Sri Lanka’s rising motorsport talent Tanasha Raddella continues to break barriers for girls in motorsport after becoming the first female driver in history to win a round of the IAME Sri Lanka Series, securing a landmark victory in the third round of the championship held in Bandaragama recently.
The achievement marks another milestone in her rapidly growing career and highlights the impact of strong corporate support from Mobil, Yokohama, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Auto Miraj, and Pit Pass, which continue to support her journey on both the national and international stage.
Already recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s youngest female international kart racers at nine years of age, Tanasha has competed in the IAME Sri Lanka Championship and currently races in both the Malaysian Karting Championship and the IAME Malaysia Championship.
She will also compete in the IAME Asia Championship from August, taking on some of the region’s most talented young drivers.
Her journey represents more than sporting achievement; it is a powerful story of determination, resilience, and courage to challenge convention in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by men.
Raddella’s historic victory in Bandaragama not only reinforces her ability to compete at the highest level but also sends a powerful message that talent and determination know no gender. Her success is helping reshape perceptions of women’s participation in motorsport while inspiring more young girls to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Supporting Raddella’s journey are her strong sponsors. Their investment reflects a belief in youth development, equal opportunity, and the potential of young Sri Lankan athletes to compete successfully on the international stage. Together, they are demonstrating how meaningful partnerships can help talented young competitors realise their dreams while inspiring the next generation.
As international motorsport demands significant investment in training, travel, equipment, and competition, sponsorship plays a vital role in enabling talented young drivers to compete consistently at the highest levels.
With the continued backing of her partners, Raddella will participate in the Malaysian Karting Championship, IAME Malaysia Championship, and IAME Asia Championship, proudly carrying Sri Lanka onto some of Asia’s most competitive racing circuits.
Beyond motorsport, Raddella is a well-rounded young athlete with an impressive record across multiple disciplines.
She is the Under 10 athletics champion at her school, showcasing her speed, endurance, and competitive spirit. She is also a member of the school’s Under 13 Girls’ Basketball Team and the football squad, reflecting her versatility, teamwork, and passion for sport.
Her achievements across athletics and team sports further demonstrate the discipline, determination, and resilience that continue to drive her success on and off the racetrack.
Raddella’s achievements are encouraging young girls across Sri Lanka to believe they too can excel in fields where women have historically been underrepresented. Her story serves as a reminder that passion, perseverance, and the support of those who believe in young talent can open doors once thought impossible.
Thushira Raddella, parent and Manager of Tanasha Raddella, said: “This partnership is about much more than racing. It is about giving a young girl the opportunity to chase her dreams, breaking barriers for girls in motorsport, inspiring others to believe that no dream is too big, and showing what is possible when businesses invest in young talent. We are grateful to Mobil, Yokohama, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Auto Miraj, and Pit Pass for believing in Tanasha and joining us on this journey.”
As Tanasha Raddella continues to build on her success at home and abroad, her victory in the IAME Sri Lanka Series stands as a defining moment for Sri Lankan motorsport.
Supported by forward-thinking Sri Lankan brands and driven by a determination to succeed, she is proving that barriers are meant to be broken while inspiring a new generation to dream bigger than ever before.