The Mighty Mini Club of Sri Lanka conducted the “Festival of Minis 2019” on 10 March 2019, on F R Senanayake Mawatha in front of the Colombo Town Hall. Approximately 120 Minis were on show at this event. Although for the untrained eye most of the Minis would look similar, there were in fact eight distinct categories of Minis on display, starting from the early models of the 1950’s to the latest “BMW Minis”.

The Commander of Air Force, Air Marshal Kapila Jayampathy graced the event as the Chief Guest. He was conducted on a tour of the display by the President of the Mighty Mini Club, Mr. Nimal Gunaratne and the Chief Event Organizer and committee member Mr. Nimal Wimalasuriya. Air Marshal Jayampathy also had the opportunity to drive a Mini Moke and experience a little bit of the joy of owning and driving a legendary Mini. The Mighty Mini Club presented a token of appreciation to Air Marshal Jayampathy to mark the occasion.

Among the different categories of Minis on display were the “Specials” which are either modified with period correct modifications or are unique due to their rarity. Among the specials were a Stretched Moke which has seating for 6 people, a very rare Mini truck and a Mini with matching trailer. Another category of Minis are the Minis used for competition. These cars are usually not driven on public roads, but are carried on car carriers to the race track for racing and back. Fourteen such race cars were on display and afforded a rare opportunity for the general public to look at them at close quarters and indeed speak to the owners as to what it takes to prepare and use a Mini for competitions.