Senuja’s magnificent double century puts SL U-19s in command

Maris Motor Rally returns on August 1 with TSD competition, the Late Ranjith Fernando Challenge Shield and a citywide entertainment programme ‎Negombo will take centre stage as a sports tourism destination when the Maris Motor Rally 2026, popularly known as MMR 26, returns on August 1 with a combination of competitive motorsport, international entertainment and destination-based visitor experiences. ‎Organised by the Old Boys’ Association of Maris Stella College, Negombo, the event will be centred on the MMR 26 Time-Speed-Distance Rally, which will flag off from the Maris Stella College premises at 8.00 a.m. ‎Unlike conventional motor racing based primarily on outright speed, a TSD rally tests the ability of drivers and navigators to maintain specified speeds, follow the designated route and complete each section within the required time. The format places considerable emphasis on teamwork, navigation, discipline and consistency. ‎The rally is expected to attract competitors, motorsport enthusiasts, families and spectators, with approximately 2,000 people anticipated for the morning programme. The event will also feature the Late Ranjith Fernando Challenge Shield, adding further sporting significance to this year’s competition. ‎St. Joseph’s Hospital has come forward as the title sponsor of MMR 26. ‎The organisers expect the rally to generate wider interest in Negombo as a location capable of hosting major sporting and entertainment events. Its proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport, established hotel network, coastal setting and accessibility from Colombo provide the city with a strong foundation for sports tourism. ‎Following the rally, the MMR 26 Together music festival will commence at 4.00 p.m. at the Jetwing Blue premises. The organisers expect an audience of approximately 8,000 for the evening programme. ‎A major attraction will be the performance of Björn Again, the internationally acclaimed Australian-based ABBA tribute show. Established in Melbourne in 1988, the group has performed internationally and is expected to broaden the appeal of the MMR weekend among domestic and overseas visitors. ‎The programme will conclude with an after-party at Tuk Tuk Wine & Dine on August 2. A public warm-up event is also scheduled to take place at the same venue on July 17. ‎While motorsport remains at the heart of MMR 26, the organisers are seeking to use the event to encourage spectators and visitors to spend an extended period in Negombo rather than attend only the rally. ‎A “One Pass” visitor scheme will therefore be introduced through the QR code included on event tickets. It will provide access to special offers and discounts from participating hotels, restaurants and selected tourism-related establishments in Negombo. ‎The initiative is intended to convert attendance at the sporting event into hotel stays, restaurant visits, transport demand and spending at small and community-based businesses. ‎”MMR 26 is not only a rally or a music festival. It is a platform to promote Negombo as a complete weekend economy covering hotels, restaurants, entertainment, transport, small businesses and community initiatives,” Maris Stella College OBA President Dhammika Fernando said. ‎The 2026 edition builds on the momentum created by MMR 25, which brought together motorsport, youth participation, tourism promotion and community activity. The organisers now hope to establish the rally as a regular fixture in Sri Lanka’s sporting and tourism calendars. ‎Destination sporting events can help distribute tourism income beyond conventional hotel accommodation by generating business for restaurants, transport operators, event suppliers, vendors and entertainment providers. ‎This becomes particularly relevant as Sri Lanka’s tourism industry enters another period of growth. More than one million tourist arrivals were recorded during the first five months of 2026, according to the tourism statistics referred to by the organisers. ‎MMR 26 will also continue a series of environmental and community programmes in Negombo. These include the installation of six PET bottle collection points, a beach cleanup involving more than 1,000 participants and the completion of the first stage of the Negombo Fort restoration project in partnership with the Negombo Municipal Council. ‎The organisers have also supported cleanup activities around major visitor locations, including the Negombo Jetty area, and donated 200 lunch packets to the Negombo Municipal Council in support of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.