Starting off from the Rakna Lanka Premises in Thalapathpitiya, the majestic muscle machines cruised towards the North, immediately after the delicious breakfast meal, followed by an uncomplicated gathering. Resting at the northernmost point of the beautiful island, the excitement was built at a steady pace with the actual challenges yet to come.

 

Followed by the flag off at Point Pedro, the enthusiastic participants began their 6-day journey to Uva Kuda Oya with the anticipation of enduring a journey like never before.  Apart from the desert-like sands of Manalkadu, we endured the rare opportunity to visit the war affected regions of the Ex-LTTE strongholds. As the sun went down on Day 1, we made camp at an Ex-LTTE base in Mullativ, now transformed into a Military Training School. 

 

As Day 2 got underway, the muscle machines were tested to the highest degree while passing sand dunes beside the sandy shores of the North. It was quite pleasing to see the participants get involved in sharing their expertise to assist each other throughout the day. The campsite in Dehiwatta was designed in a quite greenish location, beautifully structured beside a calm and quiet lake. Nevertheless, the efforts from the commando regiment remain extensive as food and accommodation was provided by guaranteeing perfection. 

 

While Day 3 of the expedition had plenty to do with mud and gravel, the muscular 4×4’s dipped into almost 3 feet under water before coming out of it by using nothing but ultimate power. Passing several locations that were once LTTE strongholds, the journey from Mavillaru to Thoppigala was considerably educative. The nightfall in Ulhitiya was quite remarkable as the camp was lit up with a musical program and a rare performance by the members from the indigenous veddah society. 

 

From the war affected regions of the North, the Commando 4×4 expedition continued to move towards the eastern coastal belt. Despite preferring to travel on muddy roads, the lack of rain forced the vehicles to move through a rather dusty route. Passing the famous Senanayake Samudraya, we moved towards the most challenging agenda in the expedition. Under a breath-taking view, the participants had the opportunity to take their magnificent 4×4’s on and above a huge rock. 

 

As we closed in towards Arugam bay, the sea remained crystal clear while the night was lit with dancers, fireworks and breath-taking music. 

 

Carrying on from Arugam Bay, we first visited Saddatissa Vidyalaya, Wali Oya, where a donation was made at the presence of the participants, together with the commando regiment. By taking the lack of resources in the school into consideration, each student was gifted with a school bag. Additionally cricket bats, tennis balls, netballs and a carrom board was delivered while the primary children were presented with balloons. 

 

“This is a really nice experience. This expedition allowed me to see various parts of Sri Lanka. I was able to visit places that you cannot go without the support of Sri Lankan commandos,” said the pleased Russian participant Andre Matnenko. 

 

With the final destination on sight, we flew towards Uva Kudaoya, where the stage was set for the extreme vehicles to unleash their capability. 

 

The final day started off as the competitors lined up to showcase their talent on a rather advanced platform. Riders, extreme vehicle drivers together with the participants from the 5-day expedition battled it out to put up a solid performance under the presence of a massive crowd. 

 

With the extreme vehicles being put on to test, the riders lined up on an adjacent track subsequently. Gradually, things started heating up as the riders overtook, fell and made it through the muddy track on a fiercely contested race. As the extreme vehicles were put into a rather severe challenge, it was essential for the driver and the co-drivers to work together to make it out through the muddy pool which almost sunk the vehicle completely.

 

As it clocked past lunch time, the winners were announced in the presentation ceremony beside a breathtaking background.

 

Final Results Of 4x4 Challenge At Commando Regiment

 

4×4 Extreme Event - Indika Sanjaya and Naveen Marapana

 

SUV – Standard Event - Indika Aberathne and Asanka Thennakoon

SUV – Modified Event - Chanaka Randima and Atigala Charitha Liyanage

Safari Event - Chaminda Weerasooriya and Sagith Sadaruwan

125 CC Army Standard Event - Ruwan Maduranga (Special Forces)

125 CC Army Racing Event - Yohan Silva (Sri Lanka Army Signal Corp)

85CC Junior Event - Vinushka Silva

250CC Racing Event - Evon B. Gurusinghe

 

SPECIAL AWARDS OF THE CHALLENGE EVENTS

 

Most Original looking Extreme 4×4 Vehicle – Damith de Silva

Youngest Driver – Prinith Manamperi

Youngest Co-Driver – Akila Silva

Most Unique Extreme 4×4 Vehicle – Palitha Ranasinghe