Iruni Kalupahana JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports
A Legendary Career
Dilantha Malagamuwa is one of the most recognizable faces in the world of car racing, due not only to his great achievements but also to the unceasing dedication and passion that he had for the sport. Unlike the pop anthem "Ready for Victory" by Modern Talking, Malagamuwa's tale is that of grit and determination. He proudly flies the Sri Lankan flag on his Lamborghini during international races, representing his commitment to continuing to represent Sri Lanka at the highest levels possible. And by doing what most said was impossible in a career spanning over three decades, Malagamuwa set the bar high for the next generation of Sri Lankan racers. To this day, his unparalleled success and tenacious spirit make him an iconic figure within the motor racing fraternity, inspiring generations both up and coming and established drivers.
Early Beginnings and Key Achievements
He was born on June 24, 1963, in Kurunegala, and from a very tender age, Dilantha Malagamuwa developed a passion for racing. Having completed his primary education at St. Anne's College and Trinity College, Kandy, he started racing at 16 years of age, moving on with quick wins in local motorcycle races. His turning point was in 1983 when he first competed in an international race in Calcutta, where he came 6th, a commendable position. That success drew the attention of noted Japanese racer Matsumoto Kenmei, who extended an invitation to go to Japan to further his skills. In 1985, Malagamuwa made his move to Japan and became the first non Japanese Asian to compete in the Formula Nippon formerly F3000. His career includes the N1 Championship in Japan in 1995, the Malaysia Super Car Series in 2006, and several titles of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asian Series in 2014 and 2015. It really shows how talented and dedicated this driver must be to have such great performance and consistency in these highly different racing formats.
Awards and Recognitions
Dilantha Malagamuwa's services to motor racing are amply recognized, both locally and internationally. In 1997, subsequent to his brilliant performances in Japan's topmost level Formula Nippon, he was duly recognized by none other than the then Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi. Later, in 2012, he gained national colors and a special recognition from the Sri Lanka Auto Sports Association for his exemplary achievements. His Dilango Racing Academy, which he started in 2009, was itself awarded a Runner Up Presidential Award for Most Outstanding Leisure Sports Provider in 2015. Additionally, in 2016 Malagamuwa won Best Motor Sport Athlete of the Year and Most Popular Player of the Year at the Sports First Platinum Award. It was, however, the award as Sri Lankan of the Year in 2018 that finally sealed his position as a national hero hailed for what was described as extraordinary services rendered to the sport and toward uplifting the status of Sri Lanka in motor racing internationally.
Upcoming Races and Personal Insights
On the cards, Dilantha Malagamuwa recently competed in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe championship, races of which are scheduled in Spain, Belgium, and France. The lack of professional circuits within the country forces Malagamuwa to rely on sophisticated driving simulators and mental visualization techniques to stay atop his game. In fact, his seriousness with the sport is such that he keeps away from alcohol and smoking to keep himself in perfect physical and mental condition. Malagamuwa keeps the philosophy where even in adversity, he keeps his mind positive and devotes himself to securing perfection in each race he takes part in. His taste for classic cars, more so the 1964 Lamborghini Miura, shows how attached he is to the evolution of the sport. While he has remained steadfast, always pushing the limit and being an inspiration to others, Dilantha Malagamuwa proudly represents Sri Lankan talent and is a living legend that is simply indisputable in motorsport.
