The Federation of Motorcycle Sports Sri Lanka (FMSSL) made a resounding impact at the FIM Secretaries General Meeting, held on 15-16 September at Merton College, Oxford, UK.
Hosted by the Auto-Cycle Union (ACU), the gathering brought together motorcycle federations from across the globe to discuss safety, regulation alignment, unsanctioned racing, volunteer engagement, and growing global participation.
FMSSL’s presentation, delivered by Motorcycle Federation Secretary Malinda Karangoda broke new ground by shifting the focus from purely competitive sport to the untapped potential of tourism, leisure riding, and family inclusion. The Sri Lankan model was hailed as visionary and inclusive, earning enthusiastic praise from delegates across continents.
Karangoda highlighted how Sri Lanka, despite lacking a professional racing circuit, is building opportunities that go far beyond the elite athlete pathway.
By promoting motorcycle tourism, leisure touring, and structured family programs, FMSSL has created a roadmap where federations can strengthen membership, support local economies, and inspire young riders.
It was revealed at the meeting that plans are underway with motorcycle sole agents to allow visiting riders from Europe and Asia to rent bikes and explore Sri Lanka through federation-endorsed routes, bringing business to hotels, food stalls, and local communities.
Furthermore, federation-organised tours where parents ride while children participate in minibike training, camping, and team-building, ensuring families stay connected even if kids do not pursue professional racing was also highlighted.
Another aspect that was discussed was the introduction of 36 CFMoto E-02 and E-05 e-bikes as a game-changer in grassroots development, giving beginner and intermediate kids a safe, structured entry point into the sport.
The message that, “Racing builds champions, but touring builds communities” had resonated strongly, with Federations recognising that leisure and tourism are the bridge between sport and society.
The meeting also gave due recognition to the outgoing FMSSL President Shane Gunawardena, who first initiated these pioneering projects for Sri Lanka.
In acknowledgment of his vision and contribution, the current leadership under President Sudath Weerasinghe and his team has appointed him as the FIM/FIM Asia/FMSSL Liaison Officer.
One of Shane’s flagship efforts, the Tri-Nation Junior Project, had its share of challenges, particularly as children under age 10 could not be covered by FIM or private insurance policies.
However, in a show of unity and forward thinking, the current FMSSL leadership — Sudath and Malinda — together with past president Shane — redesigned the project, secured an investor for the minibikes, and are now positioned to work hand-in-hand with the Sri Lanka Tourism Board and a motorcycle sole agent to launch the touring project on a stronger foundation.
Delegates from around the world applauded Sri Lanka’s bold approach, calling it “a blueprint for federations of the future.”
For Sri Lanka, the Oxford meeting was not just a chance to share ideas but to cement its place as a thought leader in the global motorcycling movement, proving that innovation, inclusivity, and perseverance can overcome challenges and create lasting impact.