Motorsports: Rider Ananda Wedisinghe still in critical condition

The condition of racing rider Ananda Wedisinghe, who was seriously injured during the Nuwara Eliya Road Race on April 23, has aggravated since the day he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Kandy Hospital, according to his close friends. 

Wedisinghe, an experienced rider with an impressive record, is in a coma and is battling for his life. 

He has been kept alive with the support of a Life Support Machine from the day he was admitted. 

Wedisinghe's Japanese wife Rumi and his children are finding possible ways to fly him to Japan where the family is settled. 

If their attempt of taking him to Japan fails, mainly due the demanding financial requirements, Wedisinghe should be at least taken to Singapore, where his family will still have to meet the required huge sum. 

To fly Wedisinghe in an Air Ambulance, International SOS, a globally renowned medical and travel firm, the estimated cost is 39Million Sri Lanka Rupees. 

"It's been over four weeks since Ananda (Wedisinghe) was admitted to the Kandy Hospital ICU, and the hospital staff is of the view that his condition is critical. The doctors and nurses of the ICU are taking very good care of him, and I strongly believe that his condition will improve slowly," Wedisinghe's wife, Rumi stated.

The Wedisinghe family and his close friends have been making a valiant attempt to raise funds through a Foundation set up on behalf of the famous rider. 

But the collection so far, during the past month, has not build up as expected. 

Rumi is still making all possible attempts to take her beloved life partner to Japan despite unexpected setbacks.

"My family back in Japan are doing all that is possible to work things out, and if I could take him there, I'll be stronger because my family is around to help me. For now our youngest daughter is here and the older daughter and son came and went back. They too have small kids and because of that they couldn't stay longer as expected," she added.

Rumi went on to say that the Foundation is receiving cash offerings and some individuals have given their contributions personally to her. 

But the whole collection up to date, is nowhere near what the Wedisinghe family expects. 

"I must thank all those who contributed personally, they have been with Ananda and us the whole time since the accident occurred. The support his friends, colleagues and fans have been giving us through this time has been tremendous."

Wedisinghe's present calamity directs the finger towards the organisers of the event, the Sri Lanka Motorcycle Club. 

The Nuwara Eliya Road Race has been under scrutiny unlike other motorsport events held in various parts due to safety and medical recovery reasons. 

On April 20, 2008 driver Dilshan Bandaranayake experienced a similar accident on his Austin Mini, which was fatal. 

Since then the race was not granted the required clearance at times by the Ministry of Sports and at times by the Nuwara Eliya Police. 

Even motorsport experts raise concerns of the safety, which many were of the view that did not meet the required levels. 

Even Wedisinghe's wife, who has been the shadow of the renowned rider, makes that claim.  

"I'm really disheartened on how the organisers handled the situation, none of them at least made inquiries on how he is so far. They claimed that all participants were fully insured but when I met the officials of the said insurance company said that Ananda has to become a permanently disable or die to release the money. What's the purpose of getting such a claim if it isn't helping my husband recover from the critical condition he is in. I felt really helpless when I was told that," she revealed. 

"Ananda was kept unmoved at the place near where the accident happened for nearly 20 minutes. The organisers did not have an ambulance, even the Corner Marshal who was on duty at the location, did not have a communication tool to convey any message across. The rider who won the race delivered the message in person, and what they sent was the Fire Brigade Ambulance of the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Council, which did not have a doctor or nurse. Those who were around and came to watch the race and the Police officers helped to get Ananda into the ambulance. A doctor told me that the delay and lack of basic medical requirements has caused a lot to his current condition. I have already handed a letter to the Ministry of Sports asking for an investigation but nothing has been done so far," a dejected Rumi divulged.

Wedisinghe is a veteran in motor cross riding in Sri Lanka and has claimed the national championship a few occasions during his career which spans closer to three decades. 

He is considered more of an entertainer on the track for his gimmicks, which helped him gain a huge fan base. 

Wedisinghe has, time to time, made contributions towards injured war heroes and is known to have a gentle heart among the local racing fraternity. 

In his final interview to the local media before the accident, Wedisinghe revealed that he would continue racing 'until his last breath', but right now his claim probably sends frigid thoughts to all his fans and more importantly his family. 

As a phoenix rising from the ashes, the whole of country is waiting to see him back on the track, but everything seems to be making a slow progress, and so will be Wedisinghe's recovery, if he is not given the prompt treatment.