Nirushan sets new record

Pic and Text Milton Dharmasinghe, Bulathsinhala spl corr

Sandeeja Dhammika Nirushan, 26, cyclist from Dagalgoda, Kannanwila, Anguruwatota in Madurawala Secretariat Division has set a new Sri Lanka record by peddling round the country on a push cycle. He rode for 84 hours in six days to finish the tour.

Nirushan got this opportunity after making a request to the Ministry of Sports and the Ministry of Defence. He set off on March 3 from Kalutara Bodhiya with the blessings of the Maha Sangha and well-wishers and completed the tour on March 9 at 4.45 am at the Kalutara Bhodiya. Though he expected to finish the tour in a short period, he could not do so due to various reasons.

The Ministry of Sports appointed N W R Kumara and D A D Weerasekara, officers in Sri Lanka Navy Medical Unit attached to the Ministry of Sports, as observers. Nirushan's father Siripala Kaburawala and few of his friends too joined him for assistance.

The route of the tour was from Kalutara, Galle, Matara Hambantota, Kataragama, Moneragala, Siyambalanduwa, Pothuvil, Ampara, Kalmunai, Batticaloa, Trinco, Mullaithive, Paranthan, Point Pedro, Jaffna, Poonarine, Mannar, Puttalam, Colombo, Panadura and back to Kalutara.

The two observers have submitted their report to the Ministry of Sports stating Nirushan had created a record by peddling round Sri Lanka on a push-cycle in 84 hours during six days. The overall distance was 1,459 kilometres.

He set timetable had to be changed due to delapidated roads in the East and Northern parts and he had to ride much more kilometres than he expected.

Director General of the National Institute of Sports (Medicine) Dr Geethanjana Mendis said that after observing Nirushan's performances we decided he had made a Sri Lanka record and his name will be included in the Sports Record Book and he would be handed a certificate.

Donald Abeysundara, Director of Sports also appreciated his performances.

Nirushan explaining to the Daily News, "push cycle is my vehicle. My hobby is cycling. I have travelled through the length and breadth of the country on a cycle many times. With the experience I was able to set this record with the shortest time. I made up my mind to put my ideas into practice with the help of Werawatta Yovun Samajaya and Ministry of Sports.

"I myself organized my tour within a short time. DSI Company, Deputy Minister of Highways Nirmala Kotalawala, Pushpajith Seelawicrama and former Chairman of Madurawala PS, Susil Ruwan Kumara, former PS member and Weerawatta Yovun Samajaya gave their fullest cooperation. I thank them for encouraging me.

"During my tour I had to face much difficulties as some roads were dilapidated and rode the cycle via alternative routes in Ampara, Wilpattu, Nochchiyagama areas. At times the observation vehicle could not travel to certain places due to unforeseen difficulties. I had to ride more kilometres spending more hours.

"My tour was quite successful. I didn't face any difficulties and I am in good health. On some days I had to ride for twelve hours or more. My average speed was 20-25 kms ph. I thank all those who helped me during my tour. During my night stays in several places, some priests, OICs, police officers, Army officers and few others treated me well and extended their support.

"I must thank my father, mother, sister and all the others who encouraged me and assisted me in this endeavour."