• When power aligns with purpose  

The Daily Morning recently had the opportunity to speak to Uvindu Jayasinghe, a sporting sensation who made Sri Lanka proud recently in a yet lesser known sport in the island nation – powerlifting. He is an athlete who has challenged many obstacles in a rigorous journey from childhood.  

Uvindu represented Sri Lanka at multiple international championships in Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Dubai, Hong Kong, and South Africa, won nine international medals, including gold, silver, and bronze at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship 2024.

He is a six-time Sri Lanka National Champion in the under-105 kg weight category, holding the title consecutively for four years, while also holding all national records in the under-105 kg category: Squat (300 kg), Bench Press (180 kg), Deadlift (310 kg), and Total (790 kg).

He also earned university colours in powerlifting, rugby, and athletics. 

Following are the excerpts from the interview:

How would you introduce yourself?


I’m Uvindu Jayasinghe, a proud Sri Lankan powerlifter who has represented my country on international stages, earning multiple medals. My sports journey began with rugby and boxing before transitioning to powerlifting in 2019. Over the years, I’ve become a six-time National Champion and an Asian, Asia-Pacific, African, and Commonwealth medalist. Despite balancing rigorous training, work, and personal challenges, I’ve stayed committed to excelling in this sport and inspiring others to rise stronger, regardless of the obstacles they face.

Can you tell us about your childhood?


I didn’t receive much support at home early on in my career, but my mother was always a constant source of motivation. She encouraged me to stay focused on my dreams, even when the circumstances weren’t ideal. My father began to see the value of my dedication only when I started achieving success, earning medals and certificates during my university years. 

Once people recognised my achievements, they couldn’t resist supporting me, which helped me grow further. My humble upbringing instilled in me the values of resilience and hard work. I also believe life is short; we’re not here forever. In the time we have, we must leave a mark on the world. These early experiences taught me responsibility and shaped who I am today.

What was your first interaction with sports?


My sports journey started at Royal College Colombo, where I initially played volleyball before trying boxing and rugby. Each sport brought discipline and camaraderie, laying the foundation for my future athletic pursuits. I carried this passion for sports to my university, where I continued playing rugby while balancing academics and tournaments. Even then, I was determined to excel in multiple disciplines, earning university colors for my performances. These early interactions taught me the importance of discipline, which I consider more reliable than fleeting motivation.

How did you get into powerlifting?


I always tell people; never give up on your dreams. If one path doesn’t work, find another. I had dreamed of achieving school colours to prove my worth to my family and loved ones, but I didn’t get the chance. However, I didn’t stop dreaming. I wanted to represent Sri Lanka one day, and I believed that changing the route not the destination – was key.

My journey in powerlifting began during my time at NSBM Green University in 2019. While pursuing my degree, I was inspired by the weightlifting sessions at the gym. My coach noticed my potential and encouraged me to pursue powerlifting seriously. I committed to balancing training with academics and slowly worked my way to national and international recognition.

Tell us about your recent achievements and wins.

At the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championship 2024 in South Africa, I won six medals: Classic powerlifting championship squat gold, lifting 295 kg and overall silver, lifting 767.5 kg. In the equipped powerlifting championship I won bronze for squat, lifting 290 kg; bench press bronze, lifting 177.5 kg; deadlift gold, lifting 302.5 kg; and overall silver, lifting 770 kg. These achievements were the result of six years of hard work and dedication. Last December, I also secured my sixth consecutive Sri Lanka National Championship title in the under-105 kg category. These victories represent my determination to push boundaries and make my country proud.

Can you share some experiences from your international tours and competitions?

Competing internationally has been both challenging and rewarding. Facing elite athletes from countries like England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa has pushed me to elevate my performance. My first two international championships didn’t bring me any medals, but I promised myself that I would succeed eventually.

One defining moment was at the Asian Powerlifting Championship 2023. To win a medal, I needed to squat 300 kg – something I had never done before, not even in training, as my best was 291 kg. With tears in my eyes, I reminded myself that this was for my country. I told myself: “I will do it. No matter what, I will become a champion.” To this day, I don’t know how I managed to lift that weight, but I did, and I will cherish that moment forever.

These experiences have taught me to fight through pain and emotions for my country and shown me the camaraderie among athletes. Representing Sri Lanka on international platforms has been a privilege, and I aim to keep improving.

How would you rate the sport of powerlifting in Sri Lanka?


Powerlifting in Sri Lanka has immense potential, but it lacks proper recognition and funding. Despite limited resources, Sri Lankan athletes have proven their capabilities on international stages. It’s disheartening that we don’t even have a centralised training facility or proper equipment as a team. Despite these challenges, we brought home more than 50 medals last year.

Unfortunately, some authorities don’t see this as a worthy cause and refuse to provide financial support. Yet, the dedication of Sri Lankan powerlifters continues to shine through.

As a National Champion, what are your suggestions for developing this sport in Sri Lanka?


To develop powerlifting, we need increased funding, better training facilities, and widespread awareness programmes. Establishing dedicated gyms with proper equipment and skilled coaching will nurture young talent. Financial support for international tours is essential, as the costs are often too high for athletes to bear alone.

Additionally, most parts of the country lack the resources needed for athletes to pursue the sport. This often leads to talented individuals giving up on their dreams. Finally, showcasing the achievements of Sri Lankan athletes can attract sponsors and inspire the next generation to take up the sport.

What is your message to sporting authorities and corporate sponsors?

I urge sporting authorities and corporate sponsors to recognise the achievements of powerlifters and invest in the sport. Your support can elevate athletes’ performances and bring greater glory to Sri Lanka on the global stage. Sponsorships, financial aid, and better infrastructure will not only benefit individual athletes but also enhance the country’s reputation in the international sports arena. Together, we can make powerlifting a celebrated and respected sport in Sri Lanka.

What is your message to aspiring athletes?


To aspiring athletes, I’d say, never give up on your dreams, no matter how tough the journey gets. Start where you are, use what you have, and give it your all. Age is never a barrier when it comes to passion and dedication. Believe in yourself, stay consistent, and remember that every small step takes you closer to your goals.