Nissan partners 4x4 Expedition by Commando’s Regiment

Monday, 18 August 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Nissan Sri Lanka joined hands with the Commando’s Regiment as official vehicle partner for the inaugural Commando 4x4 Expedition, which took place from 3 to 9 August. The expedition covered over 775 kilometres of coastal roads, starting from Point Pedro and finishing in Uva Kudaoya. The expedition featured the participation of families, adventure enthusiasts and foreign participants, as the Commando’s regiment tapped the adventure exploration segment of the tourism sector. Many 4x4 owners from the corporate sector also took part, with the Commando’s Regiment providing several team building and family oriented activities along the route.

These included air rifling, hot air balloon rides, snake handling and rock climbing to name a few. The Sri Lanka Army’s Commando Regiment conducted the event as a fund raiser for the regiment’s infrastructure facility developments and to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast. The first phase of the event was divided into five stages. The initial stage, which was a 147km journey from Point Pedro to Kokkuthuduwai, ran through the Manalkadu sand dunes and in close proximity of the Chundikulam Bird Sanctuary. From here they crossed the Challai lagoon, before resting at the Kokkuthuduwai camp site in the night. The second stage from Kokkuthuduwai to Dehiwatte was a 137 km stretch consisting of gravel and sand tracks with a lagoon-crossing, whilst the 156km third stage from Dehiwatte to Thoppigala featured a gravel and tarmac course including a long stretch of gravel towards Welikanda. The vehicles then took an inland route during the 143km fourth stage from Thoppigala to Arugambay on gravel and tarmac roads, before reaching the Arugambay camp site early to

relax and engage in various fun-filled activities. The fifth and final stage of the first phase continued through the Eastern jungles to conclude at Uva Kudaoya Commando Regiment Training School (CRTS). The final day event at the CRTS was a special stage, where extreme and standard off road machines engaged in a time attack competition. With over 60 vehicles having taken part, Nissan is honoured to have been official vehicle partner. The vehicles were divided into convoy groups, each led by a Nissan Patrol. In addition to this, support and back up was also provided by a team of Nissan Patrol’s following each convoy. The Nissan Patrol was chosen for its reliability and dependability on a 4x4 course such as those traversed – and as such, there were more Nissan Patrols present than any other vehicle taking part in the event. Nissan also relished the opportunity to join hands with another renowned off-road marque, Land Rover, who also came forward to offer their support to the exciting event. With over 60 vehicles taking part over 775 kilometres, the expedition was the first of its kind in many ways. As such, Nissan’s participation has made this event a resounding success for all.