The “Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2021” was held for the 22nd consecutive year concluded yesterday evening (07 March 2021) at Katunayake. Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa flagged off the Men’s race in front of AFHQ Colombo this morning.

Sonal De Silva of the Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) won the title from the Men’s race while Chamod De Silva (SLPA) and Prabash Madushanka (SL Navy) secured 2nd and 3rd places respectively. The Men’s Team Award was secured by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Team.

Udeshini Niranjani (SL Army) won the title of the Women’s race while Panchali Sulochana (SLAF) and Dinesha Dilrukshi (SLAF) secured 2nd and 3rd places respectively. The Women’s Team Award was secured by the SL Army Team. A total of 196 national level cyclists competed for the top spot in the first cycling competition to be held in Sri Lanka after nearly a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The SLAF went the extra mile to arrange this years tournament with adherences to guidelines put in place by health authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The presentation ceremony was held at the Eagles’ Lagoon View Reception Hall at Katunayake and the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. The Chairman SLAF Cycling, Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe, Members from the Air Force Board of Management, Secretary SLAF Cycling, Air Commodore Kithsiri Leelaratne, Senior Officers, representatives from the main sponsor and co-sponsors presented awards at the Ceremony.

The Men’s and Women’s Champions received cash prizes of Rs. 150,000.00 and Rs. 75,000.00 respectively. In addition, there were awards for 2nd to 15th places in the Men’s event and for 2nd to 10th in the Women’s event by the main sponsor of the race, SLT Mobitel.

The event was telecasted live on Channel Eye by this year’s exclusive Media Partner, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.