The Jeep Club of Sri Lanka (JCSL) recently concluded its 6th annual expedition, an event that aims to both engage and challenge members with a combination of scenic routes and undiscovered paths in the country.
Speaking at the event, Jeep Club of Sri Lanka President, Mr. Nalin Premaratna said, “With 19 participant members joining the three nights four days adventure, the successful event upheld the JCSL’s commitment to cultivating the exploration of the great outdoors, whilst getting to know like-minded Jeep enthusiasts better during the event”. The expedition was arranged from 1st to 4th October 2020 by the JCSL and DIMO, the only authorised distributor for Jeep in Sri Lanka.
This year’s expedition was held under the theme “Trail of Majesty”, a concept which was crafted to delve into the areas documented as part of the final battle held in Wasgamuwa national park between the King Dutugemunu, and King Elara.
The annual expedition is one of many ways in which the Jeep Club of Sri Lanka, along with DIMO, gives back to owners of the legendary 4x4 brand. Each year, owners of Jeep 4x4s are presented with challenging, fun and educational routes that allow them to fully embrace the extraordinary lifestyle that these off-road machines enable.
The first day commenced with an early start-time of 6:30 am, where the adventurers and their families were treated to a buffet breakfast at the Silver Ray Restaurant in Pelmadulla. Each of the participants were briefed on the route and activities for the day before the convoy set off on their quest.
Each year the committee of the JCSL pays careful attention to the route that is taken. This year was no different, with the convoy snaking towards Agrapathana, over the majestic Balangoda Mountain range and over the breath-taking Fordyce Gap. Day one Lunch was served at “Iona Villa” in Agrapathana.
Later, the convoy made its way to the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, where JCSL members and their families had the chance to socialize and enjoy a lively evening with each other at a hosted BBQ night.
Day two: The route passed through Kandapola and Ragala, around the Piduruthalagala Mountain range, and down through the Randenigala and Rantambe dams along the historical path alongside Mahaweli River on Raja Mawatha to the final destination – Wasgamuwa.
Before nightfall set in, the owners and their Jeeps had an opportunity to flex their off-road abilities when climbing the ‘Lendiyangala Rock’ in Wasgamuwa. This challenging aspect of the course enabled the owners of each Jeep to fully appreciate the 4WD capabilities of their thoroughbred machines. One of the highlights of the expedition was that the owners were able to experience the off-road prowess afforded by Jeep’s 4WD tech, such as hill descent control, rock mode, 4WD low-range and locking differentials.
Day three of the expedition was spent entirely in the Wasgamuwa National Park. The national park, which is an important part of Sri Lanka’s thriving eco-system, is home to large herds of elephants, sloth bears, monkeys, and deer as well as several important species of birds. The park is also known for its role in history, as the battleground of the battle between King Dutugemunu and King Ellalan.
Members were treated to a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry buffet in the wilderness, arranged by “Lavendish Wild Safari” hotel. Members were also able to take a soothing river bath in the Mahaweli River, before exiting the park and proceeding to an evening of socialising and a BBQ at the hotel.