YODA ELA MOUNTAINRIDE2026

Ride Through History, Celebrate Tourism

An unforgettable cycling adventure through the legendary Yoda Ela (Jaya Ganga) – the timeless waterway of ancient Sri Lanka.

27 SEPTEMBER 2026
ANURADHAPURA, SRI LANKA
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Registration Closes In 13 SEPTEMBER 2026

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Event Concept

About The Event

Cyclists riding through the scenic Yoda Ela landscape
World Tourism Day 2026
Event Overview

YODA ELA Mountain Ride

Ride the Heritage. Experience the Adventure.

YODA ELA 2026 MOUNTAIN RIDE is an international mountain biking and adventure tourism event that brings together sport, cultural heritage, nature, and sustainable tourism in the heart of Sri Lanka's North Central Province.

The ride follows the historic Yoda Ela (Jaya Ganga) corridor, connecting Thissa Wewa and Kala Wewa. Built more than 1,500 years ago, Yoda Ela stands as a remarkable example of the engineering excellence of ancient Sri Lanka. Today, this historic landscape provides an extraordinary setting for an unforgettable mountain biking experience.

Download Technical Guide
80 KM Canal Trail
Nature Trail Forests & Paddies
5th Century Ancient Heritage
Eco-Friendly Green Tourism
Choose Your Challenge

Race Categories

80 KM

Full Race

The Ultimate Endurance Challenge

  • 🚴
    Eligibility Men 19 & Above · Women 19 & Above
  • 🏁
    Start Point Isurumuniya Temple, Anuradhapura
  • 🎌
    Finish Point Kalawewa Spillway (Mahaweli Bungalow)
  • 💵
    Entry Fee FREE (No Entry Fee)
Cash Prizes & Awards
🥇 1st Place
Rs. 100,000.00
🥈 2nd Place
Rs. 75,000.00
🥉 3rd Place
Rs. 50,000.00
30 KM

Half Race

Test of Speed & Stamina

  • 🚴
    Eligibility Men 17–18 · Women 17–18 · Veteran Men 50+
  • 🏁
    Start Point Isurumuniya Temple, Anuradhapura
  • 🎌
    Finish Point Batuwattha Junction, Thalawa
  • 💵
    Entry Fee FREE (No Entry Fee)
Cash Prizes & Awards
🥇 1st Place
Rs. 30,000.00
🥈 2nd Place
Rs. 25,000.00
🥉 3rd Place
Rs. 20,000.00
20 KM

Quarter Race

Perfect for Junior Riders

  • 🚴
    Eligibility School Boys & Girls 15–16 Years
  • 🏁
    Start Point Isurumuniya Temple, Anuradhapura
  • 🎌
    Finish Point Diulwewa Tank Bund
  • 💵
    Entry Fee FREE (No Entry Fee)
Cash Prizes & Awards
🥇 1st Place
Rs. 20,000.00
🥈 2nd Place
Rs. 15,000.00
🥉 3rd Place
Rs. 12,000.00
Ride Formats

Event Categories

Elite Men
Elite Women
Masters (40+)
Open Category
Corporate Challenge
International Riders
Youth Category (Optional)
Family Fun Ride (Optional)
Leadership & Official Hosting

Event Organizers

Proudly organized by leading government institutions and national sports bodies committed to sports excellence, cultural tourism, and regional development in Sri Lanka.

Main Event Organizers

Main Organizer

Municipal Council of Anuradhapura

Leading civic administration, municipal infrastructure, safety coordination, and host city venue arrangements for the World Tourism Day Yoda Ela Mountain Ride in historic Anuradhapura.

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Contact Numbers +94 25 22 222 75 / 76
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Address Maithripala Senanayake Mawatha, Anuradhapura.
✉️
Email mca.planning@gmail.com
View Details
Main Organizer

Department of Sports — North Central Province

Provincial Sports Authority

Spearheading provincial sports development, athletic training, event logistics, and technical execution for national and international cycling events in Sri Lanka.

