Published on - 3/17/2003
The Army\'s Arena Cross 2003 at Embilipitiya, where Ruhuna\'s famous natural wetlands for Sri Lanka\'s banana cultivation are found, transformed the area into a sea of motor-race enthusiasts and spectators during this weekend (March 15-16).
Army Arena Cross 2003, the grandest of all Army shows is an annual event in the Sri Lanka Army, organized by Sri Lanka Army Motor Sports Committee in cooperation with Motor Racing Association of Sri Lanka. Proceeds from this sport event are used for the welfare of war heroes, differently-able soldiers and members of the families of dead soldiers.
This was the first time the venue for the Army\'s Super Cross was shifted towards hinterland away from the capital. The newly constructed racing tracks and other facilities at Embilipitiya were the result of dedicated commitment shown by many an Army soldier.
The 2.8 km long new track, the longest in Sri Lanka, which is regarded as the most challenging track in this island nation, was ceremonially declared open by Deputy Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army Major General A. E. D Wijendra RWP RSP USP, who also functioned as Chairman, Central Committee Army Arena Cross 2003. To inaugurate the occasion flags were hoisted by distinguished guests.
Major General S. I. S Dassanayake USP, Chairman, Sri Lanka Army Motor Sports Committee, whose relentless efforts see this annual event a huge success, was amply supported by the Commander of the Army Lt. General L. P Balagalle RWP RSP VSV USP ndc IG, Chief of Staff, Major General L. C. R Goonewardena RSP USP ndc IG and a host of other senior Army Officers and soldiers.
A total of eleven Motor Bicycle and twenty Automobile events, competed by over fifty riders and drivers of fame included the likes of Nalin Perera, Ishan Dassanayake, Ananda Wedasinghe, etc whose track records are unbeaten during their encounters with rival riders. The International Racing Open event was attended by Indian rider C. Wijayakumar.
It was a day filled with thrills and spill but both riders and drivers appeared doing their best to maintain their prestige. On the Mini saloon 1000 series, Susitha Gunawardene offered a stiff resistance to his follower K. Balasingham before he was adjudged the winner. On the 1150 vehicle category, Nihal Weerasinghe gave a tight fight against Rohan Fonseka and emerged the winner. The event for Diesel Car 2000 cc saw Upulwan Serasinghe, the veteran rider emerged winner after defeating Prasanna de Alwis to a thundering applause from the crowd. In the Lazer/ Mazda 1500 cc category, Upulwan Serasinghe once again beat his rivals but the event 1600 cc reserved for members of the armed forces took a very enthusiastic and heated turn as the crowd consisted of a large number of Army personnel teamed up to support their own contenders.
Lt. Colonel Ravi Mayadunne became the first in 1600 cc event and Open class event for diesel/petrol cars. In the sphere of Motor Bicycles, Indika Gurusinghe, Ishan Dassanayake, Hemantha Kongala, Nalin Perera, Ananda Wedasinghe, Nanda Karunaratne, Pasindu Peiris, Sasindu Peiris, Harshana Kandearachchchi and Manjula Liyanage threw an impressive show of strength adding excitement to the event.
A special reward in appreciation of the contributions made by Lt. Colonel Ravi Mayadunne towards building the new Embilipitiya track was awarded to him on the occasion by Richard De Soyza, Founder, Motor Racing Association of Sri Lanka.
