First leg of 10th ‘Lanka Challenge’ edition kicks off tomorrow

• 20 teams from 13 nationalities rev up tuks for ultimate road trip challenge
• Following popularity of event, second leg scheduled for September

 By Charumini de Silva

The 10th edition of ‘Lanka Challenge’, the ultimate road trip for intrepid travellers from around the world who like their tourism experience fully charged and no-holds-barred, will kick-off the first leg tomorrow (21) from Tamarind Tree in Minuwangoda.

The self-driven tuk-tuk challenge is organised for the 10th consecutive time by Large Minority in partnership with Connaissance de Ceylan and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB). The challenge has 20 teams registered for the 2018 first edition comprising of 45 international participants representing 13 nationalities. 

Following the popularity of the challenge, the organisers are have now scheduled two events for a year and the second event will take place in September. National carrier SriLankan Airlines is the main sponsor of the event alongside the official travel partner, Connaissance de Ceylon.

The nine-day adventure tour of Sri Lanka using one of the favourite and funkiest mode of local transportation — tuk-tuks will allow travellers from around the world to explore and experience country’s culture, wild life, heritage and gastronomic adventures.

During the April challenge participants will explore Kalpitiya, Mannar, Jaffna, East Coast, Sigiriya and Kandy. The ultimate road trip will come to a close on 28 April at Suriya Resort in Wayikkal.  The tourists will drive themselves to various challenges at these locations on the colourful Tuk Tuks that have been borrowed from local drivers for the duration of this tour. 

“The popularity of the challenge has been growing since its inception eight years ago thus, we have scheduled two events from this year,” Connaissance de Ceylan General Manager Anushka Perera told Daily FT.

He also said ‘Lanka Challenge’ event sends out an important message to the world that Sri Lanka is a safe destination for travellers. 

It was pointed out that the challenge was not a race and clarified that participants were not timed on how fast they could complete a challenge, giving them the freedom and opportunity to enjoy the natural and historical sites of the island as well. 

In addition Perera said it helped to filter down the benefits to local communities and industries involved in this endeavour. The Lanka Challenge also embraces a policy of responsible tourism where a total of 10% of each team’s entry fee would be given directly to support local charity partners.