2018 Raid Amazones takes women to Sri Lanka; steeped in mystery

From left: Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Secretary Esala Weerakoon, National Integration Reconciliation and Official Languages Deputy Minister Seyed Ali Zahir Moulana, Governor Eastern Province Rohitha Bogollagama, Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga, Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and Maldives Cultural and Cooperation Counsellor Jean-Philippe Gavois, Raid Amazones 2018 Organiser Alexandre Dabanne and Connaissance De Ceylon Ltd. Chairman Chandra Wickramasinghe – Pix by Shehan Gunasekera

By Jiwon Jung

Women love being out of their comfort zones and challenging themselves. The rise of the popularity of fitness and well-being coupled with a growing desire for adventure tourism makes this the perfect event – ‘Raid Amazones’ will launch a 100% female adventure challenge event in Sri Lanka, providing women a chance to test their mental and physical endurance while enjoying the beauty as well as the enthralling culture of the host country.

The event will take place in the beautiful but mysterious parts of Sri Lanka; in and around Passikudah, Thoppigala, and Kalkudah.

This international event is held once a year in various countries with around 500 to 600 participants competing in a week-long multi-sport adventure challenge which includes: orienteering, cycling, canoeing, running, and archery.

To kick start the media briefing at the Ceylon Hotel School on Thursday, the Organiser of Raid Amazones Alexandre Dabanne explained the security of the program and how he is pleased to hold the event in Sri Lanka. He guaranteed 100% security on behalf of the event and pledged to make sure that security was the topmost priority during the competition. “I’m sure it’ll be a huge success,” he stated.

Chairman of Connaissance De Ceylon Chandra Wickramasinghe gave a detailed presentation on biodiversity in the island and how the event will be beneficial in terms of economics. “We are on top in terms of biodiversity in Asia. It is very easy for us to develop tourism in terms of what adventurers are looking for,” he stated.

Minister of Tourism Development John Amarathunge highlighted the significant development in Sri Lanka and how this multi-cultural event will be given exposure internationally. “The Government is very thankful to Raid Amazones for deciding to do the event in Sri Lanka. It will be a great advantage for the industry,” he said.

The Cultural and Cooperation Counsellor Jean-Philippe Gavois spoke about how the event will be a great asset in building the bilateral relationship between France and Sri Lanka. This event will be a high standard, world class event, and it will boost tourism in Sri Lanka, being a ‘win-win’ for both countries.

“Raid Amazone is promoting the very strong values of sport – friendship, courage, self-achievement, sharing, and respecting others,” he mentioned. He also highlighted the gender equality issue regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) created by the UN. “It is also about gender equality through those very courageous women. They will perform and they will strive. They will prove that there are no disciplines or achievements that are reserved to men,” he added.

The media briefing continued as the Governor of Eastern Province Rohitha Bogollagama thanked Raid Amazones for choosing the Eastern Province of the island for the event. He highlighted the relevance of the Eastern Province and how this event will widen the perspective for tourists to Sri Lanka.

The Deputy Minister of National Integration Seyed Ali Zahir Moulana added that he was glad to be associated with this event. In addition, the Managing Director of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Sutheash Balasubramaniam spoke about how it was easy for them to be convinced by Raid Amazones in terms of hosting the event. He also highlighted the increase of popularity of sports tourism and he said it is a thing that we have to pursue. The media briefing wrapped up with a vote of thanks by the General Manager of Connaissance De Ceylon Ltd. Anushka Perera.

This opportunity is free to everyone. Furthermore, local women are welcome to participate in this event to explore the unknown beauty of the magical island. ‘Raid Amazones’, the world’s biggest female adventure challenge is to be held in Sri Lanka in two legs in 2018 and 2019. The first leg will be held from 11-19 October, 2018 and this event will be held again from 23-31 March, 2019.

Far across the ocean there still exists incredible landscapes steeped in mystery and magic. The chosen risk-taking women will be the lucky ones who will explore the beauty of Sri Lanka; the emerald-coloured ocean is waiting for the brave ones.