Maitri Setu Yatra: India and Sri Lanka NCC cadets to embark on 3,500-km cycling expedition

Two countries, 24 cadets,3,500 kilometers and over 75 days of journey. Maitri Setu Yatra – India Sri Lanka NCC Cycling Expedition 2027 was flagged of today carrying a message of friendship, and camaraderie across borders. The expedition will see 24 cyclists, including 14 Indian and 10 Sri Lankan NCC personnel, undertake a journey spanning approximately 3,500 kilometres, from Colombo to New Delhi.

The flagging ceremony in Colombo was attended by India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, and Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister, Sunil Kumar Gamage.

Addressing the cadets, the High Commissioner Santosh Jha said that every kilometer covered by the cyclists would carry a message of peace, friendship, cooperation and mutual respect between the two neighboring countries. Sri Lanka’s Sports Minister, Sunil Kumar Gamage expressed his gratitude to the National Cadet Corps of both countries and the Ministry of Defence for organising what he described as a meaningful journey of friendship between India and Sri Lanka.

The journey will culminate in January 2027 at the NCC Prime Minister’s Rally in New Delhi. The route will cover approximately 500 kilometres in Sri Lanka, taking the cyclists through historic destinations including Anuradhapura and Jaffna. The contingent will then cross by sea to India, before undertaking a 3,000-kilometre cycling journey through 11 Indian states and Union Territories before reaching New Delhi. The initiative also draws inspiration from the centuries-old civilisational links between India and Sri Lanka, including the Buddhist heritage and ancient maritime trade routes.

More than just a sporting expedition, the Maitri Setu Yatra seeks to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two countries, particularly among their younger generations.

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