In 2017, a passionate Brainchild and a group of alumni from St. Thomas’ College in Colombo set out to do something extraordinary. United by a shared love for their homeland and a deep desire to heal its wounds, they launched Riders for Charity – a sponsored cycle ride across Sri Lanka. What began as a bold idea soon evolved into RideforCeylon, a movement that now spans continents, uniting cyclists, donors, and volunteers in a shared mission: to rebuild lives and restore hope in the war-torn Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

The vision was clear from the start. After three decades of civil war, the scars left on the people and infrastructure of the north were deep and enduring. Among the many institutions affected was the historic Manipay Green Memorial Hospital (GMH)—a once-thriving centre of healing and education in Jaffna. Founded in 1847 by American missionary Dr. Samuel Fisk Green, GMH had long served as a beacon of medical care and training. But years of conflict had left it in disrepair, its wards silent and its potential unrealized.

Moved by the opportunity to make a tangible difference, the Old Boys and their global network of friends envisioned a 400-kilometer charity ride from Colombo to Jaffna. This wasn’t just a test of endurance—it was a symbolic journey of reconnection, resilience, and renewal. Each kilometer cycled represented a step toward healing a fractured region and restoring a vital institution to its former glory.

Since its inception, Ride4Ceylon has grown into an annual event that draws riders from around the world. The funds raised have gone directly into the redevelopment of GMH and for supporting projects.

But Ride4Ceylon is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement rooted in empathy, action, and legacy. It honours the past by breathing new life into a hospital that once trained Sri Lanka’s first native doctors. It serves the present by addressing urgent healthcare needs in underserved areas. And it looks to the future by inspiring a new generation to believe in the power of collective action.

As the wheels spin and the road stretches northward, each rider becomes part of a larger story – one of healing, hope, and humanity. Ride4Ceylon is proof that even in the aftermath of conflict, compassion can chart a new course. And with every mile, that course leads closer to a healthier, more united Sri Lanka.