Dilantha Malagamuwa, a renowned Sri Lankan racing driver, established Dilango Racing Team in 2009. Starting his career at 16, he won a motorcycle race supported by family. In 1983, he entered international racing, securing 6th place in Calcutta. Encouraged by Japanese racer Matsumoto Kenmei, he moved to Japan in 1985, achieving historic success in Formula Nippon in 1997.
Dilantha Ranjula Bandara Malagamuwa, born on June 24, 1963, is a prominent Sri Lankan racing driver who presently competes for his own team, the Dilango Racing Team, which he established in 2009. Hailing from Kurunegala, Malagamuwa pursued his education at St. Anne’s College and Trinity College Kandy. His racing journey began at the age of 16 when he clinched victory in a motorcycle race, supported by his sisters who convinced their father to purchase a Yamaha TZ350 for him.
In 1983, Malagamuwa ventured into international racing, participating in his maiden race in Calcutta, India, where he secured a commendable 6th position. This race marked the beginning of his interaction with Matsumoto Kenmei, a Japanese motorbike racer, who encouraged him to explore opportunities in Japan. Following Kenmei’s advice, Malagamuwa relocated to Japan in 1985. His endeavors culminated in a significant milestone in 1997 when he became the first non-Japanese Asian to compete in Japan’s prestigious Formula Nippon (F3000).
Recognition for his achievements continued to pour in over the years. In 2012, the Sri Lanka Auto Sports Association bestowed upon him the national colors award and special recognition for his contributions to motorsports on the international stage. Additionally, he was appointed as the Brand Ambassador for the SLIM 14th Brand Excellence Awards in recognition of his exceptional performance.
Notably, Malagamuwa’s Dilango Racing team received accolades as well. In 2015, they were honored with the runner-up Presidential Award for being the “Most Outstanding Leisure Sports Provider of the Year,” while Malagamuwa himself received another runner-up Presidential Award as the “Most Outstanding Sportsman of the Year.”
The pinnacle of Malagamuwa’s career came in 2017 when he secured third place in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals (AM class), becoming the first and only Sri Lankan to attain a world title in motorsports. Despite facing setbacks, such as a crash in the first race, Malagamuwa’s determination and resilience led to remarkable achievements.
Further recognition awaited Malagamuwa in 2018 when he received the Sri Lankan of the Year award in the sports category at the Ada Derana Sri Lankan of the Year 2018 awards ceremony. Despite his international success, Malagamuwa remains rooted in Sri Lanka, where he resides with his family and oversees racing schools both in Katukurundha and at the Sepang International Racing Circuit in Malaysia.
Moreover, in 2016, the Dilango Racing Team launched their own television show titled “Racing Life with Dilantha Malagamuwa,” offering viewers a captivating glimpse into Malagamuwa’s racing endeavors, travels, past achievements, and the historical significance of his career, narrated by Malagamuwa himself. The show garnered substantial popularity, prompting its renewal for a second season due to high viewership demand.
Racing career achievements
- 1995 – N1 Championship (Japan) – Champion
- 2002 – Bathurst 24 Hours (AUS) – 1st Runner Up (Class A)
- 2006 – Malaysia Super Car Series – Champion
- 2007 – Malaysia Super Car Series – Champion
- 2008 – Aston Martin Asia Cup – 1st Runner Up
- 2009 – Aston Martin Asia Cup – 1st Runner Up
- 2010 – Malaysia GT Super Series – 1st Runner Up
- 2010 – GT Asia – Champion
- 2011 – GT Asia – 1st Runner Up
- 2011 – Malaysia GT Super Series – Champion
- 2013 – Asian Le Mans Series – Champion (GTC Am)
- 2014 – Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asian series – 1st Runner up.
- 2015 – Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asian series – 1st Runner up.
- 2016 – Lamborghini Super Trofeo Asian series – Champion (PRO-AM B).
- 2017 – NGK Enduro 3 Hour Endurance Race (Dubai) – Champion
- 2017 – Blancpain GT Sports Club – Champion (Xtra Class)
- 2017 – Lamborghini Super Trofeo World Finals, Imola, Italy (Race 2) – 3rd Place (AM Class – 5th Place Overall)
- 2019 – Blancpain GT Sports Club European Championship 3rd in the championship in Titanium Class
- 2023 – Katukurunda Speed SLGT 3500CC (Race 1 – Winner | Race 2 – P4)
