Once he fought for his countrymen, now he walks for them

Ex-officer Ruvan Ranatunga is setting off on his ‘Long Walk of Hope’ to raise funds for cancer patients

Ruvan Ranatunga has the route that will take him from one end of Sri Lanka to the other memorised - he’s been over it so many times in his head. He will set out on May 30 on foot from Dondra and pass through the low country heading north toward Deniyaya. From there, he will cut across the dense rainforests of Sinharaja before tramping up Adam’s Peak. On the other side he will find the roads that wind through the tea plantations of the hill country and will pass Dolosbage, Aranayaka and Mawanella on his way to Kurunegala. As he keeps heading north he will walk through Vavuniya, Pooneryn to the Jaffna peninsula and finally – over 500 km and 45 days later –he will sight another coast -Point Pedro.

Those rooting for him will be able to follow his progress through tweets, Facebook updates and pictures posted on instagram. Ruvan, who usually prizes the freedom of the road, is willing to be tethered to his cell phone only because it’s for a cause. Where he first wanted simply to travel, to explore Sri Lanka and meet its people, his ‘Long Walk of Hope’ is now a fundraising mission, the proceeds of which go toward charity.

“It started off with me going behind my dream but that’s all changed. It’s not just my journey anymore,” he says, adding that he intends to stay off the main roads, choosing lesser travelled routes where he has more chances of engaging with people.

He has made no arrangements for accommodation or meals, but will carry camping equipment and basic medicines in his backpack. His supply of edibles will last only two