In a world striving for inclusion, challenging societal norms is crucial. Riding Towards an Inclusive Society was not just a 600km tandem cycling journey from Point Pedro to Point Dondra, but a powerful message of ability, determination, and accessibility. This initiative, organised by the Kaduwela Divisional Secretariat, National Integration Division, took place from February 3 to 11, proving that differently-abled persons are not just recipients of support but active contributors to society.
As a visually impaired English teacher at MR/Pamburana Shariputra Vidyalaya, Sankha Hasintha, led this journey alongside a dedicated team to highlight the potential of persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka’s social and economic development while advocating for equal opportunities in education, employment and recreation.
The inspiration
My journey towards this initiative began years ago. At 16, I lost my vision—a life-altering experience that forced me to give up many things I loved, including cycling. My educational journey was equally challenging; after failing my A/Ls twice in the science stream, I switched to the Arts stream and earned entry to the University of Colombo in 2009.
Despite difficulties with printed material, I adapted by mastering screen-reading software, which helped me succeed academically. I later trained in assistive technology in Malaysia and contributed to ICT training programs for visually impaired students in Sri Lanka.
A defining moment came when I participated in the Duskin Leadership Program in Japan, where I first experienced tandem cycling. This reignited my childhood passion, and upon returning, I sought a tandem bicycle. Unfortunately, these were unavailable in Sri Lanka until CEO of Lumala Bicycle Company Tharique provided one.
As I rode, people took notice. Their curiosity led me to realise the potential of tandem cycling as a platform for disability awareness in Sri Lanka.
This sparked the idea of a long-distance ride to spread the message nationwide. After much planning, I found a dedicated team that shared my passion for inclusion.
Journey and the team
A journey of this scale required a committed team. Those who supported the journey are: Sugath Pathirana, an experienced long-distance cyclist, rode as the captain (pilot) while I rode as the stoker, demonstrating inclusion—where a sighted and a blind rider pedaled together as one team; Nuwan Kumara, from Lumala Bicycle Company, managed logistics; Jayaprasad and Klashmi, a couple, rode another tandem bicycle, demonstrating teamwork and unity; Members of Falcon Cycling Club, including RMC Rathnayake and Chandrasiri Thilak, promoted our message; and Cyclists from across Sri Lanka, including Kurithigan from Jaffna, Ajith from Veyangoda, and Nalinda from Balangoda, reinforcing national unity.
I was the only visually impaired person in the team, playing a key role in spreading the message of inclusion. Along the way, cycling enthusiasts joined us for short rides, shared meals, and encouraged us.
The journey was more than just cycling—it was about engagement and awareness. Along the way, we: conducted discussions with local communities about disability rights and accessibility; visited schools and universities, sharing personal experiences to inspire students; met public officials to discuss the importance of inclusive policies; engaged with the media to amplify our message; and showcased tandem cycling as an accessible sport for visually impaired individuals. Engaging with diverse communities ensured that the message of inclusion reached beyond our cycling team—it became a national conversation.
Beyond awareness, this ride set three Sri Lankan records: I became the first blind person in Sri Lanka to ride a tandem bicycle from Point Pedro to Point Dondra, covering over 600 km in 9 days; Sugath Pathirana became the first cyclist to complete the journey with a visually impaired partner; and Jayaprasad and Klashmi became the first couple to complete the ride together on a tandem bicycle.
These records were not just personal milestones—they were a testament to breaking barriers and redefining possibilities for persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka.
An invitation
Through Riding Towards an Inclusive Society, we have shown that with the right mindset, teamwork, and support, no obstacle is insurmountable.
This journey was not just about me, it was about challenging perceptions, raising awareness, and pushing for change. But the road to inclusion doesn’t end here.
I invite cyclists, policymakers, organisations, and communities to join this movement to support disability inclusion, equal opportunities, and accessible infrastructure in Sri Lanka.
The wheels of change have started turning, let’s keep riding towards a truly inclusive society.
