More than 250 women from around the world were welcomed with drums and dancers at Bandaranaike International Airport, and are now embarking on nine days of adventure, culture and discovery. 

The beat of traditional drums and the swirl of Kandyan dancers greeted a wave of red at Bandaranaike International Airport as more than 250 international women arrived in Sri Lanka for Raid Amazones 2026. Dressed in the event’s signature red and wheeling matching kit bags past the “Welcome to Sri Lanka” sign, the participants have now begun the adventure challenge, which got under way in Kalutara on 2 November. 

Travelling with event organisers, media representatives and medical personnel, the participants are taking part in the 2–10 November edition. Their arrival opened a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s long-standing association with Raid Amazones, putting the island’s adventure tourism potential, natural landscapes and warm hospitality in front of an international audience. 

Founded in 2001 by French adventure event specialist Alexandre Debanne, Raid Amazones is an internationally recognised women-only adventure challenge that blends physical endurance and teamwork with outdoor exploration and cultural discovery. It invites women to step beyond their comfort zones, forge new friendships and experience a destination through genuine encounters with the communities who call it home. 

For its eighth Sri Lankan edition, the challenge is leading participants across Kalutara’s coastline, rivers, wetlands, tropical greenery and village communities. Between the stages, they are discovering Sri Lankan traditions, tasting local cuisine and experiencing the island’s hospitality first-hand. 

Connaissance de Ceylan Leads Ground Operations as Official Partner 

Connaissance de Ceylan, one of Sri Lanka’s leading destination management companies, is the official ground handling partner for Raid Amazones Sri Lanka 2026. The company is coordinating local operations, transfers and logistics, working closely with the international organising team and local stakeholders to ensure a seamless experience for participants and the wider delegation. 

“Welcoming an international community of this scale is a wonderful opportunity to showcase what Sri Lanka has to offer,” said Maxime Wickramasinghe, Director – Marketing and Business Development, Connaissance de Ceylan. “As the official ground handling partner, we are working closely with the Raid Amazones team to ensure that participants enjoy a smooth and memorable experience from the moment they arrived. Beyond the operational aspects, we want every participant to experience our hospitality, discover our diverse landscapes and take home a genuine appreciation of Sri Lanka.” 

Raid Amazones 2026 is delivered through a collaborative partnership between Raid Amazones, SriLankan Airlines and Connaissance de Ceylan, with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. Turyaa Kalutara is the official accommodation partner, hosting participants and the international delegation throughout the event. 

With the challenge now under way, Kalutara is hosting nine days of adventure, cultural exchange and discovery, and Sri Lanka has a fresh opportunity to show the world a destination where adventure, nature, culture and authentic experiences come together.