Kandy races will go on
View(s):Amidst protests from religious leaders and environmental groups, the Kandy Night Race organised by Kandy Off Road and Adventure Club will take place as planned on June 27 and 28 according to officials of the club.
The Chief Incumbent of the Asgiri Chapter, the most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkihta Thero has expressed his displeasure in having a night race in Kandy at a discussion with the members of the Kandy Heritage Protection Foundation. The religious leader had made a request to the organisers of the event to reconsider its stance in holding the races as it does not suit to a wee city as Kandy.
These protests forced the organisers in postponing the official launch of the event which was supposed to be held last Wednesday. But an official close to the organising committee stated that the races will proceed as planned.
The races will flag off in front of the Clock Tower at 8.00pm and will cover the Kandy Prison and Bogambara Stadium roundabout. The course will cover approximately 1.1kilometres. As the races will take place after 8.00pm there will be little or no traffic related issues and all plans discussed with the Kandy Traffic Police by the President of the Club, Kushan Wekedapola.Through the gate collections the Club will sponsor the Kandy Cancer Hospital and its projects. This is the third year the Kandy Off Road and Adventure Club (KORAC) conducting this event. – SJ