The Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2024, the 25th edition of the race, was flagged off this morning (03 March 2024) at Gallface Green, Colombo by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa. This year’s race, which commenced today, is conducted in line with the 73rd anniversary.
The Men's race that commenced this morning, in which over one hundred and four males, including both locals and foreigners, specifically a four-manned team representing the Indian Air Force, participated, is scheduled to complete its first lap at Kandy, covering a distance of 104.3 km. The race will be concluded on 07 March 2024 in Jaffna after the completion of five laps in five days.
The Women’s race will commence at Mankulam on 07 March 2024 and be scheduled to conclude in Jaffna, covering a distance of approximately 97km.
The title sponsor for the 25th Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya is Nippon Paint Lanka (Pvt) Ltd., with Abans Group of Company as the platinum sponsor, Peoples Insurance as the official Insurance Partner, People’s Bank as the official Banking Partner and Maliban Biscuit Manufactories Private Limited as the official Food and Beverage Partner. At the same time, the event is co-sponsored by Wijaya Products Pvt. Ltd. The spectators have been provided the opportunity to watch this competition live on Channel Eye as well as the opportunity to listen to live updates through the Hiru FM and Suriyan FM radio channels this year. This is the only Cycle Race in Sri Lanka that features the entire race live through a Bell-212 helicopter, along with Sri Lanka Rupavihini Corporation.
The awards ceremony will be held on 07 March 2024 at the Jaffna on a grand scale.
This year’s race was organized by SLAF Cycling under the leadership of Chairman SLAF Cycling, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera and under the coordination of Secretary SLAF Cycling, Group Captain Ranga Perera.