Cycling Tours, Charity Rides, Sustainability
Pedal Sri Lanka: A Story of Kindness, Teamwork, and #TourismPositivity
By Anuruddha Bandara
Niche Tourism Specialist, Adventurer, Conservationist & Corporate Change Agent
The Beginning of an Idea
Every once in a while, a project comes along that reminds you why you chose this path in life. For me, Pedal Sri Lanka is exactly that.
I’ve been involved in tourism and community initiatives for over two decades. I’ve seen countless models of giving, traveling, and building bridges between people. But Pedal Sri Lanka is different.
It began as the brainchild of a family with Sri Lankan roots—the Michael family in Australia. A father, mother, and son—Wesley, Christine, and Kieran—wanted to combine their love for cycling with their desire to give back to the land of their heritage. They dreamed of something that was not just another charity drive, but a journey that connected people, places, and purpose.
From this vision, Pedal Sri Lanka was born. And what makes it extraordinary is that it is 100% for the people—every dollar raised goes straight to those in need, with no cuts for admin or overheads. The project is facilitated by AUSLMAT (Australia Sri Lanka Medical Aid Team), a passionate group of medical professionals who return to Sri Lanka year after year to serve.
When Experiential Journeys was invited to be the tour operator and logistics partner on the ground, we immediately sensed this would be more than a tour—it would be a story waiting to unfold.
The Ride Begins
On 18th August 2025, a team of 18 cyclists—adventurers, doctors, nurses, and everyday heroes—set out on a 14-day, 460 km journey across Sri Lanka.
The air was thick with humidity as the wheels first turned in Negombo, but spirits were high. This was not just about endurance or exploration; it was about riding for a cause bigger than themselves.
Along the way, the team wove through landscapes that never fail to amaze: the golden rock fortress of Sigiriya rising against the dawn, the cool mist of Kandy’s hills, the green waves of tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, and the wild, untamed edges of Yala National Park.
Every kilometre was a blend of sweat, laughter, aching muscles, and renewed determination. But at every rest stop, the riders reminded themselves—this was not about the pain of the climb, but the hope they were carrying to hospital wards and village classrooms.
Hospitals, Hope, and Healing
The first milestone came with a ceremony at Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo. This hospital is the beating heart of Sri Lanka’s pediatric care—the largest free-of-charge children’s hospital in the country, and the only center for pediatric cardiac surgery.
Thanks to the generosity of the riders, their supporters, and the organizational efforts of AUSLMAT, the project donated LKR 12 million worth of medical equipment. The official handover ceremony took place on 18th August 2025 at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, with AUSLMAT representatives, the Michael family, the riders, and our Experiential Journeys team in attendance.
Importantly, the fundraising initiative will remain open for several more months—building momentum as participants share their personal stories and experiences on social media, drawing in even more support.
But this was just the start. Equipment was also provided to:
- Sirimavo Bandaranaike Children’s Hospital in Peradeniya, the second largest pediatric hospital in the island’s hill country.
- Kamburugamuwa Hospital in Matara, a rural hospital in the south with limited resources but unlimited need.
Three hospitals. Three lifelines. Thousands of futures touched.
Smiles Along the Road
And yet, what moved me the most wasn’t only the big ceremonies—it was the quiet, unexpected acts of kindness along the route.
In Sigiriya, they stopped at Thalkote Primary School, a small institution tucked away in a remote village. Their request was simple: cupboards and fans for their new library. What they received was more than that—three cupboards, books, two fans, and boxes of sports equipment. The children’s faces lit up as if we had given them the world.
Later, in Beralihela, Tissamaharama, nearly 100 schoolchildren were given uniforms and stationery. But it didn’t stop there. A little boy who struggled to see was gifted a pair of spectacles. Another child suffering from a skin condition received medicine. Sometimes, it’s not grand gestures that change lives—it’s the small, thoughtful ones.
Beyond Charity: A Journey Through Sri Lanka
What makes Pedal Sri Lanka unique is that it wasn’t just about giving—it was about experiencing Sri Lanka in its raw, authentic form.
The riders explored UNESCO sites like Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, and Ritigala, before finding calm at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. They walked through the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, cycled through sleepy villages, and even took on a rugged 31 km stretch of the Pekoe Trail.
That section was special: trudging through tea estates, passing by smiling estate workers, crossing hidden bridges, and feeling the pulse of Sri Lanka’s hill country underfoot. It wasn’t easy—but the beauty and connection to the land made every step worth it.
There was adventure too: a jeep safari in Yala National Park, where elephants and leopards reminded us that Sri Lanka’s wild heart beats strong, and even a friendly Sri Lankan cooking competition at the Big Game Camp Yala , where laughter filled the air as riders learned the secrets of spices and curries.
By the end, the group had cycled 460 km, hiked 31 km, visited three hospitals, supported two communities, and immersed themselves in a country that gave as much as it received.
The People Who Made It Happen
None of this would have been possible without meticulous planning and the human spirit that carried it. From the coach that ferried riders across longer distances to the backup truck that faithfully transported the bikes, every detail mattered.
Our Experiential Journeys logistics team, led by Yasantha and Eshan—experienced riders themselves—ensured safety, encouragement, and camaraderie through every stage.
And of course, the hospitality of Sri Lanka shone through. From the seaside comfort of Goldi Sands in Negombo to the wilderness canvas of Big Game Camp Yala, every stop became a chapter in the journey.
Looking Ahead
The beauty of Pedal Sri Lanka is that it is not a one-off story. The prototype has been built, and the road ahead is open. In fact, Bespoke Cycle Tours Australia has already committed a Cultural & Charity Tour in 2026 —promising even greater impact, more riders, and more smiles across Sri Lanka.
This is just the beginning of what could become a tradition—tourism and charity pedaling together, creating a cycle of kindness that doesn’t end when the ride does.
A Final Reflection
When I look back at Pedal Sri Lanka 2025, what I see is not just a tour. I see 18 cyclists who turned their passion into purpose. I see children holding new books, patients receiving new hope, and communities feeling seen.
This is what I call #TourismPositivity.
Tourism should always be more than sightseeing. It should be about the lives we touch, the smiles we leave behind, and the stories we take with us.
Sri Lanka has always been known for its beauty, its culture, and its wildlife. But with journeys like Pedal Sri Lanka, we are showing the world that this island is also a place where travel becomes transformation.
Here, every pedal stroke mattered. And every smile made it worth it.
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#SustainableTravel #ResponsibleTravel #ConsciousTravel #EnvironmentalSustainability #AllForNature
#ExperientialJourneys #SpreadPositivity #PowerOfPositivity #AdventureTravel #ExploreSriLanka
07th September 2026