Sri Lankan Army veterans and Indian cyclists gather during the “Bond and Ride – India & Sri Lanka” friendship ride in Chennai. Image: Newswire.
The visiting Sri Lankan cyclists meet participants and officials during the Chennai event. Image: Newswire.
Cyclists from India and Sri Lanka come together to mark a shared message of friendship, health and community spirit. Image: Newswire.
Three retired Sri Lankan Army officers have completed an approximately 1,400-kilometre Colombo–Chennai–Colombo cycling journey, transforming a demanding sporting challenge into a meaningful expression of friendship between Sri Lanka and India.
Major General Sumith Balasooriya, Major General Sumith Premalal and Colonel Pradeep Perera, who are also experienced long-distance cyclists, undertook the journey as part of an initiative designed to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two neighbouring countries. Their achievement was recognised during the “Bond and Ride – India & Sri Lanka” friendship cycling event held in Chennai.
The initiative demonstrated how sport can provide an accessible and constructive platform for community engagement, while also promoting healthy living and responsible social values. Through endurance, discipline and shared participation, the cyclists conveyed messages that extended beyond the road itself, including “Cycle for Health” and “Say No to Drugs”.
A challenging Colombo–Chennai–Colombo route
The approximately 1,400-kilometre journey between Colombo and Chennai represented a substantial physical and logistical undertaking. Long-distance cycling requires careful preparation, stamina and consistent teamwork, particularly when a route connects two countries separated by the Palk Strait and involves different stages of travel, road conditions and local environments.
For the three retired officers, the journey provided an opportunity to combine their experience of service and leadership with a continuing commitment to physical activity. Rather than treating the expedition solely as a personal sporting accomplishment, the cyclists used it to support a broader message of goodwill, health awareness and friendship.
The Colombo–Chennai–Colombo route also carried considerable symbolic value. Sri Lanka and India share centuries of cultural, religious, commercial and family connections, and the journey placed those enduring links within a contemporary community setting. The bicycle, a simple yet powerful means of transport, became an instrument for bringing people together through a shared challenge.
‘Bond and Ride’ brings Indian and Sri Lankan cyclists together
The central community event took place in Chennai on 26 August 2026, when the three Sri Lankan Army veterans joined around 30 Indian cyclists for the 20-kilometre “Bond and Ride – India & Sri Lanka” friendship ride.
The event was organised by Team Bison, led by Ganesh Kannan, following an initiative proposed by Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai. The participation of local cyclists ensured that the expedition was connected with the wider Chennai community rather than remaining an isolated international sporting activity.
The ride began at Besant Nagar Beach, a well-known coastal location in southern Chennai, before proceeding through Santhome, Marina Beach and Anna Salai. The route brought the cyclists through some of the city’s prominent streets and landmarks, allowing the messages of friendship and healthy living to be shared in a visible public setting.
Carrying the Indian and Sri Lankan national flags, the riders presented a clear visual representation of unity and mutual respect. The flags were not merely ceremonial symbols; within the context of the event, they reflected the participants’ intention to celebrate cooperation at a grassroots level and to recognise the connections shared by people in both countries.
The ride concluded at Hotel Geetham on Mount Road, where participants gathered to mark the completion of the event and to acknowledge the achievement of the visiting cyclists.
Health, discipline and responsible lifestyles
The “Cycle for Health” message was central to the initiative, highlighting cycling as an effective form of physical activity that can support fitness, mental wellbeing and a balanced lifestyle. Unlike many forms of exercise, cycling can also be organised as a collective activity, enabling participants of different backgrounds and ages to share a practical and enjoyable experience.
The event’s second message, “Say No to Drugs”, added an important community dimension. By associating sport with discipline, self-respect and positive social participation, the organisers encouraged healthier choices, particularly among younger members of the community.
Such messages are strengthened when they are delivered through visible examples. The participation of three retired military officers in a demanding endurance journey illustrated the value of commitment and perseverance, while the involvement of approximately 30 Indian cyclists showed how positive initiatives can gain momentum when they are made inclusive.
For Sri Lankan and Indian communities in Australia and other countries, the event offers a useful reminder that friendship between communities can be built through practical activities, including sporting events, cultural programmes, educational exchanges and charitable initiatives.
Recognition from the Deputy High Commission
Third Secretary of the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai, Pasan Kavikeshawa, participated as a Special Guest and helped recognise the contribution of the visiting cyclists.
During the concluding proceedings, Pasan Kavikeshawa felicitated Major General Sumith Balasooriya, Major General Sumith Premalal and Colonel Pradeep Perera, while commemorative mementos and participation certificates were distributed to the cyclists who joined the friendship ride.
The recognition provided an official conclusion to an event that had been driven by community participation and sporting enthusiasm. It also reflected the supportive role of Sri Lankan diplomatic representatives in encouraging initiatives that promote constructive relations and public engagement.
The involvement of Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran in proposing the initiative, the organisation provided by Team Bison under Ganesh Kannan, and the participation of Pasan Kavikeshawa demonstrated the collaborative nature of the programme. Government representatives, community organisers, visiting athletes and local cyclists each contributed to the event’s successful presentation.
A positive example of people-to-people friendship
The completed cycling journey stands as a positive example of how individual effort can be connected to a wider community purpose. The three retired Sri Lankan Army officers travelled a considerable distance, but the importance of the achievement was measured not only in kilometres. It was also reflected in the relationships formed, the messages promoted and the opportunity created for Indian and Sri Lankan participants to meet through a shared activity.
The event’s emphasis on friendship, health and responsible lifestyles makes it particularly relevant to community organisations seeking constructive ways to bring people together. Cycling initiatives are comparatively adaptable, capable of being organised at local, regional or international levels, and can be linked with charitable fundraising, youth engagement and public health education.
For the global Sri Lankan community, the Colombo–Chennai–Colombo journey is an encouraging story of service, resilience and cooperation. Major General Sumith Balasooriya, Major General Sumith Premalal and Colonel Pradeep Perera have shown that retirement from formal military service need not signal the end of public contribution. Through their continued commitment to long-distance cycling, they have helped communicate a message of friendship that reached beyond national boundaries.
The “Bond and Ride – India & Sri Lanka” event therefore represents more than a 20-kilometre ride through Chennai. It was the public expression of a much longer journey, one that connected sporting achievement with community values and reaffirmed the enduring relationship between the people of Sri Lanka and India.
eLanka continues to share positive stories about Sri Lankans and community initiatives around the world. Readers can explore the eLanka website for community news, events, business information and stories celebrating Sri Lankan connections internationally.
Source: https://www.newswire.lk/2026/09/01/sri-lankan-army-veterans-complete-1400-km-india-sri-lanka-friendship-cycling-journey/
This article was written based on the source https://www.newswire.lk/2026/09/01/sri-lankan-army-veterans-complete-1400-km-india-sri-lanka-friendship-cycling-journey/, kindly email us at info@eLanka.com.au if any information needs to be corrected.
(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});
At eLanka, we respect the rights of creators. If we have used an image you own and you’d like it removed, please email us at info@elanka.com.au and we’ll handle it promptly.
