Trail Ambassadors Bathiya & Santhush produce theme song for Trail SL 2016

Bathiya and Santhush are collaborating with Nathan Sivagananathan and Sarinda Unamboowe, the founders of Trail, in an effort to bring together communities across Sri Lanka and collectively drive the nation’s fight against cancer. 

Still maintaining that their music is only something they do out of passion, Bathiya and Santhush have signed up as Ambassadors for Trail, producing the theme song for the initiative which carries a message of unity and understanding for the people of Sri Lanka, motivating them to raise funds in aid of cancer treatment. 

The previous Trail initiative, which took place in 2011, saw the establishment of the Tellippalai Trail Cancer Hospital in Jaffna. Fully functional and furnished with cutting-edge equipment, the hospital has treated over 4,500 patients since opening its doors in 2014. 

“We have been observing their progress since 2011 and were glad to see the end result. Unfortunately, due to our commitment on the international stage at the time, we couldn’t be a part of Trail in 2011. So when we were called to be a part of it this year, we jumped at the opportunity. It’s a no strings attached commitment and therefore it feels like we are doing something from the heart,” say Bathiya and Santhush.

The theme song for Trail Sri Lanka 2016 was launched at a media event held a few months back. “It’s a song which has been brought to life by the collective effort of many creative individuals in the Sri Lankan music sphere,” the duo said. 

The song, titled ‘Trail for a Life’, is composed by Mahesh Denepitiya while its lyricists include Ravi Barnes (English), Ajith Nishantha (Sinhala) and T.G. Balendran (Tamil), and is sung by Bathiya, Santhush, Umaria and Chandru Rajasooriyar. It has now been uploaded to the servers of all mobile phone operators in the island and is available to be downloaded as a ringin tone or direct from iTunes. Downloading the ringin tone makes one a contributor to Trail as proceeds are donated to the initiative.

Apart from the song, the duo also produced a concert in order to raise funds for the event. “On request by MAS Holdings, we came together and produced a successful concert a few weeks back. We are ecstatic about the generosity we see from our fans,” he said, adding, “apart from that we plan to walk. We will be announcing where we will be joining the walk very soon on Facebook.”

As Ambassadors of Trail 2016, Bathiya and Santhush feel that the impact the initiative has on the country’s fight against cancer is immeasurable. “We are all put on this earth for a purpose, and I believe that we all have to do our part. Although many of us do fulfil our part in so many different ways, the battle against cancer is a very critical matter. Sri Lanka needs it right now. I don’t think areas such as Galle or Jaffna have had cancer treatment centres. And maybe next we should look at the east or the Central Province. If we can do this, it will give a lot of people, both young and old, a big chance for proper treatment and recovery; but most importantly, it will give them hope.”

Trail 2016 will cover a distance of 670 km over 28 consecutive days from 6 October to 2 November 2016. Walkers can commit to walk the whole distance, part of the way or become a virtual walker depending on their ability. 

Walkers began their journey at Point Pedro and will walk to Dondra Head in order to raise funds towards a new cancer unit for the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital. The hospital sees patients coming not only from the southern districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota but also from areas as far as Badulla and Kalutara. 

Catering to a population of nearly six million in the south, one of the biggest obstacles faced by the hospital is the overcrowding of all units. The number of inward patients receiving chemotherapy and palliative care on any given day is over 200 - although there are only 135 beds. The proposed building will give patients more ward space and other facilities including counselling rooms, rehabilitation and recreation facilities as well as new radiology and pathology labs. 

“So I urge all people to join hands. Come join us on the walk even for a small distance. You could also participate as a virtual walker just by donating whatever amount you can afford. A contribution of $ 1 (Rs. 150) will make a huge difference. When you see their stories it will really motivate you and give you the real picture of what our people are going through,” state Bathiya and Santhush. Members of the public can donate to the cause through a Dialog text, star points or eZ Cash, through MobitelmCash or through bank transfer and other ways, all listed at the charity’s official website www.trailsl.com.

Further, the ringin tones can be downloaded by dialling 87520425 (Dialog), 74727285 (Mobitel), 8880066951 (Airtel) and 351208 (Hutch).