IFS Foundation transforming lives by taking on Pekoe Trail Challenge 2025

Stephen and Avenash 

By Hiyal Biyagamage

Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country will become the stage for an extraordinary journey of endurance and purpose in February 2025. The Pekoe Trail Challenge, a 300-kilometer trek across Sri Lanka’s iconic and breath-taking hill country, is more than just a physical feat. It is a bold commitment by the IFS Foundation to tackle systemic poverty and drive sustainable change in some of the nation’s most remote and underserved rural communities.

From 8 to 14 February IFS Chair and Chief Talent Officer Stephen Keys, along with Poka Senior Lead Software Engineer Avenash Krishnakumar, will embark on this gruelling challenge. Their mission? To raise $ 70,000 to fund transformative healthcare, education, and livelihood projects through the IFS Foundation. The challenge is being supported by IFS, an enterprise software vendor and the largest IT employer in Sri Lanka, as well as several other IT firms with operations in Sri Lanka, including Hoist, Platned, Poka and IGT 1.

Running for a cause

The Pekoe Trail Challenge will take the participants from Nuwara Eliya, through the pristine landscapes of Horton Plains, to the historic city of Kandy. With rugged terrain, steep ascents, and a combined elevation gain of over 14,000 meters, this new tourist trail highlights Sri Lanka’s unparalleled natural beauty while posing an incredible physical challenge to participants. Furthermore, this journey is also a testament to the runners’ commitment and resilience.

“For nearly three decades, Sri Lanka has been integral to IFS’ global operations,” says Keys. “The IFS Foundation is our way of giving back to a community that has contributed so much to our success. The Pekoe Trail Challenge is not just about endurance—it’s about inspiring collective action to tackle the deep-rooted issues of poverty and inequality in rural Sri Lanka.”

The challenge is as symbolic as it is demanding. While the trail’s beauty showcases Sri Lanka’s rich heritage and culture, it also highlights the stark disparities between its urban centres and remote villages.

Understanding the challenge of poverty

Poverty in Sri Lanka has risen dramatically, with the World Bank reporting an increase from 11.3% in 2019 to 25% in 2022. This spike has pushed an additional 2.5 million Sri Lankans below the poverty line, disproportionately affecting rural communities. These families often face impossible choices, like forgoing healthcare and education to afford food, perpetuating a cycle of poverty.

The statistics are grim:

n Malnutrition and stunting rates reached 9.4% in 2022.

nOver 10% of rural schools lack access to clean drinking water, while many families rely on contaminated sources.

n Economic dependency on agriculture leaves communities vulnerable to climate and market shocks, further deepening inequality.

“Poverty isn’t just about income,” explains Keys. “It’s about access—to clean water, quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. Addressing these systemic issues requires a holistic, long-term approach.”

How IFS Foundation is contributing

The IFS Foundation’s mission is rooted in systems thinking—a strategic approach that addresses the interconnected barriers to development. Instead of temporary relief, the Foundation focuses on empowering communities through targeted, sustainable interventions:

n Healthcare: Building and renovating clinics, installing sanitation facilities, and setting up Reverse Osmosis (RO) water plants to ensure clean drinking water.

n Education: Constructing classrooms, introducing computer labs, and providing teaching resources to improve student outcomes.

n Livelihoods: Supporting home-based industries like sewing and coconut husk processing to ensure economic stability for families.

In Welusumanapura, a rural village in the North Western Province, the IFS Foundation’s efforts have led to transformative outcomes:

n Installed 3 RO water plants, benefiting over 300 families.

n Supported self-employment by donating coconut husk chipping machines and sewing machines

n Constructed 6 new classrooms and a modern computer lab, enabling the school to expand capacity from 450 to 700 students and offer A-Level education.

n Achieved top divisional results in O-Level exams, a testament to the impact of improved infrastructure and resources.

The power of collaboration

The Pekoe Trail Challenge 2025 is more than a two-person endeavour. A dedicated support crew from IFS and partner organisations like Platned will ensure the event’s success. On the final day, a group of IFS colleagues will join the runners for the last 45 kilometres, symbolising the collective effort needed to create lasting change.

The IFS Foundation’s engagement model prioritises communities with strong participation but inadequate infrastructure. By collaborating with local leaders—teachers, doctors, and development coordinators—the Foundation builds sustainable, self-sufficient communities.

With 40% of its global workforce based in Sri Lanka, IFS has a deep connection to the country’s progress. The Foundation reflects the company’s commitment to giving back, reinforcing its social license to operate.

“The Pekoe Trail Challenge allows us to engage our global community in a cause that’s close to our hearts,” says Keys. “It’s about saying thank you to Sri Lanka while demonstrating the power of strategic, community-driven change. While this is an intense physical challenge, it’s nothing compared to families’ daily struggles in Sri Lanka’s rural areas. We hope to inspire others to contribute and join us in making a tangible difference.”

Join the journey

The IFS Foundation invites individuals and organisations to contribute to this impactful initiative. Donations can be made via www.ifsfoundation.org, and supporters can follow the journey on IFS’ social media channels.

As the runners take on this formidable challenge, their efforts symbolise the resilience, collaboration, and vision required to break the cycle of poverty. Together, they’re proving that change isn’t just possible—it’s within reach.