Riding with Purpose: The Journey Behind Ride for Ceylon
Every year, cyclists from around the world come together for a purpose greater than sport – to heal, to rebuild, and to ride for change. Ride for Ceylon is a three-day, 450-kilometer charity cycling event that travels from Colombo to Jaffna, raising funds to restore the historic Manipay Green Memorial Hospital in Northern Sri Lanka.
Founded in 1847, the hospital once stood as a beacon of excellence in medicine and education. Years of conflict left it in ruins. Today, through the commitment of Ride for Ceylon and its supporters, its legacy is being revived—brick by brick, wheel by wheel.
The ride is more than a challenge. It’s a statement of solidarity. Participants—from seasoned athletes to enthusiastic first-timers—navigate diverse terrains while honouring the stories of families who still depend on the region’s limited healthcare access. Each mile cycled contributes to funding critical medical equipment, sustainable healthcare infrastructure, and hope for the next generation.
What makes Ride for Ceylon unique is its deeply human mission. It’s not about finishing first—it’s about finishing with purpose. And that purpose echoes in every rider’s journey, every donation made, and every life touched by the hospital’s revival.
As July 2025 approaches, a new wave of riders will saddle up—not just to cycle, but to carry a legacy forward. Will you be among them?
Friends of Manipay Hospital Donations and Funds
Friends of Manipay Hospital (FOMH) is a UK-registered charitable organization (Charity No. 1113439) dedicated to restoring and supporting the historic Manipay Green Memorial Hospital in Northern Sri Lanka. Established in 2005 and governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association, FOMH operates primarily through grant-making and human resource support, with a mission to improve healthcare access and outcomes in underserved communities.
The charity focuses on a broad range of charitable purposes, including healthcare advancement, education and training, poverty relief, and economic and community development. Its beneficiaries include children and young people, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and the general public. FOMH does not operate trading subsidiaries, and none of its trustees receive remuneration or benefits, ensuring that resources are directed toward its mission.
In the financial year ending 31 March 2024, FOMH reported an income of £123,465 and expenditure of £109,916, reflecting its active role in funding medical equipment, facilities, and services not otherwise available at Manipay Hospital. The charity is managed by a board of three trustees and supported by ten volunteers, all committed to transparency and good governance.
FOMH is recognized by HMRC for Gift Aid and adheres to a comprehensive set of policies covering safeguarding, financial controls, risk management, and volunteer engagement. Its work continues to play a vital role in the preservation of health and dignity for communities in Sri Lanka, particularly through the revitalization of one of the island’s most historic medical institutions.
Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) – Shaping the Future of Healthcare in Sri Lanka
The Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), located in Manipay, Jaffna, is a pioneering healthcare education and rehabilitation centre committed to delivering high-quality medical training and services. Established by a group of visionary academics, IMS was founded with the goal of making medical education accessible and affordable, while contributing to the broader mission of universal healthcare in Sri Lanka.
IMS offers a rigorous curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experience, supported by modern facilities and a strong research culture. Students are immersed in a transformative learning environment that emphasizes innovation, compassion, and community service. The institute provides a range of accredited healthcare training programs, including courses for assistant caregivers and child care professionals, aligned with national vocational standards.
A key component of IMS is its Neuro Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), which has been serving patients with neurological disorders since 2014. The NRC offers both inpatient and outpatient services, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, counselling, and specialist clinics. With a multidisciplinary team and 24-hour medical support, the centre plays a vital role in restoring mobility, independence, and dignity to patients.
Beyond academics and clinical care, IMS fosters a vibrant campus life with student events, sports, and green open spaces that promote well-being and collaboration. Whether you’re a student, healthcare professional, or donor, IMS invites you to be part of a mission that blends education, service, and hope – building a healthier Sri Lanka for generations to come.