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Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem

Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem

Trinity College, Kandy Respice Finem

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Email: info@trinitycollege.lk

Trinity College, Kandy
262, D S Senanayake Veediya, Kandy 20000, Central Province, Sri Lanka

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Thursday, 10 March 2022 / Published in Boxing, College, General Articles, History, Sports

When Trinity Boxing went to Olympics – the Story of Leslie Handunge

An article by Chaniru Senhas (Grade 8)

Boxing at Trinity

Boxing has traditionally been one of Trinity’s most exciting sports, both among alumni and students. The beginnings of Boxing dates to 1907 when only younger students were allowed to be a part of the sport. Since 1913, Boxing became a main-stream sport in college and many inter-house tournaments were held. Consequently, in 1914 Trinity won its first battle for the Stubbs Shield.

Trinity boxing became defunct in 1962, but, it sprang back to life in 1975 with the trainers being Bobby Jayaweera, S. B. Kiridena, Leslie Handunge and Sarath Jayasinghe and culminated with winning the Stubbs in 1983. Sadly, the second death-knell was dealt to Trinity boxing in 1984 and was again revived in 2005 and continues to this day.

Joe Louis of Ceylon

Leslie Handunge

Leslie Donovan Perera Handunge, better known as Leslie Handunge, who has been a colleague of Duncan White, was the only Olympic boxer produced by Trinity. He was born on the 18th of June, 1921 and he lived to an age of 100 years. He was one of the finest sportsmen produced by Trinity College. 

After joining Trinity, he was guided by many coaches. He lived in Matale at the time. Leslie represented Garret House in four major sports: cricket, boxing, rugby, and athletics. His siblings too were well-known sportsmen and sportswomen in their respective fields.  

Leslie became captain of the College Boxing Team in 1939 while keeping the family tradition as his father too was the captain of the College Boxing team. He was a multitalented athlete who also achieved a place in the National Boxing team. 

Immediately after leaving Trinity in 1940, Leslie joined the College staff from 1942 to 1944.

1984 Boxing Team – Leslie Handunge as Coach (6th from Left)

He enrolled in Peradeniya University’s Agriculture Faculty in 1947 to pursue a degree in agriculture, and subsequently won the Manning Cup for Best Boxer at the National Boxing Championship Meet the following year as an undergraduate. Leslie was also the Director of Physical Education at the University of Peradeniya.

Leslie obtained a Diploma in Physical Education from the University of Loughborough UK and a Masters Degree in Physical Education from the University of Springfield USA.

He gained his pride and respect by representing Sri Lanka at the 1948 London Olympics where he participated in the men’s flyweight event. In round one of this event he gained victory by defeating Guillermo Porteiro who was an Uruguayan boxer. Round 2 is where he was defeated by Spartaco Bandinelli, an Italian boxer. Not only at the London Olympics, but Leslie also participated in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. He was awarded Gold medal in round 1 by defeating Walter Tello, a Panamanian boxer in the men’s flyweight event. In round 2 which was a redraw, handunge was defeated by Dai Dower, a boxer from Britain. 

Leslie Handunge (Second from Right) – The Ceylon Olympic squad at the Olympic camp in Richmond Park, London – 13th June 1948

Following his Olympic performance, Leslie enrolled in Loughborough College to pursue a Diploma in Physical Education, becoming the first Ceylonese to do so. At the age of 31, Lesie, who was also famously known as ‘Joe Louis of Ceylon,’ announced his retirement from the sport. 

Gaining the essence from many past sportsmen produced by Trinity, Boxing continues to be a key sport in College upholding the values of leadership and teamwork.

In Leslie’s own words:

“So Trinity –
Play hard, play clean,
Do nothing dirty, nothing mean
Do your best, you can’t do more,
Play the game and forget the score
Respect your opponents treat them with
chivalry
Above all, maintain the traditions of Trinity.
“

Leslie Handunge
Leslie Handunge in Action

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COLLEGE NEWS

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  • The Sesquicentennial Anniversary Prize Giving 2022 – reviewedMarch 13, 2023
  • T150 Sesquicentennial Anniversary Prize Giving ReportFebruary 26, 2023
  • Sri Lanka Girl Guide Association Camp at Trinity Eco Learning Arena [TELA] February 19, 2023