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Contact Numbers +94 25 223 5430  |  +94 25 222 4110
📍
Address Provincial Sports Department, Harischandra Mawatha, Anuradhapura
🏆
Ministry & Location Ministry of Sports, North Central Provincial Council
View Details

Supporting Organizers & Governing Bodies

Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka

Strengthening competitive cycling sport, refereeing standards, and athlete development.

Department Of Sports-N.C.P

Support For Sports in north central province

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority

Promoting Sri Lanka as a world-class adventure sports destination on World Tourism Day.

Union Cycliste Internationale

Oversees international competitive cycling regulations and technical event standards.

District Cycling Association

Provides ground support for cyclists and local cycling events across the district.

Commissaire Cycling Association

Ensures race officiating, safety compliance, and technical standards during competitions.

Event Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their generous support in making Yoda Ela 2026 a success.

Yoda Ela Mountain Ride 2025

Last Year's Achievements & Highlights

Relive the extraordinary moments, intense competition, and inspiring endurance from last year's event. Over 500+ cyclists gathered along the ancient Yoda Ela canal to celebrate sportsmanship, heritage, and World Tourism Day.

🚴
200+ Participants Registered
🏆
Rs. 350,000+ Cash Prizes Awarded
🏁
80 KM Main Event Distance
🏅
12 Podium Champions
Starting Line Lineup Flag Off
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Starting Line Lineup

Elite national riders and service teams gathered at the starting line ahead of the 80km main event launch.

Competitors Assembled Pre-Race
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Competitors Assembled

Cyclists receiving final technical instructions before embarking on the historic canal route.

National Press Coverage Press Feature
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National Press Coverage

Daily News & Sunday Observer spotlighting over LKR 900,000 in cash prizes and 2025 victory moments.

Men's Trophy Presentation Ceremony
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Men's Trophy Presentation

Distinguished official guests presenting official trophies and certificates to men's category podium winners.

Mass Peloton Acceleration Race Start
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Mass Peloton Acceleration

A thrilling sight as the peloton speeds forward together on the opening stage of the challenge.

Men's Champions Gathering Podium
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Men's Champions Gathering

Celebrating overall men's winner Nidush Nirantha (Air Force) and runners-up Charith Fernando & Gihan Pushpakumara.

Off-Road Canal Trail Trail Action
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Off-Road Canal Trail

Riders navigating technical gravel paths surrounded by serene natural wilderness along Jaya Ganga.

Forest Canopy Ride Heritage Route
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Forest Canopy Ride

Pacing through cool shaded tree corridors along the historical reservoir bunds of Anuradhapura.

Warm Sportsmanship Dignitaries
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Warm Sportsmanship

Distinguished guests greeting international and Sri Lankan female riders before the flag-off.

World Tourism Day Flag-Off Mass Start
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World Tourism Day Flag-Off

Spectators and officials cheering as the massive cycling convoy sets out towards Kalawewa.

Women's Victory Triad Women's Podium
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Women's Victory Triad

Celebrating champion Akasha Sadamini (Navy) alongside runners-up Dinesha Dilrukshi (Air Force) & Perera (Navy).

Grand Champions Podium Grand Victory
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Grand Champions Podium

A memorable moment uniting all top 2025 category winners on the main celebration stage.

Rider Impressions & Media Media Joy
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Rider Impressions & Media

Riders expressing their exhilaration and pride after completing the challenging 80km canal route.

Champion Trophy Awarding Award Moment
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Champion Trophy Awarding

Honoring endurance and dedication on the official podium backdrop at Kala Wewa reservoir finish line.

Engineering Marvel

Ancient Engineering Reimagined

Story Of The Yoda Ela

Yoda Ela – The Timeless Waterway of Ancient Sri Lanka

Ride Through History. Discover the Legacy of Yoda Ela.

Long before modern engineering existed, the ancient kings of Sri Lanka created one of the world's most remarkable irrigation systems. Among these incredible achievements is Yoda Ela, also known as Jaya Ganga—a masterpiece that has carried life-giving water across the dry plains of Anuradhapura for more than 1,500 years.

