Lanka Challenge 2017 TukTuk Rally kicks off

Large Minority (www.largeminority.travel) in partnership with Connaissance de Ceylan and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism last week kicked off the ninth edition of the Lanka Challenge; a 10-day TukTuk adventure taking place in Sri Lanka from 20 to 29 April.

Intrepid travelers from all over the world will once again traverse the spicy island of Sri Lanka in one of the funkiest modes of transport invented by man – the humble Tuk-Tuk (three wheeler). On this edition, the event will once again explore the Eastern Province; wild, adventurous and less travelled territory – where participants can expect even more remote, scenic and challenging roads. The self-drive TukTuk Challenge, will give teams of two or three a close up and personal experience of some of the most fascinating historical sites and natural delights of the spice island, while raising money for local charities and environmental organisations.

Julian Carnall, Co-founder of Large Minority, who along with Juan Paredes conceived the event says: “After the success of the last eight Lanka Challenge events, it is only natural to continue our meaningful adventure with the ninth edition. We hope to once again captivate the world through our responsible tourism initiatives, which will also include the less touristic rural areas. 

The Lanka Challenge Award Ceremony will be on 28 April, at 7 p.m. at the Goldi Sands, Negombo.

The event, which is endorsed and supported by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Tourism, is also proud to partner with SriLankan Airlines as the main sponsor for the event and Connaissance de Ceylan as the official travel partner. The organisers anticipate a total of 15 teams/45 international participants for the 2017 edition.

The Lanka Challenge team will continue to support its local partners; the Red Cross Society of Sri Lanka and Land Owners Restore Rainforest in Sri Lanka (LORRIS). A total of 10 per cent of each team’s entry fee will be given directly to the charity partners. Juan Paredes adds: “Last year we collected over $ 8,000 which we used for different charitable projects including donating text books, musical instruments and planting more than 200 indigenous trees to offset our carbon emissions. In 2016 we intend to raise a very similar amount and touch many more lives through our sustainable initiatives”. In addition to this, the organisation encourages each team to raise at least $ 500 as well. 

Julian Carnall adds: “The additional money raised by the teams can be used for their preferred charities in or out of Sri Lanka, or can be added to our total. We would also welcome support from any individual who is unable to join but still wants to support or raise funds.”

Large Minority is an Experiential Travel Operator offering responsible travel experiences in Sri Lanka, Colombia and Cambodia. The company incorporates philanthropic projects and eco-friendly initiatives in their travel experiences, which also intend to promote the destination and give back to the local communities.

Pix by Kumarasiri Prasad