Trained to live rough conditions, Commandos served the motherland in time of need. After the conclusion of the conflict that plagued the county for almost three decades, these elite professionals organized “Experience Sri Lanka with the Commandos” an off road expedition in the year 2014 & 2015, making the impossible possible for the laymen who braved the challenge in the past years.
This year the Sri Lanka Commandos have partnered up with the Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers & Riders (SLARDAR) to present the latest event of the Sri Lanka motor racing calendar “Ride with Commandos”. This will blend a 3 night 3 day expedition of leisure & driving through the central hills of the country to the eastern coast from the 3rd to the 5th of October and a Supercross event at the Commando Regiment Training School (CRTS) on the 09th of October, unveiling the Island’s brand new race track which is tipped to be the longest track, built according to the latest International standards. This event will see 10 motor bike and 12 motor car races taking place at the brand new event.
“Ride with Commandos” was unveiled to the media at a media briefing held at the Nelumpokuna. With a brand new track set to test the Island’s top drivers and riders, the Chairman of SLARDAR Mr. Nishan Wasalathanthri mentioned that they are delighted to partner up with Sri Lanka Army Commandos in this brilliant endeavor where the proceeds will be directed towards the welfare and the development of the commando regiment and also mentioned that the brand new track at CRTS in Uva Kuda Oya will offer the riders and the drivers of the country with a unique challenge. “Motor racing is becoming faster and more challenging every day globally and it is important that we as a country keep up to these standards, I am thankful to Sri Lanka army for their contribution in keeping the sport alive in the country. Since the inception of motor sports in Sri Lanka in the year 1996 at Fox hill races, the many regiments of Sri Lanka army have worked hand in hand with us to keep the motor sports alive in the country. If not for the manpower and the support of the Army this sport would have died a slow death”. Sharing his thoughts on ‘Ride with commandos’ Mr. Wasalathanthri added that “We are proud to be associated with the Commando regiment for this unique event. It is exciting to see them utilize their vast experience and skills to put together such a different type of event for motor enthusiasts. The merging of the expedition and the races will enable us to reach a wider segment of participants while also giving them the opportunity to see the natural beauty of Sri Lanka in the process”
The first phase of riding with Commandos will see the participants driving through four provinces (Western, Central, Eastern & Uva) and will cover a distance of 470km through rich diversity in terrain and weather which will include sandy beaches, green mountains, lagoons, giant tanks boulevard rocks, eye catching sceneries and the back road wilderness of the Island. This event has been framed to unlock the spirit of adventure and challenge in a family inclusive safe environment. Apart from the off road driving experience the expedition will also include leisure activities in the likes of camping, sightseeing, fishing, photography and many activities to make this a truly memorable wholesome experience for the participants.
