A journey powered by compassion, endurance, and purpose, Pedal Sri Lanka 2025 provided a welcome contrast to a world where travel frequently begins and ends with leisure. Eighteen cyclists, a mix of adventurers, medical professionals, and everyday enthusiasts, pedaled 460 kilometers across Sri Lanka’s heartland between August 18th and August 31st. For two weeks, they traded the conveniences of traditional travel in favor of camaraderie and raw connection that come with cycling across a nation. The Michael family, a father, mother, and son, founded the initiative, which is currently in its second year and operated by Experiential Journeys, as a living example of how meaningful travel can bring about noticeable change. The program, which was organized in collaboration with the Australia Sri Lanka Medical Aid Team (AUSLMAT), connected adventure tourism with humanitarian work.
A Mission with Heart
The simple yet deep awareness that many Sri Lankan children still lack access to basic healthcare served as the inspiration for Wesley Michael, co-founder of Pedal Sri Lanka.
He said, “As a family, we wanted to give back to Sri Lanka in a way that truly makes a difference. We were motivated to take action after observing the lack of basic medical facilities, especially for children. What started as a simple concept—one person cycling to spread awareness—grew into a journey with extended family and friends, merging environmentally conscious travel with practical medical assistance and making a difference in the lives of both travellers and locals. Participants enjoyed personal development and a sense of purpose from this experience, and communities experienced vital support and better health outcomes. With the expertise of Experiential Journeys‘ local knowledge and AUSLMAT’s 20 years of experience in community health, Pedal Sri Lanka 2025 has created a model that demonstrates how travel can be a positive factor and brought about significant, long-lasting change.”
Mr. Anuruddha Bandara, Founder/CEO of Experiential Journeys Sri Lanka & Australia, further commented, “There was more to this than a charity ride. It was a carefully designed journey that included cultural immersion, adventure, and a charitable endeavor. With no administrative charges, every dollar raised went straight to those in need thanks to AUSLMAT, a committed group of medical professionals who have been supporting Sri Lanka year after year. We knew we were doing more than simply organizing a trip when Experiential Journeys took over as the logistical partner and on-the-ground tour operator; we were also assisting in the creation of a narrative that would have an impact on people’s lives in ways that cycling alone could never.”
A Journey Across Sri Lanka
The cyclists started in Negombo, made their way through the beautiful terrain of the island, passing through the mist-shrouded hills of Kandy and beyond, as well as the cultural triangle of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa. They hiked a 31-kilometer section of the Pekoe Trail, stopped at sacred sites including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and explored the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Both endurance and spirit were put to the test during the trip, but what lasted the longest was the sense of connection they had with one another, the environment, and the communities. The road became a language of calm resolve and shared joy.
In addition to cycling, participants engaged in local culture by joining jeep safaris in Yala, taking part in a friendly Sri Lankan cooking competition, and exploring rural landscapes and tea estates. The 2025 mission focused its efforts on four major community initiatives. They made one of the biggest single donations of its kind in recent years by donating medical equipment worth LKR 12 million to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children in Colombo. To improve neonatal care at the District General Hospital in Kamburugamuwa, Matara, and the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Children’s Hospital in Peradeniya, more equipment was provided. In order to revitalize a rural learning environment, the library at Thalkote Primary School in Sigiriya was renovated with cupboards, books, fans, and sporting goods. Additionally, nearly 100 students in Tissamaharama received medical examinations, school uniforms, stationery, and glasses. Each of these acts has already rippled outward, improving healthcare and education for hundreds of children.
Even though the ride came to an end in August, Pedal Sri Lanka’s work is still ongoing. The Michael family is spearheading the ongoing fundraising campaign, which is managed by AUSLMAT and expands the impact through digital storytelling and donations. The journey offered more to the participating cyclists than beautiful routes or personal milestones, evidence that travel can transform, not just the traveller, but the communities encountered along the way.
Founded by the Michael family and operated by Experiential Journeys in collaboration with AUSLMAT, Pedal Sri Lanka is a collaborative charity cycling initiative that combines humanitarian action, cultural immersion, and responsible travel to make a lasting difference in Sri Lankan communities.
