Mohandas LIYANAGE SUMITH

A policeman, he was Sri Lanka national featherweight champion in 1960, which earned him a trip to Rome Olympic Games.

Coming up against the reigning European champion, Jerzy Adamski of Poland, he floored the Pole in the opening round but lost a close decision after Adamski mounted a comeback in the later rounds. Adamski went to win the silver medal.

Known locally as the “Floyd Patterson of Ceylon” for his peek-a-boo style of boxing, he was voted Sri Lankan boxer of the year for his efforts in 1960.

Rising to the rank of Deputy Inspector General in the police force, he would later win a silver medal in pistol shooting in the World Police and Fire Service Games.