The father of Sri Lankan Wushu, Sifu Prasanna Jayaweera, says that internal politics within the Sri Lanka Wushu Federation (SLWF) is stifling the sport’s growth and diminishing opportunities for local athletes.
Speaking at a press briefing held at the D.S. Senanayake College Club House in Colombo on Monday (03), Jayaweera called on the federation’s leadership to “set aside differences and work for the betterment of Wushu and its athletes.”
The event was held ahead of a grand felicitation ceremony held yesterday at the Royal College MAS Arena, marking the 50th anniversary of Jayaweera’s contributions to the Chinese martial art in Sri Lanka.
Widely hailed as the man who first introduced Wushu to the island in 1975, Jayaweera has spent five decades nurturing multiple generations of martial artists.
Now nearing 70, Jayaweera serves only as an advisor to the SLWF, but lamented that political interference had forced him to “take a backseat” in administrative affairs.
“I have no favourites in the Federation,” he noted, recalling that it was he who once elevated Manel Dharmakeerthi to the sport’s top ranks — though he later had to take legal action against her “in the name of justice and fair play.”
Despite these challenges, Jayaweera expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s athletic potential, stating that “local talent has never been stronger” and that the nation’s martial artists have what it takes to win medals internationally — if only freed from administrative strife.
Jayaweera, a student and close friend of William Cheung — the direct disciple of legendary grandmaster Ip Man, teacher of Bruce Lee — has built a lasting legacy of discipline, passion, and mentorship.
“Wushu is not just a martial art. It’s a way of life. But unless we rise above politics, we will fail the next generation,” he added.
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