Sri Lanka’s rising motorsport talent, Tanasha Raddella, continues to break barriers for girls in motorsport after becoming the first female driver in history to win a round of the IAME Sri Lanka Series, securing a landmark victory in the third round of the championship held in Bandaragama. The historic achievement marks another milestone in her rapidly growing career and highlights the impact of strong corporate support from Mobil, Yokohama, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Auto Miraj, and Pitpass, who continue to back her journey on both the national and international stage.
Already recognised as one of Sri Lanka’s youngest female international kart racers at 9 years of age, Tanasha has competed in the IAME Sri Lanka Championship and currently races in both the Malaysian Karting Championship and the IAME Malaysia Championship. From August, she will also compete in the IAME Asia Championship, taking on some of the region’s most talented young drivers. Her journey represents more than sporting achievement; it is a powerful story of determination, resilience and the courage to challenge convention in a sport that has traditionally been dominated by men.
Tanasha’s historic victory in Bandaragama not only reinforces her ability to compete at the highest level but also sends a powerful message that talent and determination know no gender. Her success is helping reshape perceptions of women’s participation in motorsport while inspiring more young girls to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Supporting Tanasha’s journey are her strong sponsors. Their investment reflects a belief in youth development, equal opportunity and the potential of young Sri Lankan athletes to compete successfully on the international stage. Together, they are demonstrating how meaningful partnerships can help talented young competitors realise their dreams while inspiring the next generation.
As international motorsport demands significant investment in training, travel, equipment and competition, sponsorship plays a vital role in enabling talented young drivers to compete consistently at the highest levels. With the continued backing of her partners, Tanasha will participate the Malaysian Karting Championship, IAME Malaysia Championship and, from August, the IAME Asia Championship, proudly carrying Sri Lanka onto some of Asia’s most competitive racing circuits.
Beyond motorsport, Tanasha is a well-rounded young athlete with an impressive record across multiple disciplines. She is the Under-10 Athletics Champion at her school, showcasing her speed, endurance and competitive spirit. She is also a member of the school’s Under-13 Girls’ Basketball Team and the football squad, reflecting her versatility, teamwork and passion for sport. Her achievements across athletics and team sports further demonstrate the discipline, determination and resilience that continue to drive her success on and off the racetrack.
Tanasha’s achievements are encouraging young girls across Sri Lanka to believe they too can excel in fields where women have historically been underrepresented. Her story serves as a reminder that passion, perseverance and the support of those who believe in young talent can open doors once thought impossible.
Thushira Raddella, Parent and Manager of Tanasha Raddella, said, “This partnership is about much more than racing. It is about giving a young girl the opportunity to chase her dreams, breaking barriers for girls in motorsport, inspiring others to believe that no dream is too big, and showing what is possible when businesses invest in young talent. We are grateful to Mobil, Yokohama, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Auto Miraj and Pitpass for believing in Tanasha and joining us on this journey.”
As Tanasha continues to build on her success at home and abroad, her historic victory in the IAME Sri Lanka Series stands as a defining moment for Sri Lankan motorsport. Supported by forward-thinking Sri Lankan brands and driven by an unwavering determination to succeed, she is proving that barriers are meant to be broken and inspiring a new generation to dream bigger than ever before.
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(L-R) Mr. Dilantha Malagamuwa, Mr. Lahiru De Thabrew, Senior Marketing Manager – McLarens Lubricants Ltd., Mr. Eshan Motagedara, Founder – Pit Pass, Mr. Chaminda Gunerathne, Joint Managing Director – Mobil, Mr. Nazoomi Azhar, General Manager – Cinnamon Grand Colombo, and Mr. Roshan Jayasinghe, General Manager – Auto Miraj, with Tanasha Raddella during the official partnership announcement, celebrating a collaborative effort to support her racing journey and the future of Sri Lankan motorsport.