The "Lanka Ride" cycling tour successfully reached its finish line today (18th) at Torrington Square, Colombo. The closing ceremony was held under the patronage of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Sunil Kumara Gamage.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs, Mr. Dinidu Saman Hennayake; Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr. Aruna Jayasekara; Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Aruna Bandara; Colombo District Member of Parliament, Mr. Devananda Suraweera; Mayor of Colombo, Mrs. Vraie Cally Balthazaar; and Director General of the Department of Sports Development, Mr. S. Achchuthan, along with other ministry officials.

The cycling tour covered nearly 450 kilometers, traversing through five provinces, with 27 teams competing for the top honors.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage stated that after 21 years, the "Lanka Ride" cycling tour marks the entry into a new sports culture. He expressed confidence that Sri Lankan sports can be developed to international standards and noted the immense public support received throughout the race. The Minister further mentioned that over 4.1 million rupees in cash prizes were awarded, signaling a commitment to elevating cycling to a global stage.

At the conclusion of the final stage today, awards were first presented to the winners of the Third Stage:

• 1st Place: R. T. S. Dayananda (Sri Lanka Army)
• 2nd Place: Praveen Sadheru (Super Speed Sports Club)
• 3rd Place: Dilshan Tharusha (Sri Lanka Air Force)
• 4th Place: Gihan Lakmal (Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Sports Club)
• 5th Place: H. A. M. Perera (Sri Lanka Army)

Following this, awards were presented to the top 25 cyclists of the overall tournament.

Tournament Overall Winners & Special Awards:

• Overall Champion: Saranga Perera (Sri Lanka Army)
• Fastest Sprinter: Saranga Perera (Sri Lanka Army)
• Best Climber: Saranga Perera (Sri Lanka Army)
• Best Young Rider (Under 23): Deshan Kavinda (Ja-Ela Sports Club)
• Overall 2nd Place: P. D. S. P. Chandika (Sri Lanka Navy)
• Overall 3rd Place: H. W. M. S. Pintu (Sri Lanka Army)

Team Championships:

• Champions: Sri Lanka Army Team
• Runners-up: Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Sports Club