April 23, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Army has addressed concerns regarding the scheduling of the ‘Fox Hill Super Cross’ race on April 21st, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the Easter Attacks, stating that the decision was unintentional.
Amidst heavy public criticism over holding the event on a day of national mourning, the Army emphasised that the selection of April 21st was not deliberate.
Criticism has arisen, particularly on social media platforms, questioning the appropriateness of holding the race on the same date as the tragic Easter bombings of 2019, which also marked the last motor race event halted midway due to the terrorist attacks.
Additionally, scrutiny has been directed towards an after-event with DJ music organised in Bandarawela following the races, held on Sunday night despite the unfortunate accident at the races resulting in seven fatalities, including a child, and 30 injuries.
The decision to hold the motor race after a four-year hiatus was primarily in response to overwhelming demand from spectators and motorsports enthusiasts, according to Major General Indu Samarakoon, Deputy Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Army Motorsports Committee.
April 21st was selected as the immediate holiday following the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, he noted.
Major General Samarakoon clarified that the Army had no involvement in the after-party organised on Sunday night, stating that the Fox Hill Super Cross event has never included after-parties in its 28-year history.
Addressing concerns circulating on social media about a party named ‘Fox Hill Journey,’ Samarakoon reiterated the Army’s lack of association with such events, emphasising that the cancellation of the race was immediate upon learning of the Easter bombings in 2019.
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