1333 BIKEATHON

Raising Awareness about mental health, emotional well-being, and suicide prevention

- BY KSHALINI NONIS

The 1333 Bikeathon commenced on August 29 and concludes on September 10, in commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day. Its purpose is to honour lives lost, spread hope, and encourage people to seek help rather than resort to suicide.

We had a chat with Buddhika Bulathsinghale Assistant Manager - Operations 1333, CCC Foundation/ CCCline 1333

Q CAN YOU BRIEFLY TELL US ABOUT THE 1333 BIKEATHON AND THE MAIN PURPOSE OF ORGANISING IT?

The 1333 Bikeathon is an annual cycling event introduced in 2014 by 1333. It's not a race but a long-distance ride designed to create awareness about mental health, emotional well-being, and suicide prevention. The event also raises funds to operate Sri Lanka's first toll-free, 24/7 crisis support line.

Held from August 29 to September 10, the Bikeathon spans 13 days, covering 1,333 kilometers across 13 cities, and concludes in commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day. Its purpose is to honour lives lost, spread hope, and encourage people to seek help rather than resort to suicide.

Q HOW DO YOU HOPE TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND WELL-BEING THROUGH THIS?

We raise awareness through a combination of media engagement and community programmes.

During the ride, we stop approximately every 20 km to conduct awareness programmes in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Colombo Regency - RI 3220 and other community networks such as Samurdhi Development Officers. These sessions include pocket meetings, discussions on recognising the value of life, ways to cope with distress before reaching a crisis point, and how society can create psychologically safe environments.

Our goal is to remind communities that suicide is preventable and to encourage open conversations about mental health, reducing stigma, and promoting well-being.

Q CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE 1333 CRISIS SUPPORT LINE?