Nilanka Abeywickrema

I have no direct links with any of the sports events conducted in Sri Lanka. But I have a good following on all the sports events conducted at home and overseas in addition to the performances of these sportsmen and sportswomen. I was born in the rural area, studied in Colombo and currently employed in Colombo. I have a good understanding about the sports events conducted in the rural areas as well as the events conducted in the metropolis. I feel only a handful of individuals are currently involved in motor sports in Sri Lanka. I think the participation in both motor cars and motor cycles is less than 500. I see motor sports as a modelling game competing among the high class society in this country. We see the same spectators participating in these events throughout the country. I doubt whether we get the same international recognition for motor sports in Sri Lanka similar to some of the other sports events. We know in cricket, T20 matches and one day internationals are more popular unlike Test cricket. We cannot see any spectators coming to witness Test matches. Malaysia has withdrawn from Formula One due to the lack of spectator interest in the country. There is a feeling that motor sports is a costly event conducted in Sri Lanka among a selected number of individuals. I feel the organisers are wasting a lot of funds in conducting these events in Sri Lanka. This sport is not entirely suited for a country like Sri Lanka. I can remember some time back there were night races conducted in Colombo and several main roads were closed for a few days. However, there was a huge dislike for this from many individuals and many political and civil organisations. Also there were many who disliked the night races conducted in Kandy as it was a huge damage for the Sri Lankan culture. This a clear indication that the general public is not very much in favour of motor sports in Sri Lanka. We have some talented drivers and riders in the country but there are only a couple of individuals who could compete in international events. There are other sports that need the attention of the state sector. But I think the government funding on motor sports is a real wastage. I would agree with this if the government would be able to earn profit on allocating funds for motor sports. There are other sports in Sri Lanka which need financial backing from the state sector. The government should look into these sports and provide the support. I doubt whether a person involved in a sport will be able to earn the same amount that a cricketer is paid. Motor sports is a modelling sport conducted in Sri Lanka to entertain a select number of individuals at a high cost. This sport has become a little popular in the past because the Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Air Force have come forward to organise few events to support their projects. There is no National Body for motor sports in Sri Lanka. I think there is no point in promoting a sport of this nature.