Built during the reign of King Dhatusena in the 5th century AD, Yoda Ela stretches nearly 87 kilometers, connecting the majestic Kala Wewa Reservoir to the historic Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura. What makes this canal extraordinary is its astonishing precision. The water flows gently across the entire distance with only a tiny natural drop in elevation, a feat that continues to amaze engineers around the world.

More than just a canal, Yoda Ela transformed the dry lands of the ancient kingdom into fertile fields, providing water for agriculture, wildlife, and communities. It became the lifeline of the Anuradhapura civilization, supporting one of the greatest hydraulic civilizations in history.

Today, Yoda Ela remains a symbol of Sri Lanka's rich heritage, innovation, and harmony with nature. As cyclists travel through the scenic landscapes surrounding this ancient waterway, they experience not only breathtaking views but also the enduring legacy of a civilization that mastered sustainable water management centuries ahead of its time.

On this World Tourism Day, the Anuradhapura Municipal Council warmly welcomes participants from Sri Lanka and around the globe to celebrate history, culture, nature, and adventure together. Every pedal forward is a journey through a landscape shaped by one of the greatest engineering marvels of the ancient world.

87 km Total Length
12 cm Avg. Gradient/km
5th C. Century Built
Ancient Yoda Ela canal and nature landscape
Historic Yoda Ela canal waterway
Cyclists riding through the scenic Yoda Ela landscape
Waterway feeding agricultural fields
Tourism day cycling challenge
Scenic nature along the Yoda Ela path
Scenic nature along the Yoda Ela path
Scenic nature along the Yoda Ela path
Twin Pillars of Hydraulic Engineering

The Historic Reservoirs: Tissa Wewa & Kala Wewa

Connected by the extraordinary 87-kilometer Yoda Ela canal, Kala Wewa and Tissa Wewa represent the pinnacle of ancient Sri Lankan water management, sustaining agriculture, culture, and biodiversity for over 1,500 years.

Tissa Wewa Reservoir - Terminal Reservoir of Yoda Ela Origin Point
Built 3rd Century BC King Devanampiya Tissa

Tissa Wewa Reservoir

Tissa Wewa is one of Anuradhapura’s oldest and most sacred reservoirs, commissioned by King Devanampiya Tissa in the 3rd Century BC. Replenished continuously by Yoda Ela, Tissa Wewa sustains the royal gardens, ancient stupas, and paddy lands of Anuradhapura.

  • 🏯
    Historic Sanctuary: Built adjacent to the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura.
  • 🏁
    Terminal Waterway: Receives Yoda Ela's waters after its 87 km journey.
  • 🌿
    Royal Heritage: Feeds the ancient Ranmasu Uyana (Royal Goldfish Park).
Kala Wewa Reservoir - Head Reservoir of Yoda Ela Destination Point
Built 5th Century AD King Dhatusena

Kala Wewa Reservoir

Kala Wewa is a grand ancient reservoir constructed by King Dhatusena in 459 AD. With a circumference exceeding 40 kilometers, it acts as the primary feeder basin for Yoda Ela, transferring life-giving water across the dry plains of Anuradhapura.

  • 💧
    Massive Storage Capacity: Holds over 123 million cubic meters of water.
  • 🌊
    Head Reservoir: Serves as the starting point and feeder of the 87 km canal.
  • 🗿
    Cultural Landmark: Located near the world-famous Avukana Buddha statue.

Route Of The Competition

The Journey

The Route

80 KM Through History, Nature & Adventure

From the ancient waters of Thissa Wewa to the magnificent Kala Wewa, follow the legendary Yoda Ela through landscapes shaped by Sri Lanka's ancient hydraulic civilization.

View Interactive Map Download Route Guide
Cyclists riding beside the Yoda Ela canal
80 KM Total Route
Thissa Wewa Start
Kala Wewa Finish
Mountain Bike Endurance Challenge
Heritage Experience
Route Journey

Yoda Ela 2026 Route

Route map for the Yoda Ela cycling challenge
Experience the Route

Every Stretch Tells a Story

Ancient reservoir landscapes along the route

01 — Ancient Reservoir Landscapes

Begin your journey surrounded by the historic reservoir landscapes of Anuradhapura.

