Epic run around the country completed in 36 days

Thursday, 7 October 2010 22:56 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Triumphant Saman aims for Guinness World Record

Ex-army commando Pradeep Saman Udugamasooriya, who made a valiant bid to enter the Guinness Book of World Records by jogging, climbing and swimming (Triathlon) along the 1340 Km coastline of Sri Lanka within 40 days, completed his epic run to a hero’s welcome at Galle Face Green on 7th October.

His feat of circumnavigating the island on land was supported and sponsored by Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC.

An enthusiastic crowd including the Governor of the Western Province Alawi Mowlana, Galle District parliamentarian Nishantha Muthuhettigama, Richard Rodrigo, Assistant General Manager - Plan Implementation of Commercial Bank, Sports Ministry officials, Saman’s family, friends and well-wishers gathered at the event to welcome the hero who completed his mission in a mere 36 days.

In a symbolic gesture of support, Saman was joined at the final 100 metres of his run by two runners from the Commercial Bank.

Saman paid tribute to his motherland by kissing the earth before victoriously raising the national flag which he carried around the country with him. He said his journey would not have been possible, if not for the atmosphere of peace prevailing in the country.

His record is to be submitted to the Guinness Book of World Records for formal ratification.

Supportive sponsor: Commercial Bank AGM Plan Implementation Richard Rodrigo with Saman.

Saman started off his gruelling journey, in which no one has ever succeeded before, at the Galle Face Green on 2nd of September with the blessing of President Mahinda Rajapakse. He had obtained permission from all relevant authorities and announced that the aim of his attempt was to bring glory and honour to his nation.

“Saman’s attempt was not only a thorough test of perseverance and endurance but also an attempt to symbolically celebrate the opportunities brought about by the dawn of peace in Sri Lanka,” said Mr. Richard Rodrigo, AGM - Plan Implementation of Commercial Bank. “The Commercial Bank was happy to support this courageous endeavour.”