I am pleased to release this message to the newspaper supplement published on the event of Fox Hill Super Cross 2009. It is conducted by the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) in collaboration with the leading organization for motor sports in the country, the Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR) on 18th April 2009 for the 17th successive year since its commencement in 1993.

This is purely a fund-raising event, yet it is important for the general public to understand the purpose for what this money will be utilized, which may be unknown to most. These funds are utilized to develop and upgrade the training and infrastructure facilities of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, where Officer Cadets undergo basic military training in order to be moulded as future leaders of the Army. An enormous amount of both finances and effort are required to make the training gainful and productive and to maintain the academy to be in par with other military academies in the region and in the world. The Sri Lanka Army has now been acclaimed as one of the most professional and battle hardened armies in the world.

The officers produced by the Sri Lanka Military Academy contributed magnanimously along the difficult trek to achieve victory over the LTTE terrorists. It is a benchmark of the acclaimed professionalism and the greatness of this magnificent institute of military teaching. Hence, all contributions and assistance for this event is generally considered as a contribution to a National cause.

The short drive through the cool pine forest, the location of the track and the panoramic view of the Fox Hill in the salubrious climes of Diyatalawa add to the excitement and thrill of the event. This is ideal entertainment to thousands of holiday makers during the April season as well as the biggest and the greatest event for the private sector to advertise their products and services.

I take this opportunity to thank the president and officials of SLARDAR, sponsors, competitors and spectators for their undaunted involvement and contribution. Finally, I would like to thank the Commandant and the staff of the SLMA for shouldering the challenge of making this event such a great success.

I wish all competitors the best of luck!