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by Bernard Perera

Four Sri Lankan Martial Arts experts Charles Anthony, Sunil Vithanage, Trevor Perera and Nirosha Nilamini Perera will leave the island next week for the United Kingdom to participate in the World Championships conducted by World United Martial Arts. The championships will be held in Cheltham from Nov. 20.

The championship will be contested by many Asian countries Japan, Nepal, India, Thailand and Philippines while there are also contestants from Western countries.

Nirosha Nilmini Perera is the sole Sri Lankan woman competitor. She will be fighting in the Under-60 kgs category. Nirosha, a former student of Mahamaya MV, Kadawatha is sure to face stiff opposition from opponents who represent Korea, Japan, Italy, Ireland, USA, England and Germany. She is under the guidance of Charles Anthony who is the coach, manager and player for the tour. Nirosha is confident that she should bring honour to her country.

Charles Anthony who spoke to the Daily Newssaid that he had participated in the World Championships on two occasions previously. I have followed the sport for nearly fifteen years and won many awards. The world governing body after considering my dedication to the sport appointed me as President of Sri Lanka branch of WUMA.

With the sole intention of promoting the sport here I conducted classes free of charge for nearly eight years. This paved the way for me to produce many martial art experts and it resulted in finding three world class fighters he said. I hope to continue this program further to promote the sport and to produce medal winners for my motherland. He concluded saying that his team is sure to make an impact on the world scene in martial arts.

At this championship he is to compete in the super heavyweight class. Meanwhile Sunil Vithana who has toured UK for the same event earlier will fight in the Under 60 kg category.

The thirty year old Sunil, an old boy of Prince College Kotahena said his experience gained in fighting foreign competitors could give him a chance to win a place at the championships.

Josephian Schoolboy Trevor Perera is the third male competitor in the squad. Eighteen year old Trevor an Advanced Level student had learnt the basics in martial arts from his master Charles Anthony from his young age.

He is proud that he was able to reach the world class at this young age. He says that all this is due to his master's correct guidance. He too is keen to keep the lion flag flying during the championships in England. He fights in the u-75 kg section. 

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