26th Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya commences 28 Feb.

Tuesday, 25 February 2025 01:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Sri Lanka Air Force Media Director Eranda Geeganage, Sports Ministry Director General Prof. Rear Admiral (Retd.) Shemal Fernando, Sri Lanka Air Force Cycling Chairman Air Vice Marshal Indika Wickramasinghe, Abans General Manager Chamila Janaranga, and Sri Lanka Air Force Cycling Committee Secretary Group Captain Ranga Perera

By Shamseer Jaleel

The 26th edition of the Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2025 is set to take place in conjunction with the 74th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Organised by the Air Force Cycling Federation under the guidance of Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, the prestigious event will feature both Men’s and Women’s races.

The Men’s race will unfold over three stages across three days, while the Women’s race will be just a one-day event. More than 175 elite Sri Lankan and international cyclists are expected to compete, promising an intense and thrilling contest on the road.

This is the 26th consecutive year this prestigious race stands as Sri Lanka’s premier and longest-running national-level cycling event, aiming to elevate the sport’s popularity and foster competition among cyclists.

Abans PLC has been named the title sponsor of the Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2025, organised by the Sri Lanka Air Force under the full supervision of the Air Force Cycling Federation. Maliban Group joins as the official nutrition partner, while People’s Insurance PLC serves as the official insurance partner.

The official prize-giving ceremony will take place at the Rifle Green Ground, Sri Lanka Air Force Station Colombo, on 2 March at 4:30 p.m.

Women’s cycling

28 February

Weerawila to Ratnapura (140.5 km)

(Route – Weerawila, Hambantota, Ambalantota, Nonagama Junction, Embilipitiya, Udawalawe, Godakawela, Kahawatte, Pelmadulla, Batugedara, Ratnapura, Ratnapura New Town Road, Opposite Sabaragamuwa Stadium)

1 March

Ratnapura to Kandy (118.3 km)

(Route – Ratnapura, Opposite Sabaragamuwa Stadium, Kuruwita, Eheliyagoda, Avissawella, Thalduwa, Ruwanwella, Aguruwella, Galigamuwa Junction, Nelumdeniya, Kegalle, Mawanella, Pilimathalawa, Kandy)

2 March

Kandy to Colombo (155.2 km)

(Route – Kandy, Peradeniya, Katugastota, Galagedara, Mawathagama, Mallawapitiya, Kurunegala, Narammala, Giriulla, Pannala, Dankotuwa, Kochchikade, Negombo, Katunayake, Ja-Ela, Wattala, Peliyagoda, Panchikawatte, Maradana, Lake House, Lotus Road, Galle Road, Galle Face)

The total distance of the race will be 414 km.

Women’s cycling

2 March

Mirigama to Colombo (89 km)

(Route – Mirigama, Pasyala Road, Giriulla, Pannala, Makandura, Sandalankawa, Dankotuwa Junction, Thoppuwa Junction, Kochchikade, Negombo, Katunayake, Ja-Ela, Wattala, Peliyagoda, Panchikawatte, Maradana, Lake House, Lotus Road, Galle Road, Galle Face)