Business
First-ever 300km ultramarathon run on The Pekoe Trail completed in 59 hours
On 27 January, ultramarathon trail runner Hyun Chang Chung crossed the finish line at the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hanthana, cheered on by new fans from the surrounding local community and his elated family. He had just achieved the superhuman feat of becoming the first person to run the entire 300 km length of The Pekoe Trail non-stop in two and half days.
The Pekoe Trail is designed as a 22-day walk from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya via Ella, Haputale, and Horton Plains, but Chang completed it in 59 hours. While bystanders were stunned by his phenomenal run, an exhilarated Chang gushed about his Sri Lankan experience. “I just had to be the first person to complete this ultramarathon on The Pekoe Trail. The diversity in elevation, terrain, and environment as it winds around tea estates, nature reserves, and local communities puts The Pekoe Trail on par with some of the best trails in the world. This is my fourth visit to Sri Lanka, and I’ve found one more thing to love about it.” Chang, a Hong Kong-based banking application developer by profession with a passion for marathon trail running, has competed in over 50 trail marathons around the world. The Pekoe Trail is his first challenge in 2023.
Attracting new traveler segments such as adventure seekers to Sri Lanka is a prime role of The Pekoe Trail. Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Chalaka Gajabahu said, “We are delighted Chang chose to run The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka. His amazing feat will no doubt help highlight our latest outdoor experience to the world, which is already attracting a lot of interest from travelers and the travel trade. Now is the time to visit and rediscover Sri Lanka.”
The Pekoe Trail is part of the European Union’s 5.7 million Euro (LKR 2.2 billion) support for Sri Lanka’s national tourism strategy. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) also provided approximately USD 787,000 (approximately LKR 283 million) to support the trail. The Ambassador of the EU Delegation in Sri Lanka, Denis Chaibi said, “We have come a long way since announcing the launch of The Pekoe Trail last year. As a trail biking enthusiast, myself, I am happy to see the interest it is creating among international trail running enthusiasts like Chang.
We set out to support Sri Lanka Tourism to develop new, world-class tourism experiences in line with emerging travel trends, and I believe Chang’s ultramarathon run signifies that we are well on our way to achieving this objective.”
Director of the Tourism Resilience Project that is developing the trail, Shehan Ramanayake said, “The Pekoe Trail is a great example of sustainable tourism that uplifts local communities and raises awareness about the importance of protecting the pristine, natural environment. Chang’s run was carefully planned to avoid disruption to protected habitats and wildlife, especially at night”.
The Pekoe Trail is the first in a collection of destination-based walking trails to be developed under the Serendipity Trails banner, for Sri Lanka Tourism, with support from the EU and USAID. The interconnecting trail network will allow visitors to discover the varying terrain, history, culture, food, and local communities by foot, in short sections or as part of a multi-day experience. The Pekoe Trail will be open to travelers by summer 2023.
By Ifham Nizam
A Rs.160 million-plus diesel discrepancy at the Lakvijaya power plant in Norochcholai has triggered an internal investigation, raising questions over the handling of public funds and the controls governing fuel purchased for electricity generation.
The discrepancy surfaced during an internal audit of diesel supplied to the plant from the Kolonnawa and Sapugaskanda fuel terminals, according to senior officials familiar with the inquiry.
The audit has identified five transactions—two in December 2025 and three in January 2026—in which diesel recorded as delivered to the plant allegedly could not be fully accounted for in its physical stocks.
The investigation is now examining whether these were isolated discrepancies or part of a longer-running practice.
One transaction under scrutiny relates to January 16, when records reportedly showed that 10 diesel bowsers had arrived at the plant. Investigators subsequently found indications that the fuel stock corresponded to only nine bowsers.
A storekeeper responsible for the relevant fuel operation has reportedly been temporarily removed from those duties pending the investigation.
A senior official said investigators were reviewing historical records amid indications that similar discrepancies may have occurred over a longer period. If established, the financial exposure could therefore exceed the Rs.160 million currently identified.
The investigation is comparing fuel-terminal dispatch records, tanker movements, plant-entry records, receiving documents and physical stocks to establish exactly how much fuel was dispatched, received and accounted for.
That audit trail will also be critical in determining who authorised, received and certified the disputed consignments, and whether established controls were followed.
Relevant documents were reportedly transferred from Norochcholai to the company’s Colombo head office on September 26 for further examination, with electricity-sector security personnel assisting in the transfer.
The internal audit has also reportedly uncovered expired chemical stocks worth several hundred thousand rupees in the plant’s stores. Investigators are examining whether further inventory-management irregularities occurred.
