Thirty nine-year-old racing rider Ranjith Dhanapala, who had a serious fall during practices at the annual Nuwara Eliya Road Races held on April 21, succumbed to his injuries at the General Hospital Colombo early Tuesday morning. Ranjith was a popular and dominant rider in the 250cc Supermoto Class and had several wins and placings to his credit.

His last victory was at the Kotmale Speed Hill Climb and he had participated in the Mahagastotte and Radella Speed Hill Climbs held during April 2007.

Ranjith is the son of R. Dhanapala, who is a veteran rider himself. He leaves behind his wife Waruni and only daughter Lihini, aged 4.