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National sports associations of Sri Lanka
Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka
Cycling is a mystical story in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most
popular events in the country, but unfortunately, the least recorded in
black and white.
The introduction of bicycles to ‘Ceylon’ (as our country was known
them)may have been in the early period of the 20th century. According to
newspaper advertisements during this period the then popular brands like
Humber, Raleigh and BSA have been sold for Rs. 20.
The first organised cycle race in Sri Lanka, labelled the ‘All Ceylon
Cycling Marathon’, was staged on October 8, 1950 from Ratmalana to Galle
Face Green, via Piliyandala with an unprecedented participation of 2000
riders.
 A.K.
Gunaratne notched the ‘Winner’s Cup’ of this 30 mile inaugural race
which was enthusiastically witnessed by the then Prime Minister, the
late D.S. Senanayake and Vice Chancellor of the Colombo University, the
late Sir Ivor Jennings.In 1953 and 1955 too, the All Ceylon Cycling
Marathon had been held, but at the latter part of 1955, the focus was on
a streamlined administration.
Pioneers of the local cycling scene, Edward ‘Buggs’ Mason, Captain
Tabby Morrue and Frank Daniels believed the draw back for the growth and
the development of the sport was the absence of a meaningful cycling
promotional programme. They teamed up in 1955 to form the Cycling
Federation of Sri Lanka.
On October 15, 1969, Sri Lanka witnessed her first ever national
level cycle race organised by the ‘big three - Buggs, Daniels and
Douglas of Lake House for the Janatha Challenge Cup. It was a two day
event of 260 miles.
Thus, like the Tour de France, and other such popular races in their
respective countries, Tour de Lanka (which this writer had covered for
the Ceylon Daily News, The Observer and Sunday Observer several times)
turned the first chapter in the history of Sri Lanka’s competitive
cycling.
Through Tour de Lanka, the country had produced some illustrious
cyclists in the calibre of Maurice Coomarawel (who passed away recently
in Australia) who was unbeatable for six times in a row, Boniface Perera
(three wins in a row) and A.M. Sumanaweera who was on a winning streak
even at the time of his retirement.
Equally popular among women is the ‘Tharuni Savariya’ which came into
being in 1969 with Leela Wickremarachchi finishing first, followed by
Theresa Thambipillai and Kusuma Fernando. Due to lack of participation
and competition, this only recognised cycle race for women was dropped
from the cycling calendar, until it was revised in 1980. Wasantha
Kahapolaarachchi is the find of the championship and was the undisputed
winner in the 1980-84 season.
Tharuni Savariya once again went into hibernation and emerged in
2004.
- Leslie Fernando, Senior Sports Writer
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