Shane Gunawardena
Former champion racer Shane Gunawardena in a Statement to the Sunday Observer has slammed organisers of the 2023 Foxhill Supercross saying that motor racing is being conducted in the country with little or no emphasis on safety and accountability.
Gunawardena’s exclusive statement:
In the aftermath of the tragic loss of seven lives at the recent Foxhill Supercross, we are compelled to address the negligence and laxity that precipitated this devastating event. As a former participant and the fastest Fox at the inaugural meet, I am deeply troubled by the decline in organizational standards that has marred this once prestigious event.
What is particularly alarming is the evident disregard for the seriousness of the event, exemplified by the race director socializing and posing for photographs while the competition was underway. Such behaviour is not only unacceptable but also undermines the safety and integrity of the event.
It is essential to recognize the true origins of the Fox Hill Super Cross, which stemmed from the collaborative efforts of individuals like Hans Ralf, Major General Gamini Gunasekera, Chagie Gallage, Nalaka Buddadasa and received support from the Army and SLARDAR.
Furthermore, the proliferation of governing bodies seeking the limelight at the expense of safety and professionalism is concerning. This event, which ran smoothly under the guidance of the initiators Sri Lanka Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR) for almost two decades or more, was hijacked by SLAS and the motorcycle federation. They conducted the event as an ego thing, ignoring the stringent safety measures and professionalism upheld by the original organizers.
Additionally, the violation of sporting laws in the country, such as the presence of current drivers and even parents in controlling bodies for cars, constitutes a conflict of interest and undermines the integrity of the sport.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for strict safety protocols and a return to seriousness in event organization. Racing is not a leisure activity; lives are at stake, and accountability must be upheld at all levels. We call upon the Sports Minister to take heed of this wake-up call and support efforts to reform and improve the governance of racing events.
Let us honor the memory of the victims by demanding accountability and initiating meaningful reforms within the racing community to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
