A man on wheels

by K.K.D. Premalal Matugama Special Cor.

Cycling is a good way to control or reduce weight, as it raises your metabolic rate, builds muscles and tone down body fat.

In certain cities around the world there are special lanes for cyclists. For instance, at the Independence Square in Colombo, people can hire bicycles on an hourly basis and ride them safely along the special lanes.

In China, cycling is very popular. Even top executives of companies ride their bicycles to work. Nearer home the boys and girls in Jaffna attend school riding their bicycles.

Seventy-one-year old Rupasinghe Arachchige Karunatilake of Horawala, Matugama is an ardent cyclist. He is employed in a joss-stick manufacturing factory in Lihiniyawa, Meegahatanne as a clerk cum security guard. He usually rides 40-50 kilometres a day.

Education

He has toured every nook and corner of the island during the past couple of years pedalling his treasured bicycle.

Karunatilake received his primary education at Gurukola Kanishta Vidyalaya and he was very fond of bicycles during his young days.

He begged his father to buy him a bicycle and his dream came true when he was in grade three. He recollected his fond memory of riding his bicycle around the village.

However, he bought a bicycle for Rs. 245 which he used for several decades. He tied the nuptial knot at the age of 44. His lifetime partner was W.D. Premalatha.

He is a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Civil Defence Committee and holds key posts in many other social service organisations in the area. He has been a non-smoker and teetotaller throughout his life. He is also a vegetarian.

Nagadeepa

During the past couple of years, he has visited Kataragama, Anuradhapura and Nagadeepa on his bicycle. A small board displaying Sadaham Papedi Charika was hung on the bicycle when he went on pilgrimages. He said that his wife did not like going long trips due to his old age. Describing the pilgrimages he said, "I never carry eatables or beverage when I travel long distances. I get all these requirements from the hospitable people.

"I must profusely thank the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the police stations from Matugama to Nagadeepa. They helped me in numerous ways. The IGP has issued me a letter authorising me to seek the assistance of the police when necessary.

The help given by some chief incumbents of temples cannot be forgotten," he said. He said he never faced any difficulties during his long cycle tours. However, while he was proceeding to Kataragama, a man had obstructed him. He appeared to be under the influence of liquor and there was a heated argument between the two of them.

A group of young people appeared from nowhere and helped him proceed on his way.

Karunatilake is a man on wheels who inspires everyone of us to exercise our bodies in the most profitable way.

He reminds us that cycling is not only for children but also for pot-bellied people who do not have the foggiest idea about the benefits of cycling.