The matter was also reportedly taken to the Puttalam Police Special Crimes Investigation Unit on September 26.
When contacted by Puttalam-based journalist Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe for The Island Financial Review, Lakvijaya Power Plant Manager Nalaka Kumara confirmed that an investigation was under way but declined to provide further details.
The financial issue is direct: if the plant paid for diesel it did not receive, public-sector funds were spent without the electricity sector receiving the corresponding fuel.
The Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) successfully convened its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on September 23, 2026, at the Water’s Edge Hotel, Battaramulla. Bringing together key industry stakeholders and member organizations, the event served as a platform to review milestone achievements from the 2025/2026 term and outline strategic priorities for the nation’s food and beverage processing sector.
At the AGM, the new Executive Committee for 2027/2028 was appointed, comprising: Honorary President Aruna Senanayake C.W. Mackie PLC Imme. Past President Thusith Wijesinghe Trans Continental Packaging & Commodities (Pvt) Ltd.
President Elect Nadishan Guruge Meadlee Trading Co. (Pvt) Ltd.
1st Vice President Damitha Perera Forbes & Walkers Commodity Brockers (Pvt) Ltd.
2nd Vice President Rasika Seneviratne Diesel & Motor Engineering PLC 3rd Vice President Deepal De Alwis Neochem International (Pvt) Ltd.
Honorary Secretary Amila Weerasinghe Nestle Lanka Limited.
Asst. SecretaryDineth Alahakoon Country Style Foods (Pvt) Ltd.
Honorary Treasurer Sameera Jayathilaka Westmann Engineering Company (Pvt) Ltd.
Asst. Treasurer Niroshan Dalpethado C D De Fonseka & Sons (Pvt) Limited. In addition to the above office bearers, the following ten Executive Committee Members were appointed:
Sanjeewa De Silva Unilever Sri Lanka Limited Sheran De Alwis MA’S Tropical Food Processing (Pvt) Limited
Thusitha Ekanayake Anods Cocoa (Pvt) Ltd.
Vijitha Govinna Plenty Foods (Pvt) Limited Ms. Praharshi Wickramasekara International Commodity Exports (Pvt) Ltd.
Sanjeewa Niroshan SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. Kushan Amarasinghe Finagle Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
Rangajeewa Hettiarrachchi Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
Harindra Abeyrathna Vision Technologies International (Pvt) Ltd. Thilina Weerasekara Ceylon Cold Stores PLC
The event was proudly supported by key industry partners, with SGS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd serving as the Platinum Sponsor. Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. and Nestlé Lanka Ltd. joined as Gold Sponsors, Ceylon Agro Industries – Prima as the Silver Sponsor, while Lanka Exhibition & Conference Services (LECS) and Hero Nature Products (Pvt) Ltd., supported as Bronze Sponsors.
The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Hony. Secretary Deepal De Alwis, followed by cocktails and a fellowship networking session, providing an opportunity for members to connect and strengthen industry ties.
New premium ride option expands Uber’s portfolio from affordable Moto and Tuk rides to premium on-demand travel
Uber announced the launch of Uber Black in Sri Lanka, bringing its premium ride experience to the country for the first time. Designed as the “business class of back seats,” Uber Black combines premium vehicles and highly-rated drivers for riders looking for greater comfort, quality and a more elevated travel experience.
The launch comes as demand for premium products and experiences grows across Sri Lanka, with consumers seeking greater choice and quality in their everyday experiences. Uber Black brings this choice to on-demand mobility, whether for an airport journey, an important business meeting, a special occasion or simply when riders want to travel in greater comfort.
Rain stays away as India and Sri Lanka look for fair contest to enter final
Gold winner Tharanga gets brand-new Honda Vezel from SLAAJ
Showers above 50 mm are likely at some places inthe Uva, Eastern and Central provinces and in Polonnaruwa and Mullaittivu districts after 1.00 p.m.
Civil society activist accuses govt. of favouring Ven. Gnanasara
More cops than cones
Sajith accuses govt. of using data selectively in crucial report
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Latest News6 days agoShowers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts
-
Editorial6 days agoCrimes punished and unpunished
-
Features5 days agoBeyond traditional jobs: Why Sri Lanka needs to facilitate the gig economy
-
Editorial4 days agoBirth of a bad law
-
News2 days agoPolice remove Thileepan statue in Jaffna
-
Latest News6 days agoKusal, Wellalage star as Sri Lanka defend 322 in Headingley thriller
-
News4 days agoTIN mandatory for key transactions from Nov. 1
-
News6 days agoIMF: Sri Lanka on course for 2027 market return