One of Sri Lanka’s best in the field of motor racing Dilantha Malagamuwa has admitted he has drained out all his funds to showcase Sri Lanka any further and has called on the government not to abandon him at a time the country is craving for tourist dollars.
Malagamuwa claimed that no individual in the country was able to take Sri Lanka to the world the way he did by racing at international meets spending his own money and plastering his machine with the name of Sri Lanka and the Lion flag for many years.
“I am now focused on racing in the European circuit to take Sri Lanka’s identity further, but now I am not in any position to do it on my own and need the right sponsors and funding. I have appealed to the government and Ministry of Tourism to look into this matter that will benefit the country,” Malagamuwa said at a Press conference held on Wednesday at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo.
Malagamuwa, who will be partnered by another Sri Lankan champion racer Ashan Silva, said he would need an estimated 300,000 Euros equivalent to approximately Rs.98 million to take part in as many as six races in Europe driving a lamborghini at events in France, Italy, Belgium, Germany and Spain beginning in the first week of April and ending in the second week of October 2024.
He claimed the money was for the maintenance of two racing cars the duo would compete in as well as entry fees for taking part in six events.
“After doing so much for the country (Sri Lanka) spending my own money in the past, we still have to depend on the government and sponsorships. Now I expect well wishers and the authorities in the government to step in and fund this cause,” said Malagamuwa who is a Formula car driver.
Malagamuwa and Ashan Silva will be the only two drivers from Asia taking part in the European events.
He said it was his dream to introduce a new face in Ashan Silva to continue what he had done in the past by showcasing Sri Lanka racing overseas.
“Sport is the only thing that we can showcase Sri Lanka to the world, especially motor racing. For the past six years we had this in mind to race among the best drivers in the world and I have picked Ashan who can make the grade. He is both extremely talented and technically knowledgeable,” said Malagamuwa.
