Hayleys Advantis, the transportation and logistics arm of the Hayleys Group, launched its inaugural cycle parade on the 29th of October to promote safe cycling and a healthy lifestyle amongst its employees.
The logistics provider is set to establish a network of cycle repair stations across Colombo, the first of which was ceremonially opened at Colombo 3, by the Chairman and Chief Executive of Hayleys PLC, Mohan Pandithage and Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis, Ruwan Waidyaratne.
The action-packed event witnessed more than 150 employees from Hayleys Advantis make the 17 Km long circuit. Commencing from the Hayleys PLC Head Office building, the parade went on to the Lipton Circle junction, Nelum Pokuna roundabout, Independence Avenue, Cinnamon Garden Police Station, Bauddaloka Mawatha, Duplication Road, St. Peters College, Galle Road, Galle Face and concluded back at the Head Office building on Deans Road.
“Cycling is a sport considered to be amongst the safest forms of exercise to improve your overall health and well-being. Over the past few months, we saw a marked increase in the number of employees taking up the sport as a lifestyle choice, especially when we as a country were facing the fuel crisis.
“We found that while many were enthusiastic about taking on the challenge, they were concerned about the lack of tools and locations for any emergency repairs. Having noted this, we decided to support our employees and the cyclists in Colombo by establishing a network of cycle repair stations in the city,” said the Managing Director of Hayleys Advantis, Ruwan Waidyaratne.
The initiative is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, and the cycle repair stations are equipped with air pumps and other tools required for general repairs of cycles.
Notably, Hayleys Advantis also brought in competitive cyclist and passionate advocate for cycling, Yasas Hewage, to conduct the ‘Change the Game’ workshop for participants. The workshop armed participants with a gamut of information on the subject, including the do’s and don’ts of cycling. He also joined the Hayleys Advantis team on the cycle parade leading the group along the route.
“While many initiatives have happened over the last decade, the game changer is cycling infrastructure. With this novel initiative of a cycle repair station, Hayleys Advantis has assisted the cycling fraternity whilst enriching the lifestyle of the community. It is commendable to see corporates getting involved in projects that contribute towards safe cycling,” said Yasas Hewage, Founder of Spinner Cycling.
Hayleys Advantis prides itself on innovating new ways to encourage engagement amongst its employees. As one of the Best Workplaces in Asia as stipulated by the Great Place to Work® organisation, Hayleys Advantis continues to live by its purpose – inspire, connect and enrich.
Hayleys Advantis is Sri Lanka’s most diversified transportation and logistics provider with over six decades of experience and operations spread across the region. Backed by the blue-chip multinational conglomerate Hayleys PLC, Hayleys Advantis is at the forefront of the logistics industry providing end-to-end solutions covering integrated logistics, projects and engineering, marine and energy, international freight management and aviation. It is committed towards being an innovator in the industry, setting the pace and shaping the logistics sector.