‘Raid Amazones’ female adventure challenge to Sri Lanka once again

From left: Advisor to the Minister of Tourism Nimesh Herath, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Siri Hettiarachchi, Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranathunga, ZBO Chairman Alexandre Dabanne, Connaissance De Ceylan Chairman Chandra Wickramasinghe, Connaissance De Ceylan Director Maxime Wickramasinghe

The 20th edition of ‘Raid Amazones’, the world’s biggest female adventure challenge, is to be held in Sri Lanka in two legs in 2022. The challenge is scheduled to be held in and around the Sigiriya, Habarana, Kaudulla and Moragahakanda regions with the participation of 600 pax. The first leg will be from 10 to 19 March 2022 while the second leg will be held from 24 March to 2 April 2022.

This international event is held once a year in a different country with around 500 to 600 participants competing in a week-long multi-sport adventure challenge. In teams of two or three, the participants will compete in challenges such as, Orienteering Cycling; Canoeing; Running and Archery. All the activities designed to test the skill, determination and teamwork of the contestants.

This 100% female event provides an opportunity for women to test their mental and physical endurance, all whilst enjoying the beautiful environment and enthralling culture of the host country.

The events will be spread around the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka showcasing the beauty of the nature and culture of the country. In addition, the Raid Amazones will bring international media coverage for the event via print, television, radio, internet and social media providing excellent exposure for Sri Lanka as a country and tourism destination. The event will be organised by French based ZBO and their local partner Connaissance de Ceylan, which has over 40 years of experience within the tourism sector. Official Sri Lanka Tourism endorsement to facilitate the event was given in Paris during the International and French Travel Market (IFTM) by Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranathunga to ZBO Chairman Alexandre Dabanne in the presence of, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism Nimesh Herath, Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism Siri Hettiarachchi, Connaissance De Ceylan Ltd. Chairman Chandra Wickramasinghe and Connaissance De Ceylan Ltd. Director Maxime Wickramasinghe.

Alexandre Dabanne is in ongoing discussions with Sri Lankan Airlines Chairman Ashok Pathirage, Sri Lankan Airlines Regional Head Europe and Americas Manoj Gunawardena and SriLankan Airlines General Manager Marketing Saminda Perera and their team to utilise services of the national carrier for this international event. 

The 18th edition of ‘Raid Amazones’ too was organised by ZBO and Connaissance De Ceylan in 2018/19 in and around Passikudha, Thoppigala and Kalkudah.