memorial Boxing Tournament in Islamabad, Pakistan from 19th to 30th December 2011.
Amila’s success in Boxing in tandem with world standards is a proof of the Sri-Lanka’s raw talent in Boxing. Dian Gomes’ vision towards promoting local boxing to the international arena has yet again being realized with this victory. Amila’s talent was envisioned by Mr. Gomes, during his Presidency of the Amateur Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (ABA) in 2004 -2007. He established the concept of regional development of Boxing in areas such as Pannala, Southern Sri Lanka, Panadura, Ratnapura and Kandy. Scouting for talent, and when found, the Boxers were coached and mentored by the MAS Intimates Coaches located in these areas. Further, Mr. Gomes sought sponsorships to fund the resources and equipment required for the purpose of development of boxing regionally. His focus on the development aspect of the sport has benefitted many men and women in rural areas who may have ended their Boxing careers after National Level meets, if otherwise.
The Bronze Medal from Pakistan is a stepping stone for Amila Nuwan in his Boxing career to reach greater heights at International level Boxing. Amila Nuwan is expected to reach greater heights in international boxing, with the support from his Boxing Club, employer-Slimline and the encouragement from the town folk of Pannala and Boxing enthusiasts in the country.
