After a 25 year civil war, Sri Lanka is fast emerging out of the shadows and once again becoming a popular destination for tourists of all creeds.
One event that is set to promote the tranquil island begins on the weekend and will see 51 participants race 1200km across the country in three-wheel auto rickshaws.
The Lanka Challenge 09 starts on September 5, running until September 15, as the adventurous competitors attempt to navigate their way across the island’s terrain, taking on deserted beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, ancient cities and colonial forts, in what is more commonly known across Asia as the Tuk Tuk.
The ten-day charity race will also give Sri Lanka the opportunity to show off its new image following the conclusion of the country’s civil war against the separatist Tamil Tigers in the north-east of the island, according to Julian Carnall and Juan Paredes from race organisers Large Minority.
A camera crew will also be present to film the 25 teams undertaking the adventure for a travel documentary.
Carnall and Paredes noted: “Through our event we intend to promote tourism, help the local community and improve the country’s international image.
“This is the perfect time to present the new face of Sri Lanka and give something back to the people.”
The tour has already raised US $6000 for good causes, as 10% of each team’s entry fee has been split evenly between the two main partner charities, the Sri Lanka Red Cross and The Botakanda Charity, who support the country’s indigenous people).
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The event itself has received the backing of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s (SLTPB) Middle East office.
SLTPB Middle East director Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori stated: “Such sporting events help in generating global media exposure for Sri Lanka and SLTPB seeks to successfully capitalise on this heightened international awareness of the island nation in the post-conflict era to publicise the country’s top class hospitality industry and sporting attractions.”
Dubai-based participant Samantha Harwood said that the challenge team mate Kat Twaites and herself faced during the ten-day adventure would probably be tough because of the unreliable reputation of the team’s Tuk Tuk.
Despite this Harwood said that although their Tuk Tuk was “very likely to break down” during the journey, as it was the local form of transport, parts and repairs would be readily available “whether on top of a mountain or stuck in a ditch”.
“Tuk Tuks or Three Wheelers play a large part in every day life in Sir Lanka so what better way is there for a visitor to visit the country than on a local form of transport,” she commented.
“They are a very basic form of transport and travel at slow speeds, meaning anyone on board will always be able to take in as much of the county as possible.”
Each team taking on the Lanka Challenge 09 also has the opportunity to raise money for the charity of its choice. TMS Recruitment director and race participant Samantha Harwood, along with team mate Kat Twaites will be raising money for regional charity Gulf for Good. Anyone interested in making a donation can contact Harwood at — samantha@tmsrecruitment.com
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