Dreams of winning National Championship comes true for Nikila and Vinula Pathirage Brothers Racing Make History

MOTOR RACING

By Allaam Ousman

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. 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.

Having been mentored by their father, the brothers grew up with racing in their blood. “Winning the national championship feels surreal. We’ve been chasing this dream since we were kids – watching legends like Maduranga Caldera and Sriyan Samuel and telling ourselves, ‘One day, that’ll be us.’ To finally achieve it, especially after everything I’ve been through, means everything,” he added with ill-concealed emotions,” said Nikila.

Crowning glory for Nikila and Vinula Pathirage

Vinula echoed the sentiment. “This is something we spoke about late at night, sometimes joking, sometimes seriously. For it to actually happen, to stand on that podium with my brother as national champions – it’s something I’ll never forget.”

At the final round held in Katukurunda, Nikila stormed to victory in both the Super Sport 600cc and 250cc classes, despite nursing a fractured finger. “Racing with a broken finger wasn’t easy. I wasn’t even supposed to be back on the bike so soon after the crash in Taiwan. But missing the first round of the championship wasn’t an option. I knew I had to race, even if it meant pushing through the pain. I had to adjust my whole riding style. I strapped my wrist tight and just focussed on riding smart,” he shares.

“I’ve been winning in the 150cc class for years, but the national championship always slipped away because of uncontrollable issues – COVID, governance problems, cancelled rounds. That made this title (250cc) even more important. It was my way of finally closing that chapter and starting a new one on my terms,” he added.

“What makes this even more special is doing it alongside my brother. We’ve trained, failed, and grown together. Seeing both our names at the top of the results – it’s a moment we’ve visualised a thousand times,” he said proudly.

Vinula delivered a clean sweep in the 600cc Sports Touring category, winning all three races from pole position. “This season felt different,” he reflected. “Everything just clicked – the bike, the focus, the rhythm. I wasn’t just racing to win; I was racing to show that I belong at the top.”

“This championship isn’t just a trophy – it’s a lifelong dream come true. From childhood, all we ever wanted was to be national champions. We grew up idolising the greats in Sri Lankan motorsport, and now, we’ve earned the right to stand among them,” he added.

“Racing in the 600cc Sports Touring class on a Triumph was a new challenge for me. But I embraced it. I had to prove to myself that I could control a bigger machine and still dominate. Going from pole to flag in all three rounds – it was more than I imagined,” he said.

“The competition was fierce – guys like Supun, Suraj, and Sasidu gave it their all – but I knew if I stayed focused and rode my race, I could come out on top. Every lap was a test of nerves and control,” he noted.

The championship double was more than personal glory – it was a moment of triumph for a racing family that has contributed immensely to the sport. Mangala, who also secured a third-place finish in the 700cc Sports Touring class, was visibly emotional.

“This isn’t just about racing,” Mangala said. “It’s about legacy. To see my sons carry forward the name, to see them rise above injuries, pressure, and expectations – it fills me with pride. I’ve raced with them, trained them, and today I celebrate with them.”

For Nikila, the 2024 season also marked the close of a chapter. After five years of dominance in the 150cc class, he has officially retired from the category.

Patriarch of the Pathirage Brothers Racing Mangala Pathirage joining in the celebrations with his sons

“I’ve done what I set out to do in the 150cc,” he said. “Even though I never got the national title due to those cancelled rounds in past years, I proved myself on every track. I think I’ve earned the respect of my competitors, and that means more than a medal.”

Now, they hope their story can inspire the next wave of riders. “I want young racers to see this and realise that hard work, family, and belief can get you to the top,” Vinula said. “We didn’t have the flashiest equipment or the biggest sponsors – but we had each other.”

Nikila added, “This sport can break you, but it can also build you. Every fall, every failure, every comeback – it shapes who you are. I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.”

As they close the most successful chapter of their careers so far, the Pathirage brothers are looking ahead. Nikila has set his sights on more international events, while Vinula plans to defend his title and possibly step into higher-powered classes.

Wherever their paths lead, one thing is certain: the name ‘Pathirage’ will continue to resonate across Sri Lankan racetracks – for the family that turned dreams into milestones, and milestones into history.