MAS Holdings, one of the world’s most recognized Design-to-Delivery Solution Providers in the realm of Apparel and Textile Manufacturing, and the Royal College Union (RCU), which celebrated their 125thanniversary this year, both pledged their support towards Trail 2016 at a press conference held recently. Accordingly, MAS has come on board as a Platinum Sponsor with a pledge of USD 100,000, whilst the RCU has pledged to raise Rs. 50 million, becoming two of the largest contributors towards the project to date.

Trail was initiated by Nathan Sivagananathan and Sarinda Unamboowe co-founders for the project together with Colours of Courage Trust in an effort to bring together communities across Sri Lanka and collectively drive the nation’s fight against cancer. Speaking at the press conference to announce the partnerships, Sarinda Unamboowe said, “We’re honored to have MAS come on board as a Platinum Sponsor and we’re thankful for their continued support. We are also incredibly honored to have the RCU pledge their support to raise funds for the Children’s Ward at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital. We are deeply appreciative of their commitment to Trail."

In addition to Nathan and Sarinda, other speakers at the media briefing included Trail Brand Ambassador, Mahela Jayawardene. The occasion was also graced by, Ajay Amalean - Director, MAS Holdings, along with representatives from the RCU; Mahen Perera- Chairman 125th Anniversary Celebratory Committee, Athula Munasinghe- Secretary of the RCU, Mithila Mendis - Assistant Secretary and Manju Ariyaratna - Past Secretary.

Founded in 2011, the first walk mapped the length of Sri Lanka from Dondra Head in the South to Point Pedro in the North. The walk spanned 27 days and saw over 30,000 participants and 250,000 supporters together raise over USD 2.6 million. Nathan and Sarinda’s dream was realized when the Tellippalai Trail Cancer Hospital was opened in January 2014. To date, the facility has treated over 4,500 patients since opening its doors to the public.
Based on the success of 2011, this year they are walking back, from the North to the South, with the goal of raising USD 5 million to build a new cancer unit at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle. The 28 day walk from Point Pedro in Jaffna to Dondra Head in Matara will begin on the 6th of October 2016.It is a charity walk that was initiated in conjunction with the Colors of Courage Trust in an effort to

Carry a message of unity and understanding across the country while raising funds in aid of cancer treatment. Walkers for Trail 2016 can commit to walk the whole distance, part of the way or become a virtual walker depending on their ability.

The Karapitiya Teaching Hospital sees patients coming not only from the Southern Districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota but also from areas as far as Badulla and Kalutara. Catering to a population of 6 million, one of the biggest obstacles faced by the hospital is the overcrowding of all units. The proposed building will give patients more ward space and other facilities including counselling rooms, rehabilitation and recreation facilities as well as new radiology and pathology labs.

Incidence of cancer in Sri Lanka is on the rise and it is imperative that necessary support is provided to the health services sector to combat the disease and rehabilitate patients. Each fundraiser, donor and sponsor, along with the doctors and experts of the hospital, and the Government of Sri Lanka (who will match the funds raised), will see this dream fulfilled. Trail will bring to light the powerful impact created when individuals across the country are united.

Members of the public can donate to the cause via Dialog SMS, Star Points or eZ Cash or at the charity’s official websitewww.trailsl.com or make direct deposit to Colours of Courage Trust (Guarantee) Limited, Account Number 003010491671, Hatton National Bank (SWIFT CODE – HBLILKLX).

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Photo - Trail Brand Ambassador Mahela Jayawardena and Trail Co-Founders Nathan Sivagananathan and Sarinda Unamboowe addressing the media at a recently held Press Briefing, on their mission to raise USD 5 million to build a cancer diagnostics and treatment unit at Karapitiya Teaching Hospital, Galle.

Mr. Ajay Amalean, Director MAS Holdings handing over the Platinum Sponsorship cheque to Trail Brand Ambassador, Mahela Jayawardene and Trail Co-Founders Nathan Sivagananathan and Sarinda Unamboowe

The Royal College Union, as part of its 125th year anniversary celebrations, pledged Rs. 50 million to donate a Children's Ward in aid of Trail 2016