PATHIRAGE BROTHERS RACING MAKE HISTORY

The 2024 FMSSL (Federation of Motorcycle Sports in Sri Lanka) National Championship marked a defining moment in Sri Lankan motorsport as Nikila and Vinula Pathirage etched their names in history, becoming the first sibling duo to win national titles in their respective classes during the same season.

- ByALLAAM OUSMAN

Under the banner of Pathirage Brothers Racing, the brothers turned years of grit and sacrifice into a crowning achievement that fulfilled a lifelong dream.

The National Championship rounds held at the Katukurunda Circuit were pivotal for the brothers. The event, conducted by the Royal Automobile Club of Asia and counted as both the third round of the 2024 season and the first for 2025, witnessed commanding performances from the Pathirage brothers.

Nikila, 25, dominated the 250cc Super Sport category riding a Honda CBR 250RR. Despite carrying a broken finger sustained during an international event in Taiwan, he won two of the three rounds and finished second in the opener — clinching the overall title. He also emerged victorious in the Super Sport 600cc category, showcasing both courage and control. His determination was evident throughout, particularly in how he managed to adapt his riding style to accommodate his injury, choosing to race through pain rather than miss out on crucial points.

Vinula, 22, was flawless in the 600cc Sports Touring Class, sweeping all three rounds from pole to flag aboard a Triumph Street Triple 675R. His triumph was even more impressive considering the field included former champions like Nipun Dilanka and top contenders like Mohamed Shazan and Danushka de Silva. In every race, he led with composure and maturity beyond his years.

Behind their success stands Mangala Pathirage, the patriarch of Pathirage Brothers Racing. A respected figure in the sport, Mangala not only passed down his racing genes but also nurtured his sons with the discipline and knowledge required to thrive. At 55, he remains a competitive force himself, frequently sharing podiums with his sons. In 2024, Mangala placed third in the 700cc Sports Touring Class at Katukurunda - making it a proud family affair.