- With strong local brand support
Sri Lanka's rising motorsport talent, Tanasha Raddella, has broken new ground by becoming the first female driver in history to win a round of the IAME Sri Lanka Series, claiming a landmark victory in the third round of the Championship held recently in Bandaragama.
The historic achievement marks another milestone in the nine-year-old racer's rapidly progressing career and highlights the continued support she receives from Mobil, Yokohama, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Auto Miraj and Pitpass, whose sponsorship has helped fuel her success on both the national and international stage.
Already recognised as one of Sri Lanka's youngest female international kart racers, Tanasha competes in the IAME Sri Lanka Championship while also racing in the Malaysian Karting Championship and the IAME Malaysia Championship.
From August, she is set to compete in the IAME Asia Championship, where she will take on some of the region's most promising young drivers.
Her journey extends beyond sporting success, reflecting determination, resilience and the courage to challenge long-standing stereotypes in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Tanasha's victory in Bandaragama not only reaffirmed her ability to compete at the highest level but also demonstrated that talent and determination transcend gender. Her achievement is helping reshape perceptions of women's participation in motorsport while inspiring more young girls to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Backing her journey are Mobil, Yokohama, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Auto Miraj and Pitpass, whose investment reflects a commitment to youth development, equal opportunity and the potential of young Sri Lankan athletes to excel on the international stage. Together, they are demonstrating how meaningful partnerships can help talented young competitors realise their dreams while inspiring the next generation.
With international motorsport requiring substantial investment in training, travel, equipment and competition, sponsorship remains essential in enabling talented young drivers to compete consistently at elite level.
Supported by her sponsors, Tanasha will continue her campaign in the Malaysian Karting Championship and the IAME Malaysia Championship before making her debut in the IAME Asia Championship, proudly representing Sri Lanka on some of Asia's most competitive racing circuits.
Beyond motorsport, Tanasha has established herself as a versatile young athlete. She is the Under-10 Athletics Champion at her school, demonstrating her speed, endurance and competitive spirit. She also represents her school in the Under-13 girls' basketball team and the football squad, highlighting her versatility, teamwork and passion for sport.
Her achievements across athletics and team sports further reflect the discipline, determination and resilience that continue to drive her success both on and off the racetrack.
Tanasha's accomplishments are encouraging young girls across Sri Lanka to believe they can excel in fields where women have traditionally been underrepresented. Her journey serves as a reminder that passion, perseverance and the support of those who believe in young talent can open doors once considered 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 Pitpass for believing in Tanasha and joining us on this journey."
As Tanasha continues to build on her success both at home and overseas, her historic victory in the IAME Sri Lanka Series stands as a defining moment for Sri Lankan motorsport. Backed by forward-thinking Sri Lankan brands and driven by unwavering determination, she is proving that barriers are meant to be broken while inspiring a new generation to dream bigger than ever before.