Yamamoto’s six-rider team brings racing experience and emerging talent together as Jacques Gunawardena prepares to race at Gunner Supercross in Minneriya.
Yamamoto Motor Corporation (Private) Limited is strengthening its involvement in Sri Lankan motorsport through a six-rider team that brings together established competitors and emerging talent. The programme connects the company’s motorcycle brands with racing, rider engagement and the wider motorcycle community.
The team includes strategic brand partner Gayan Sandaruwan; the two Pathirage brothers; Hesali Peiris; Isuru Maduranga; and Jacques Gunawardena. Their backgrounds span motocross, Supercross, circuit racing, hill climbs and stunt riding.
Gayan Sandaruwan brings a record across major Sri Lankan racing events. His listed achievements include winning all four events he entered at Gajaba Supercross in 2003 and being named Most Outstanding Rider; winning both MX races at Fox Hill Supercross; taking two race wins and Champion Rider honours at Cavalry Supercross in 2012; and securing MX up to 250cc titles in the 2010 and 2012 CEAT–SLARDAR Championships. He was also named champion in the MX 125cc two-stroke / 250cc four-stroke class at the 2013 National Motorcycle Championship, Champion Rider at Gajaba Supercross in 2014, and recorded first- and second-place finishes in 250cc events at Walawa Supercross in 2016.
The Pathirage brothers bring national championship experience and results across multiple categories. The rider material highlights their participation in the FIM Asia Cup of Road Racing, hill-climb events and SuperSport competition, including a 250cc SuperSport lap record. Their individual race entries and names will be provided once the team confirms the final public profiles.
Hesali Peiris adds local and international circuit-racing experience. She represented Sri Lanka at the 2024 FIM Asia Women’s Cup in Thailand and finished ninth in both races at the 2024 FIM Asia ACCR event in the Philippines. Her 2025 results include a podium finish and second place in the Ladies Open category at the TVS Racing One-Make Championship in India, first place at the Rotherham Circuit Meet in Katukurunda, and second runner-up in the rookie category at the Petronas TVS India One-Make Championship.
Attention now turns to Jacques Gunawardena, who will represent Yamamoto at Gunner Supercross in Minneriya on 27 September 2026. Racing under number 99, he is scheduled to compete in the MX 250cc Open and MX 125cc categories.
Rajeev Chandrakumar, CEO of Yamamoto Motor Corporation, said: “Motorsport brings together the passion, discipline and determination that make motorcycling special. Through our six-rider team, we want to support racing talent and connect more closely with Sri Lanka’s motorcycle community. As Jacques Gunawardena prepares to race in Minneriya, we are proud to stand behind him and to continue building a brand that serves riders both on and off the track.”
Yamamoto’s involvement in racing complements its broader motorcycle offering, islandwide showroom presence and ownership support. The company operates its own spare-parts and service centre in Nawala, supporting customers beyond the initial purchase.
About Yamamoto Motor Corporation (Private) Limited
Yamamoto Motor Corporation (Private) Limited is a Sri Lankan importer and distributor of motorcycles spanning premium, mid-segment and daily-use models. Its portfolio includes VOGE, LIFAN and ZONSEN motorcycles. Yamamoto operates its own spare-parts and service centre in Nawala and has eight showroom locations: its main showroom in Nawala, and branches in Ambalangoda, Mutur, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Wattala and Kandy. The company is focused on product choice, accessible after-sales support and continued expansion.
About LIFAN
LIFAN is a Chinese motorcycle and automotive brand with a history dating back to 1992. Headquartered in Chongqing, China, Lifan has developed expertise in the research, development and manufacture of motorcycles, automobiles, engines and related products. Its motorcycle range spans multiple segments, including street bikes, cruisers, scooters, off-road motorcycles and electric models, with the brand serving markets internationally.
About VOGE
VOGE is the premium motorcycle brand of Loncin Motor Co., Ltd., officially launched in 2018 in Chongqing, China. Drawing on Loncin’s experience in motorcycle engineering and manufacturing, VOGE focuses on motorcycles combining contemporary design, craftsmanship, technology and performance. Its range includes adventure, street and classic models, and the brand has expanded into international markets.
About ZONSEN
ZONSEN Industrial Group is a Chinese manufacturing group established in 1982 and headquartered in Chongqing, China. Its operations span motorcycles, engines and power systems, with products exported to more than 180 countries and regions. Its motorcycle business covers fuel-powered and electric motorcycles, three-wheelers and related components, serving a range of mobility and transportation needs.
Yamamoto Motor Corporation (Private) Limited | No. 475 A, Nawala Road, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka | www.yamamoto.lk | info@yamamoto.lk | +94 11 28 60 606