SPORTS NEWS

  • Trinity Cricketers win against Royal College Colombo at the Under 19 Division Tier A Two Day Tournament 2022/2023March 10, 2023
  • Trinity Under 18 Football team wins against Wickramabahu National College Gampola – SLFA 3rd RoundMarch 10, 2023
  • Trinity wins SLSFA Under 16 Kandy Zonal Football TournamentMarch 10, 2023
  • Trinity Basketball Players emerge winners at the U16 Central Zone Baskteball TournamentMarch 6, 2023

CLUBS & SOCIETIES NEWS

  • HELIOS Extinguished – Trinity College Gavelliers reign as the forerunners at the All-Island CompetitionsMarch 19, 2023
  • A Bid Farewell: Colombo Model United Nations 2023March 18, 2023
  • Road to Pallekele – The first School MTB (Mountain Bike) Track at PallekeleMarch 18, 2023
  • TCMUN Dominates at the Mahamaya MUN Conference ‘23March 17, 2023

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A major #throwback to The Blend from Thrithva Rang A major #throwback to The Blend from Thrithva Ranga 2017!Here's a LIVE performance of Gratitude - (Amin Toofani) - A solo cover by Akila GunawardhanaListen to the track on our SoundCloud page!#trinitycollegelk #thrithvaranga #theblend #gratitude #guitar #cover #song #trinity #college #kandy #srilanka
The Cross and Triumph of Christ - A Lenten Meditat The Cross and Triumph of Christ - A Lenten Meditation and Easter Reflection in Music, Lesson and Prayer will take place on 02 April 2023, 6.30pm at the Trinity College Chapel, Kandy.The service will feature the music of Handel, Bach, Mozart, Kendrick, Dubra, Gjeilo and well loved Hymns#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #crossandtriumphofchrist #service #easter #lenten #music #lesson #prayer #handel #bach #mozart #kendrick
The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sr The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Maged Mosleh paid a courtesy visit to Trinity College on Friday, the 17th of March 2023.Following the cordial discussions with the Principal on matters related to education and culture, the Ambassador had a guided tour of premises with Mr. Shane De Silva.#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #visit #ambassaodor #egyptian
Trinity College PROMWEB is excited to announce the Trinity College PROMWEB is excited to announce the screening of the Oscar winning documentary 'Elephant Whisperers' taking place on Tuesday, 28th of March 2023, 2.30pm at the Trinity College Media Studio (Near the College Library).We are inviting interested students from Grade 9 and Upwards - to register yourself via the Microsoft Form at www.bit.ly/promwebreg01 on or before 23 March 2023.Limited registrations available!#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #documentary #screenings
From the #GavelClubPost completion of the prelim From the #GavelClubPost completion of the preliminary rounds and semi-finals of HELIOS 22 organized by the Gavel Club of Hillwood College Kandy the finale was set on the 11th of March 2023.At the playoffs of the HELIOS Interschool Competition 22 our very own Trinity College Gavelliers with their zealous drive ran the show with finalists Masters Isija Thilakrathne and Yeshan Ranatunga emerging with podium finishes.Read the full review on our College website!#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #gavelclub #winners #trinity #college #kandy
TCMUN, in its short but vivid history has thrived, TCMUN, in its short but vivid history has thrived, gaining recognition for being daring and relentless. The names of Bilaal Marikar, Malaka Samarasinghe and Lukman Hassan have resonated in the conference halls of Sri Lanka. And this year’s participation in Colombo Model United Nations (COMUN) marked another significant milestone.Read the full review on our College website!#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #modelunitednations #tcmun #trinity #college #kandy #srilanka
The Trinity College Cycling Club completed an exci The Trinity College Cycling Club completed an exciting mission on March 6, 2023 at the Trinity Eco Learning Arena (TELA).The goal of the club was to create the first MTB (Mountain Bike) Track that a Sri Lankan School has opened. The project was aimed at providing an ideal experience for MTB riders of all skill levels while ensuring their safety.Read the full review on our College website!#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #cyclingclub #MTBtrack #trinity #college #kany #srilanka
The Trinity College Model United Nations Club show The Trinity College Model United Nations Club showcased an impressive performance, with its delegates dominating all 6 committees of the conference at the Mahamaya MUN Conference ‘23.Read the full review on our College website!#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #mun #tcmun #trinity #college #kandy #srilanka
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