Ruwan Peiris... from athletics back to Motorcycling

Once Sri Lanka’s ace motorcycle racing champion Ruwan PeirIs who took the motorcycle racing tracks by storm with his skilful riding is determined to make a come back and is hoping to make his presence felt in the modern day racing fraternity.

Peiris, an old boy of Maris Stella, College, Negombo first excelled in track and field events winning the 100 metre and 400 metre races at public schools meet. He was also the Games Captain at the Negombo school in 1993. Peiris, a proprietor of a famous fireworks company is prepared to devote some of his time towards devote motor racing sport he loves and hopes to re-establish himself as a skillful rider. Peiris began his career as a motor cycle racer in 1991 and after taking part in several successful meets in 2004 left for the United States in search of greener pastures.

While at his peak, Peiris won the Indian Grand Prix in 1996 and 1998 and a well established motorcycle racing figure in the country on his 250 CC motorcycle.

Peiris returned to his Motherland in 2011 and inspired and persuaded by his friends and well wishers is trying to make an impact in the local racing competitions, like the Colombo and Kandy night races, Pannala, Mirigama and Katukurunda racing tracks and so many hill climbs.

The former champion rider is hoping that some one will come forward to sponsor him to take part in the races. Peiris who rode on a 250 CC Motorcycle says that this category (250 CC) is no longer in existence on the tracks today and instead it is the 600 CC engine capacity that is in operation.

(RA)