Around 300 French women are taking part in Raid Amazones in Sri Lanka, as the women-only adventure event returns after a two-year break.
The event runs from 2 to 10 November, with Kalutara serving as the main destination for the 2026 edition. Its programme combines sporting challenges with opportunities to experience Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, beaches, natural landscapes and community life.
Participants compete in trail running, canoeing, cycling and treasure hunts designed to test their endurance and physical strength.
A canoeing competition held on 5 November started and finished at Malli’s Seafood Restaurant. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath attended the event and flagged off the race.
This year’s delegation includes around 300 contestants and 55 international staff members. Connaissance de Ceylan (Pvt) Ltd is the official ground-handling partner.
The delegation arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport on 2 November, where Sri Lanka Tourism Information Centre officials welcomed them with traditional dance performances.
According to the organisers, the flight carrying the delegation was operated entirely by female staff, reflecting the event’s emphasis on women’s empowerment.
Founded in 2001 by French entrepreneur Alexandre Debanne of ZBO France, Raid Amazones brings together teams of women for a multi-sport adventure challenge. Activities across its editions include orienteering, mountain biking, canoeing, horse riding and running, alongside opportunities to explore the host country.
Sri Lanka previously hosted the event in 2004, 2009, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023, with each edition attracting more than 250 international participants.
Sri Lanka Tourism said the event offered an opportunity to strengthen the country’s tourism profile, particularly in European markets, including France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg.
It also expects the event to benefit local tourism businesses by attracting high-spending visitors who may extend their stays to explore other parts of the country.
According to the organisers, the 2023 edition, supported by Sri Lanka Tourism and SriLankan Airlines, generated an estimated US$50 million in publicity value. It attracted more than 300 international press articles, reached an audience of around one million people, and recorded over 65,000 engagements and 650,000 video views.
Sri Lanka Tourism expects this year’s edition to generate further international media coverage and support the growth of sports tourism, bringing additional visitors and revenue to the country.