Yoda Ela canal corridor

02 — Yoda Ela Canal

Follow the legendary waterway that forms the heart of this historic cycling experience.

Village roads and rural surroundings

03 — Village Roads

Experience authentic rural landscapes and local surroundings along the route.

Nature tracks surrounded by forest and greenery

04 — Nature Tracks

Ride through beautiful natural environments and discover the quieter side of Anuradhapura.

Scenic river views along the route

05 — Scenic River Views

Take in breathtaking views as the route passes through Sri Lanka's beautiful water landscapes.

Historic irrigation structure along the path

06 — Historic Irrigation Structures

Discover the engineering heritage that makes this route unique.

Kala Wewa reservoir finish point

07 — Beauty Of The Lake

Experience the stunning beauty of Kala Wewa as you approach the finish line.

Kala Wewa reservoir finish point

08 — Kala Wewa

The Beauti Of The Kala Wewa.

Kala Wewa reservoir finish point

09 — Finish

The Finish. Complete your journey at the magnificent Kala Wewa.

Route Story

From Thissa Wewa to Kala Wewa

Thissa Wewa
Yoda Ela
Villages
Nature
River Views
Historic Structures
Kala Wewa
Know Before You Ride

Competitor Information

Route Distance 87 KM
Start Thissa Wewa
Finish Kala Wewa
Route Thissa Wewa → Yoda Ela → Kala Wewa
Environment Historic • Natural • Rural Landscapes
Event Type Mountain Bike Endurance Challenge
Route Support

Prepared for Rider Care

Water Stations
Medical Support
Bike Repair
Emergency Response
Route Marshals
Nutrition Points
Toilets
Checkpoints
Visual Journey

Route Gallery

Thissa Wewa landscape
Yoda Ela canal
Village roads
Kala Wewa finish
Kala Wewa finish
Dramatic Kala Wewa landscape
Your Journey Starts Here

87 KM. One Historic Waterway. An Unforgettable Adventure.

Register Now Back to Event
Timeline

Event Schedule

06:00 AM

Check-in & Bike Inspection

Report at the Kala Wewa starting point. Receive your rider kit, timing chip, and undergo a quick bicycle safety inspection.

06:45 AM

Opening Ceremony & Briefing

A brief welcome speech highlighting World Tourism Day, safety instructions, and a historical intro to Yoda Ela.

07:00 AM

Official Flag Off

The race begins! Cyclists start in waves grouped by category to ensure safety along the trail.

12:00 PM

Mid-Way Refreshment Point

Replenish energy at our major resting stop. Enjoy local fruits, hydration, and minor mechanical support.

04:00 PM

Finish Line & Awards

Welcome riders at Tissa Wewa! Medal presentation, photo opportunities, and food stalls showcasing local Sri Lankan cuisine.

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

“Share your thoughts. Connect with fellow riders.”

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Information

Frequently Asked Questions

A Mountain Bike (MTB) or a robust Hybrid Bike is strongly recommended. The trail adjacent to Yoda Ela consists of gravel, dirt tracks, and tarmac sections, which can be uneven or muddy depending on the weather.

Registration includes an official event jersey, custom timing chip, finisher medal, route maps, snacks & hydration at multiple aid stations, mobile repair support, and medical ambulance standby throughout the course.

Riders must be 16 years or older on the day of the event. Minors (16-18) must have signed parental consent. Due to the 87km distance, participants should be in good physical health and have previous long-distance cycling experience.

Optional shuttle services for cyclists and secure truck transport for bicycles back to Kala Wewa starting point can be booked during registration. These shuttles leave starting from 5:30 PM from the finish line.

Join the Ride

Register For The Challenge

Ways to Register

Submit your race registration using the option most convenient for you.

Google Form Online Registration Form

Register instantly using our secure Google Form questionnaire.

Open form →
WhatsApp +94 77 999 3829

Send a message to our support to register via WhatsApp.

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Or submit your details using the form below.

Get In Touch

Contact Secretariat

📞

Call Us

+94779993829

✉️

Email Us

yodaelamtb@gmail.com

📍

Office Location

National Tourism Secretariat,

Anuradhapura Road, Sri Lanka