Raid Amazones returns to Sri Lanka…

Further contributing to the promotion of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and enhancing the country’s international visibility during the 2026 and 2027 tourist seasons, the world-renowned women’s adventure sports challenge, “Le Raid Amazones” (Raid Amazones), has returned to Sri Lanka after a two-year hiatus, marking its eighth visit to the island. This event is hosted by Sri Lanka, with its last edition held in 2023. The Sri Lanka Tourism sector has been a consistent sponsor of "Le Raid Amazones" and has hosted this world-famous women's adventure sports challenge in the years 2004, 2009, 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023. A canoeing competition, which commenced on November 5, 2026, at "Malli's Seafood Restaurant" and concluded at the same location, was held in parallel with the "Le Raid Amazones" programme. The presence of Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, added further distinction to the occasion, providing great encouragement and enthusiasm to the participating competitors. The Minister also raised the flag to signal the start of the competition, adding yet another element of excitement to the event. This year, "Le Raid Amazones" has selected the town of Kalutara and its beautiful coastline, located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka, showcasing the country's rich heritage, stunning beaches, natural landscapes, and community life. This provides fresh momentum and a blessing to the ongoing tourism promotion and new tourist site development activities centred on Kalutara and its surrounding areas, and it has been a valuable and auspicious opportunity for tourism as well as adventure and sports tourism in the region. Accordingly, the competition routes have been designed utilising the geologically valuable and picturesque areas composed of diverse flora, as well as the mountain ranges, in Kalutara. A special feature of this year's competition is that certain events have also been organised to be held in the southern cities of Galle and Bentota. The competition is being held in a manner that reveals to the world the livelihoods, culture, diverse culinary traditions, and natural beauty of the people of the Kalutara District. The competitors participating in this event are scheduled to engage in sports such as canoeing, cycling, and running. One particularly special feature of this year's competition is the Treasure Hunt event.