Colombo, Sri Lanka — January 15, 2025: The IFS Foundation announced its participation in the Pekoe Trail Challenge 2025, an extraordinary 300KM+ journey that combines breathtaking natural beauty with a mission to transform lives.
The challenge is being supported by IFS, an enterprise software vendor and the largest IT employer in Sri Lanka, as well as several other IT firms with operations in Sri Lanka, including Hoist, Platned, Poka and IGT 1.
Taking place from February 8th to 14th, 2025, this challenge will see Stephen Keys (Chief Talent Officer, IFS, and Chair of the IFS Foundation) and Avenash Krishnakumar (Senior Lead Software Engineer, Poka), undertake the grueling task of completing the entire Pekoe Trail in just seven days. Their goal is to raise USD 70,000 USD for the IFS Foundation to improve public health and education in Sri Lanka’s most remote and underserved communities.
The Pekoe Trail Challenge 2025 is a remarkable endurance test encompassing over 300 kilometers of rugged terrain and 14,000 meters of combined elevation. Stretching from Nuwara Eliya through the Horton Plains to Kandy, this new tourist trail highlights Sri Lanka’s unparalleled natural beauty while posing an incredible physical challenge to participants.
The funds raised through this event will support the IFS Foundation’s ongoing mission to address the root causes of poverty and inequality in rural Sri Lanka. By focusing on critical areas such as access to clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education, the Foundation is driving long-term, sustainable change for communities that need it most.
Commenting about this worthy cause, IFS Chief Talent Officer and Chair of the IFS Foundation Stephen Keys said, “For nearly 30 years, Sri Lanka has been a cornerstone of IFS’ global operations. Our partnership with the IFS Foundation is our way of giving back to a community that is vital to our success. Raising awareness and funds through challenges like the Pekoe Trail aims to address the systemic issues perpetuating poverty, creating opportunities for sustainable development and thriving communities. While this is an intense physical challenge, it’s nothing compared to families’ daily struggles in Sri Lanka’s rural areas. We hope to inspire others to contribute and join us in making a tangible difference.”
Since its inception, the IFS Foundation has built and renovated classrooms, computer labs, and healthcare facilities; installed water treatment plants providing clean water to hundreds of families; and improved school attendance and performance by addressing barriers such as hygiene, health, and economic hardship. For example, the IFS Foundation has provided critical infrastructure to the families of Welusumanapura village in the North Western province, including 03 RO (Reverse Osmosis) water treatment plants, 06 classrooms, a modern computer lab and a dedicated maternity unit. Following the Foundation’s contributions, the school has topped divisional O-Level results, expanded its student capacity from 450 to over 700 students, and extended its learning program up to Grade 12.
The Pekoe Trail Challenge 2025 is not just about the runners. A dedicated support crew of volunteers from IFS and partner organization Platned will ensure the journey’s success. On the final day, a dozen IFS colleagues will join Stephen and Avenash for the last 45 kilometres, a powerful show of solidarity and commitment.
The IFS Foundation invites individuals and organizations to support this meaningful initiative by donating at www.ifsfoundation.org. For those who wish to follow the journey, regular updates will be shared on IFS’ social media channels.
