The newly formed Sri Lanka Racing Drivers Association (SLRDA) held its first meeting recently at the National Institute of Sports Science, in Colombo.
At the meeting officials for the ensuing year were elected with Sajaad Zuhair as the first president of SLRDA.
Others elected to hold office were vice president Sachith Pathirana, Glen Jayasekera, Secretary, Sabry Salam, Assistant Secretary and Nishan Wasalathanthri, Treasurer.
President Zuhair addressing the meeting paid tribute to previous groups representing the interests of racing drivers in Sri Lanka and pledged to continue their journey. He also noted the unity shown by the members of the association when a fellow member suffered serious injuries during an event in August, citing this as evidence that the group was very capable of coming together to improve motor sport in Sri Lanka.
The committee outlined their efforts to date, including liaising with Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS), the governing body for motorsport in Sri Lanka, as well as soliciting suggestions and improvements to the rule book for 2019.
The committee also stated their intention to remain transparent in all dealings with the governing body and to only focus on looking after the interests of the drivers, including negotiating better track side facilities, safer track conditions and more cost-effective technical rules and regulations. SLRDA member Charith Perera outlined the development of a driver code of conduct and a guide to on-track rules and etiquette, which the audience agreed was of high priority.
While Sri Lankan racing has made great strides in the last few years in terms of technological development and driver skill, the consensus was that other elements had not kept pace in terms of development and this association comprising exclusively of drivers seek to establish a vital link between the governing body of the sport, the clubs conducting the meets and the drivers, to ensure that all stakeholders in the sport are working towards the same goals.
Competitors holding current SLAS licences interested in gaining membership of the Association can submit their application forms through e-mail www.slrda.com.