JW Networks, an organisation founded by Sri Lankan motorsport enthusiast Jorgina Donna, successfully conducted the very first ‘Girls on Wheels’, a pioneering initiative that empowers female motorsport enthusiasts aged 16 and above by unveiling opportunities for them to embrace motorsport and explore career possibilities in it.
While making history as the first-ever females-only motorsport awareness program in Sri Lanka, Girls On Wheels helped to highlight the importance of gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields and brought together motorsport and road safety, offering a unique platform for participants to learn, experience, and envision a future in the fast lane.
The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished invitees including Ms. Denusha Ranasinghe, the then Secretary of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Thushitha De Silva – Director legal to the president of the democratic socialist republic of Sri Lanka, Ashhar Hameem – President of Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS), Devapriya Hettiarachchi – Secretary of the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AA), globally-recognized Sri Lankan professional racing driver Dilantha Malagamuwa, former Sri Lankan hurdler and female sport icon Sriyani Kulawansa. The special guests showed their support and enthusiasm for the event by encouraging the participants and organizers and offering words of advice on how the event can grow to make an even greater impact in the country. They declared their admiration of what JW Networks and Jorgina Donna had achieved by initiating this much-needed ground-breaking event for female motorsport enthusiasts.
The awareness program held at Pink Auto Green Yard at Kimbulawala consisted of several activities. The motorsport introduction and demonstration were carried out by Shehan de Tissera – Secretary of the Auto Sport Federation and Abeeth Dangalla – Chairman of the Motorsport Sub Committee. The road safety session was conducted by Dr. Malith Dassanayake while the ‘Drive in the moment’ project was carried out by Auto Mobile Association representative Santhosh Rathnasighe.
The Go-Kart demonstration held at Pro Ride Kotte was conducted by Abeeth Dangalla and included a Kart explanation along with a track walk, a detailed explanation regarding the rules and regulations of Karting and other related information. Dilantha Malagamuwa provided details about the important role of fitness and endurance in Go Karting and other motorsports and added that this program can pave the way towards producing a female champion in motorsports one day.
Participant feedback of the event was very positive with many praising the organizers for putting together a unique event of this nature that provided them valuable insights into the exciting world of motorsports and how females can build a career in it. The positive reviews highlighted the need for further events of this nature that will open the doors to a wider audience and help raise awareness.
Girls On Wheel was powered by Biseka, The Ruralist, and Capello as Gift Partners while Elephant House was the Beverage Partner and Nawaloka the Medical Service Partner.