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The M. N. Tennekoon Judo Championship was inaugurated in 1999 to honour M. N. Tennekoon who devoted more than four decades of his life for the propagation of martial arts in Sri Lanka, especially Judo. He was one of the earliest exponents of the art of Judo in Sri Lanka and trained many Judokas some of whom attained international standards.

In 1999 he was presented with an once in a life time award for his services to Judo. Which in the words of Tennekoon "One of the happiest moments in my life". Tennekoon left us before the year 2000 championship and the championship continues to this day under the name of M. N. Tennekoon Memorial Judo Championship. The live wire behind this championship is Raja Fernando one of his senior students. Fernando at present a Judo coach in Sweden and is a referee affiliated to the International Judo Federation. He is a 4th Dan in Kodokan Judo. All the medals and trophies for the 2003 Championship were donated by him.

Raja Fernando came down to Sri Lanka to organise and lead 2003 championship. He was ably assisted by late Tennekoon's senior pupils in the M. N. Tennekoon Judo Association.

The 4th M. N. Tennekoon Judo Championship was held at the YMCA Gymanisum, Colombo Fort recently. Mrs. Tennekoon, her daughters and most of the senior Judokas were present to grace the occasion. Asoka Jayawardana a respected senior Judoka was the chief guest. Senadeera Lugoda, Kithsiri Soyza, W. K. Godwin, Tissa Senevirathna, Gamini Nanayakkara, D. C. J. Seram, Mrs. Pauline Basnayaka and Mrs. Sandya Fernando, the first Sri Lankan female Black belt Kodokan were among the senior Judokas present.

Of all the memorial Judo Championships held in Sri Lanka M. N. Tennekoon Judo Championship attracted the largest number of participants and awards the largest number of medals and trophies. There were competitions for 26 weight categories.

The organizing committee of the M. N. Tennekoon Judo Association voted unanimously to award once in a life time award for services to Judo to Raja Fernando.

Fernando is the only Sri Lankan Judo coach working outside Sri Lanka as a professional.

Fernando's exceptional devotion to his late master should be highly appreciated. The Organizing committee of M. N. Tennekoon Judo Association hopes to hold the above championship annually.

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