Speed at Night 2011 motor races a unique sports event

S M Jiffry ABDEEN-Kandy Sports Correspondent

This is an unique motor racing event in which the streets of Kandy will be turned into a racing track at night and this event has been linked with the cricket World Cup matches now being played at Pallekelle, said the Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

He said this when he addressed the journalists at a media briefing held at the office of the Chief Minister of Central Province in connection with the Speed at Night 2011 motor races organized by the Sri Lanka Motor Cycle Club and the Kandy offroad Adventure Club to be held in Kandy city on Saturday (March 12) commencing at 8 pm. The route of the race will be closed by 6.30 pm.

He said that this night race will be watched not only by the local motor racing fans but also by the tourists. This will be an annual event. Spectators will not be permitted to stand on the roads or pavements.

There will be special viewing areas for them. He said that the Traders Associations have agreed to extend their fullest support. Spectators and all buildings on the route of the race will be insured by a special cover.

The Chief Minister of the Central Province Sarath Ekanayake said that events of this has been organized as there is a conception among the public that Kandy town goes to sleep after 5 pm as there is a lull in activity and shops put up their shutters. We are trying to bring night life to Kandy.

Also associated at this briefing were UPFA Parliamentarian Lohan Ratwatte, Major General Mano Perera, Chula Ratwatte, Thusith de Silva and Rohan Dammapala.