Karate pioneer Anura Shantha retires after 36 years of service

W.A. Anura Shantha, the President of the Sri Lanka Schools Karate Do Association and Principal of WP/KE/Kadawatha Vidyaloka Vidyalaya, has announced his retirement after an exceptional 36-year career in education and sports development. His departure on February 20, marked the end of an era for the Karate community in Sri Lanka.

Anura Shantha is widely recognized for his significant contributions to Karate Do and athletics. During his school years, he displayed remarkable talent in sports, securing first place in both the 400m and 800m events at the University of Kelaniya inter-university athletic competitions in 1989. His passion for sports continued throughout his career, guiding his commitment to nurturing young athletes.

As one of the pioneer members of the Sri Lanka Schools Karate Do Association, Anura Shantha played a vital role in transforming Karate into a popular and competitive sport within Sri Lankan schools. What began as a small initiative has now grown into a thriving sporting community with more than 100 coaches spread across all nine provinces. His leadership and vision have paved the way for thousands of young students to engage in Karate at a professional level.

Anura Shantha’s efforts were not limited to local achievements. Under his guidance, the Sri Lanka Schools Karate Do Association gained international recognition, participating in several prestigious international tournaments. Notable achievements include participation in the Oslo International Karate Championship in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Dhaka International Taekwondo Championship in Dhaka, Bangladesh, the Silent Night International Karate Championship in Malaysia, the Indo Ray International Karate Championship in Mumbai, India, and the Iran International Karate Championship in Tehran, Iran. These international exposures greatly contributed to the growth of Karate in Sri Lanka.

The remarkable journey of the Sri Lanka Schools Karate Do Association would not have been possible without the initial leadership and vision of R.M.V. Rajapakshe, the first President and former Principal of Gurukula Vidyalaya. The Association was further supported by Ms. Shirley Perera, former Principal of St. Anthony’s College, who served as Secretary, and Ms. Sumana Premadasa, former Principal of Kiribathgoda Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya, who served as Treasurer. Their untiring efforts were instrumental in establishing Karate as a recognized sport within Sri Lankan schools. (SJ)

 Source:Daily News