(PrincipalVidyarathnaUniversityCollegeHorana)

I am proud to say that we have produced a number of outstanding junior boxers into the national team. We have been performing this act now for the past 16 years. We have also won every major title which is on offer including the T. B. Jayah Meet, L. V. Jayaweera Meet and the Layton Cup Meet. We have produced over 70 boxers to the national squad. Those who are now representing the tri-forces and MAS Holdings are all proud products of Vidyarathna University College. We have allocated a total of Rs. 1.2 million annually for the development of boxing. We do not receive any support from the state as we are considered a semi-government institution. But we have managed to keep the sport alive through the assistance of public funds, oldboys and MAS Holdings. We also have to look after the well being of the boxing coaches. We possess the best boxing ring in the Kalutara District. As a result all boxers from the other schools also patronize our boxing ring. The Education Ministry does not provide any support for the promotion of boxing among the schools. Dian Gomes has always helped us in the past and in the present to make progress in the sport. In fact, Gomes and MAS Holdings have given us material and financial assistance whenever needed. We can definitely make progress in boxing. The only obstacle I see is the interference of the referees. The sport has been destroyed by these referees through some biased decisions at local events. I can also say that some of the referees are pressurizing the competitors during tournaments. So far no official has come forward to solve this issue. The coaches are also in a spot of bother due to this incident. We see some unqualified referees officiating at some of the major events in the country. Some of the boxers have even given up because of these controversial decisions handed by the referees. But we have some talented coaches in the country.