The Pathirage family has become synonymous with excellence in Sri Lankan motorsport, where brothers Nikila and Vinula, under the guidance of their father Mangala, have made history. Their journey, marked by record-breaking victories, personal milestones and moments of resilience, highlights their collective passion for racing and their unyielding commitment to making their mark.
Nikila, the elder of the two brothers, turned 25 on November 9, celebrating not only his birthday but a triumphant year on the track. His performances in 2023 stood out as he dominated Sri Lanka’s prestigious hill climbs in the 150cc category, securing victories at the Eliyakanda Hill Climb, the Single Tree Hill Climb in Nuwara Eliya, and the Mahagastota Hill Club on a Yamaha R12 Superbike. His achievements weren’t limited to wins; he shattered two class records, cementing his name among the best.
Reflecting on that season, Nikila spoke with both pride and humility: “Breaking records was more than a goal – it was about pushing my limits and showing what I could achieve. Each win reminded me why I race: to test myself, to grow, and to represent my country with pride.”
Asked what he considered to be the best performance of the season or the most challenging circuit, Nikila said: “My favorite one was Single Tree Hill Climb in Nuwara Eliya because that’s one of the most dangerous hill climbs this country has. It’s very narrow and the higher you go, it’s windy also. And because the more risky it is, the more fun it is for us.”
For Nikila, racing has always been a testament to grit and determination. While his record-breaking 2023 season etched his name in Sri Lankan motorsport history, it is his resilience in the face of injury that truly defines his character.
In 2022, Nikila was riding high on confidence after competing in the FIM Asia International Scooter Race in the Philippines, where he finished fourth in the 155cc category. Buoyed by this experience, he set his sights on a new challenge this year: an international meet in Taiwan. Following a hiatus with the domestic season being disrupted because of the Foxhill tragedy, Nikila grabbed the chance to compete in the first leg of Asia Cup of Circuit Racing series in October. The event was set to be a major milestone in his career, offering him an opportunity to pit his skills against elite racers from across Asia.
However, during the 10-minute warm-up session on race day, disaster struck. While attempting to push the limits of his 150cc bike on a technical corner, Nikila lost control, resulting in a high-speed crash. The impact left him with a broken finger in his left hand following a low-down crash, an injury that sidelined him from the competition.
“It happened in an instant,” Nikila recounted. “One moment I was focused on perfecting the turn; the next, I was on the ground, feeling the sharp pain in my left hand.”
He underwent immediate surgery. “We thought the finger was dislocated and I would be cleared to race. Unfortunately, it was broken and I wasn’t allowed to race.
Asked how he felt when the incident happened, Nikila recalled vividly. “The first thing I did was try to pick up the bike and go again. But unfortunately, I felt like the placement of one of my fingers was wrong. When I checked, it was hanging.
“I’m still not allowed to work out, to do weights or do anything heavy fitness related sessions for around one more month.
“That race in Taiwan was more than just a competition – it was a turning point for me.
“It showed me how much I could endure and reminded me why I love this sport. Racing isn’t just about winning; it’s about pushing through the toughest moments.”
But exactly one month after the accident, he was back on the Katukurunda circuit. “Their advice was to hopefully stay at least one more month and do racing again. But since it’s the first round of the national championship, I had to take part because points are important,” he says.
Nikila managed to adapt his riding style to compensate for the limited mobility in his wrist. Strapping it tightly and gritting through the pain, he chose to race.
His comeback story reached its peak on his 25th birthday when he won his first pole position and clinched a victory, a moment that felt like redemption after the challenges he had faced.
“It was a dream come true to get my first pole on my birthday. That win was emotional,” he admitted. “It felt like everything had come full circle. The struggles, the pain, the doubts – they all made that moment even more special.
“There were moments when I wondered if I could come back as strong, but racing teaches you to push forward no matter the odds. That birthday win was special – not just for me, but for everyone who believed in me,” Nikila said, his determination evident.
His aspirations extend far beyond local circuits. In 2022, Nikila represented Sri Lanka at the FIM Asia International Scooter Race in the Philippines, competing in the 155cc category and finishing fourth. Partnering with his younger brother, Vinula, the pair finished fifth in the team event—a proud moment for Sri Lanka.
“Racing on an international stage was humbling,” Nikila recalled. “Competing against the best showed me how much more I could grow. I look up to racers like Maduranga Caldera, Sriyan Samuel, and the Daniel brothers, Ned and Shoel. Their journeys motivate me to push for excellence every single day.”
For 22-year-old Vinula, the past year has been equally transformative. In 2024, he achieved a milestone by winning the 700 Sports Touring Class at Katukurunda, becoming one of the few Sri Lankans in recent memory to win on a Triumph. Sharing the podium with his father, Mangala, who finished third in the same race, was a moment of pride for the Pathirage family.
“Riding a Triumph was a challenge but also an honour,” Vinula said. “It’s not just about the bike; it’s about adapting, learning and proving what we can do as racers.”
Vinula’s versatility shone through as he also secured third place in the 150cc class, showing promise across different categories. His victories underscore the brothers’ shared commitment to racing as a craft they continually hone.
At the heart of this story is Mangala Pathirage, the patriarch who inspired his sons to chase their dreams. Despite being 55, Mangala remains a fierce competitor. In 2024, he earned podium finishes at events like the Single Tree Hill Climb and Katukurunda, racing alongside his sons with the same fervour that characterised his earlier years.
“To see my sons succeed is a joy I can’t describe,” Mangala said. “When I started racing, I dreamed of a day when my family could take this passion further. Watching them break records and stand on international podiums – there’s no greater reward.”
The Pathirage brothers’ collective success at Katukurunda was particularly striking. Nikila dominated the 150cc category on his Honda CBR 150 and narrowly missed a win in the 250cc race, leading for almost five laps before finishing second. Mangala, meanwhile, secured a podium finish in the 700 Sports Touring Class, while Vinula clinched first place in the same event on his Triumph.
Nikila summed up their journey poignantly: “Racing is in our blood, but it’s not just about winning. It’s about resilience, about showing up even when the odds are against you. Whether it’s breaking records or learning from losses, every moment on the track is a chance to grow. Injuries might slow you down, but they don’t define your story. What matters is how you get back up and keep moving forward.”
With their sights set on greater achievements, the Pathirage Brothers Nikila and Vinula embody the spirit of Sri Lankan motorsport. Their determination, guided by father Mangala’s unwavering support, is paving the way for a legacy that promises to inspire future generations.
