Kandy night street race roaring success

S M Jiffry Abdeen - Kandy sports corr

"When we conceived the idea of organising a Night Street Race in Kandy, many eye brows were raised.

People thought negatively and said we cannot do it. No one said we can do it and we did it in our own style, said Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

He made these observations when he addressed the gathering at the Kandy City Centre at the presentation of awards ceremony at the conclusion of "Speed at Kandy 2011" Night Motor Races".

He said that what is required is positive thinking and correct planning and with the right people in the right places. If this could be done, nothing is impossible.

He thanked the Kandy Off Road and Adventure club for their untiring efforts in making this event a success.

Army under the guidance of Major General Mano Perera played a major role and without their assistance their tasks would have been difficult. Filling and stocking over 25,000 sand bags is not an easy task.

"We organised this Night Race at a time when a race during day time is not possible. A very large crowd thronged the route of the race and they had their money's worth. Top drivers and riders participated.

He also thanked the competitors and the sponsors and without their participation this major sporting event would not have been a reality.

Sports Minister Aluthgamage said that Night Racing is a new experience and held for the first time in the country. We have shown the way. This is also the first time that a race had been conducted in the streets of Kandy Town which is known for the Asia's beggest cultural pageant - The Kandy Esala Perahera.

He said that this is going to be an annual event and when the news spreads around a bigger crowd could be expected which will bring in more local and foreign tourists.

The Chief Minister of Central Province Sarath Ekanayake said that this is a great day for motor racing not only for Kandy but also for Sri Lanka as a new landmark had been established.

The last time a motor race with a mass start was conducted in Kandy was in 1997 around the Lake Circuit. That was 14 years ago.

This night race has given a new dimension to the night life in Kandy which many thought was dead.

It is our intention to revive night life in Kandy and we have been having a Night Bazaar in the streets of Kandy on certain days of the month. There is also entertainment for little children. People should come in their numbers and enjoy what is dished out.

The President of KORAC Chula Ratwatte acted as the Master of Ceremonies.

Awards were also presented by Parliamentarian Lohan Ratwatte, Thusith de Silva, Rohan Dhammapala, Ajith Narampanawa, S Bambaradeniya and many others.