TREK4CEYLON RIDE INTO PUTTUR

After four gruelling days in the saddle, the cyclists taking part in Trek4Ceylon's 2025 fundraising bike ride crossed the finish line at St Luke’s Methodist Mission Hospital in Puttur, Jaffna, on 15 February, to much-deserved fanfare.

The previous weekend, a glittering launch party for the charity cycle ride had been held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, attended by His Excellencies United Kingdom High Commissioner Andrew Patrick, Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens, Canadian High Commissioner Eric Walsh as well as the many sponsors, riders and volunteers. The event highlighted the charity’s five year commitment to the reconstruction and restoration of St Luke’s Hospital.

Raring to go, the cyclists were flagged off on 12 February from the palatial entrance of the five-star Cinnamon Grand Hotel by His Excellency Andrew Patrick and the Deputy Minister of Tourism Professor Ruwan Ranasinghe. The Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Paul Stephens, joined in the proceedings by cycling part of the first day’s route.

Encouraged by ride captains and Australian Gold Medalist Scott McGrory, the cyclists navigated the course of 450km from Colombo to Jaffna. Setting off each day before sunrise, the riders persevered despite the strength-sapping heat, pedalling in pelotons until they reached the overnight pit stops in Chilaw,Anuradhapura and Kilinochchi, respectively.

The tropical landscape of Sri Lanka provided a diverse and picturesque backdrop  for the ride. Besides the heat, the riders contended with the somewhat unpredictable tuk tuk drivers, buses and stray dogs - all seemingly intent on  impeding their progress.

The cyclists were supported throughout the campaign by a group of marshals, volunteers, medics, back up vehicles and ambulances. Additionally, the police spearheaded the T4C convoy by clearing traffic along the way. For this service, Trek4Ceylon would like to thank Acting Inspector General of Police, Priyantha Weerasooriya, and T4C Safety and Security Officer, SSP Chamil Rathnayake.

The Ride Chair, Trinushka Perera, proved to be the backbone of the ride, expertly coordinating every aspect of the event to render a successful and fun-fuelled outcome.

The final day saw the riders cycle from Kilinochchi to Jaffna. A smorgasbord of delicacies greeted them at the TJ Education Centre in Puloly. The cyclists and the ride support staff spent time savouring the hospitality and mingling with the cheerful children and their families.

To the delight of the considerable Canadian contingent, the Canadian flag had been proudly hung aloft to mark the 60th anniversary since the iconic flag was adopted as the national flag of Canada and hoisted at Parliament Hill.

Following this leisurely break, the seventy riders cycled as a convoy to St Luke’s Methodist Hospital. Dr Kandeepan and David Rasiah steered the party on a tandem bike to the final destination where they were greeted with enthusiastic celebration.

To much acclaim, each rider was presented with a medal by His Excellency Eric Walsh, Reverend Joseph and other notable dignitaries for their incredible endurance, as well as their dedication to the project.

However, the charity bike ride is not all sweat and toil. It offers an idyllic blend of tenacity and pleasure. Hobnobbing with participants from far flung lands, incorporating life-long friendships, dips in the welcoming pool and sampling of the tantalising Sri Lankan traditional fare, all contribute to an
altogether enriching and thought-provoking mission.

The ride yields much joy to the Sri Lankan diaspora as they return to assist their motherland, and bestows fresh cultural experiences to those cyclists who have united with them on this remarkable quest.

The seventy participants in the T4C2025 ride hailed from many nations and were of varying abilities, but all of them showed their mettle by rising to the challenge to raise funds through sponsorship and donations for the rebuilding project at St Luke’s Hospital.

The riders represented a total of nine different sovereign states - Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, USA, Italy, France, Singapore, Norway and Sri Lanka. A true testament to the growing standing of Trek4Ceylon in the international community.

Fittingly, the final night on Saturday 15th February culminated in a party at the Jetwing Hotel in Jaffna, co-hosted by the Canadian High Commission. A sumptuous feast, complete with a mouthwatering hopper stall, beckoned the riders to the rooftop venue. And many a rider also seized the opportunity to let their hair down and dance the night away, albeit to a somewhat curious
playlist.

This noteworthy event is in part due to the drive and resolve of a few passionate individuals. But it is also championed by Trek4Ceylon’s prominent sponsors - Ekinops, Cinnamon Grand, Asiri Hospitals, Lumala and the Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Bureau. Each of these sponsors provided a vital role that together shaped this highly regarded charity ride.

 As one ride comes to an end, so the preparations for the 2026 ride commence.

The T4C2026 ride will also mark significant milestones, as the charity celebrates its 10th year and St Luke’s its 125th anniversary. Due to the already overwhelming interest, next years’s ride will be by invitation only.

For more information regarding the charity, the project or how you can get involved, please visit www.trek4ceylon.com

Manjula Meadows