• FMSSL Prez steps down after 2-year stint

In an interview with The Sunday Morning Sports, the outgoing President of the Federation of Motorcycle Sports in Sri Lanka (FMSSL) Shane Gunarwardena says that getting the country back into the Asian racing scene was one of the highlights of his tenure. 

He also described his stint as intense, challenging, and rewarding.

Gunawardena, an ace motorcycle rider in his pomp, opined that the federation – with the support of his committee – had rebuilt the sport from one of its lowest ebbs in the recent past.

He also stressed that having stepped down from his post, he would continue to support the federation’s activities from the sidelines.

Following are excerpts:

Before we dive into the last two years, is there anyone you would like to acknowledge?

None of what we achieved would have been possible without the quiet strength and unwavering support of our Secretary, Malinda Karangoda. He was a pillar of strength for me and for the federation. His commitment, calm leadership, and ability to manage the most complex situations behind the scenes made all the difference. 

I must also thank our Administrative Secretary Weerasiri Herath, whose consistency and diligence kept things running smoothly. 

Apart from them, there were many others – members of the Executive Committee and various subcommittees – who gave their time, energy, and expertise to help the sport move forward. Their contributions, often behind the scenes and without fanfare, played a huge part in everything we managed to accomplish. This was never a one-man show; it was a team effort through and through.

You have just completed two years as President of the FMSSL. How would you describe the journey?

Intense, challenging, and deeply rewarding. It wasn’t just about running a federation; it was about rebuilding a sport that had hit rock bottom. We faced enormous setbacks: import restrictions, political instability, and the devastating Fox Hill tragedy. But we also saw signs of real recovery, with kids racing again and Sri Lanka re-entering the international racing scene.

What were your main goals when you assumed office?

The main goal was simple: reviving motorcycle racing in Sri Lanka. Post-Covid-19, the sport was struggling and the import ban made things worse. We focused on rebuilding structure, re-establishing credibility, and creating real, sustainable opportunities for young riders. Just when momentum was building, the Fox Hill tragedy happened and we had to start all over again.

What were the biggest challenges you encountered?

The inability to bring in bikes or spare parts was crippling, both for junior and high-performance categories. Political instability delayed approvals and scared off sponsors. But we kept pushing forward, even when progress was slow and uncertain.

Are there any key milestones you are particularly proud of?

Yes. Reconnecting Sri Lanka to the Asian racing circuit – especially through junior electric bike racing – was a significant breakthrough. 

We launched the first-ever tri-nation friendly round for riders aged 6-10, which laid the foundation for future cross-border youth competitions. We also conducted two national-level rider development programmes, including one with India’s champion rider Jagan Kumar, and re-established working relationships with the International Motorcycling Federation’s Asian continental union (FIM Asia).

Under your leadership, junior and women’s racing received renewed focus. Can you elaborate?

Absolutely. We worked hard to lay the groundwork for one-make junior racing using electric bikes, a move that eventually led to the tri-nation event. 

On the women’s side, we fought for proper representation. One standout achievement was seeing Hesali Peiris compete at the FIM Asia Cup events in Thailand. She was the youngest on the grid and held her ground against seasoned riders. It was a proud moment, not just for us but for Sri Lankan motorsport as well.

Your sons were previously active in international racing. How did you balance that with your role as President?

I had to step back from supporting their racing when I took office. They paused their careers out of respect for the role I took on. Before that, they had reached some incredible milestones; one even became a reserve for the Asia Talent Cup and both were shortlisted for the Red Bull Rookies Cup. 

I used the experience and networks built through their journeys to help improve the broader system for all young Sri Lankan riders.

How do you feel about stepping down now?

Grateful. We managed to hold things together through an extremely difficult period. Now, it’s time for new leadership and fresh energy. 

I will continue supporting from the sidelines – especially as one of my sons is returning to racing – and I will always be involved in helping young riders whenever I can.

You are still involved in several FIM-linked projects. What lies ahead?

I will continue to support the new team, particularly in areas like junior development, rider safety, and sustainable track initiatives. I may no longer carry the title, but I’m still committed to the work. The future of the sport depends on long-term, strategic effort, and I will be part of that in any way I can.

Would you consider taking up the presidency of the FMSSL again, if given the opportunity?

No, I wouldn’t. The system remains flawed and too many unscrupulous individuals still control key aspects of the sport. The tragic deaths at Fox Hill – including the eighth fatality – were swept under the carpet. Even the death of my good friend Ananda Wedisinghe, which was clearly the result of negligence, was never properly addressed. 

During my time in office, we regained FIM recognition and began building meaningful international relationships. But that progress was met with resistance. A fabricated letter was sent to the FIM accusing us of running a dictatorship – a petty attempt to undermine the work we were doing. 

Our official complaints to the ministry remain unaddressed. Letters still sit unanswered. A past President of the FMSSL was even assaulted at a racetrack, yet there has been no response at a governmental level. 

Sadly, Sri Lanka may continue in this cycle for a few more lifetimes unless there is real reform and accountability. Until that happens, I have no intention of returning to that role.

Any final thoughts for the racing community?

Thank you; to the riders, clubs, sponsors, marshals, and fans, thank you for standing by the sport when things were at their worst. 

We have laid the groundwork for a stronger future. Let’s not waste it. Keep pushing, keep questioning, and most of all, keep the wheels turning. 

(JK)