Peter beats Blake in ‘Cannonball Run’

"Making the victory speech, Peter said he was surprised that he could win the race against a competitor with extra long legs and Robert, who badly let down Uncle Sam, responded saying no matter who won, it further strengthened Anglo-American ties." Image: American Ambassador Robert O’ Blake and the British High Commissioner, Peter Hayes.(More Pictures Inside)
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by Sooriya Liyanage

(March 28, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) It all happened when a shot from a 30-pounder, fired by the British Royal Artillery Company, got deflected after striking against a masonry bridge and landed on the Galle Face Boarding House, (now the Galle Face Hotel). The ball crashed through the roof, ceiling and landed on a drawing room.

The commotion it caused was such that it brought governor Sir Collin Campbell rushing to the scene. Thus began the historic ‘The Cannonball Run’ which became an annual event.
It was revived last year by the Galle Face Hotel on Thursday, March 27, the run took place on the Galle Face Green and the contestants were American Ambassador Robert O’ Blake and the British High Commissioner, Peter Hayes sprinting along carrying a champagne glass on a tray.

Making the victory speech, Peter said he was surprised that he could win the race against a competitor with extra long legs and Robert, who badly let down Uncle Sam, responded saying no matter who won, it further strengthened Anglo-American ties.

The pool deck formed a perfect setting for the gala evening with the setting sun basking the environs with a golden glow.

















- Sri Lanka Guardian
Anonymous said...

Silly to have events like this in a poor country like Sri Lanka.

Anonymous said...

This event sounds like great fun! Well done for enjoyning the lighter side.
Mr anonymous you must be a real bore, Get a life!

Anonymous said...

Sri Lanka has a diverse cultural history - well done to Galle Face Hotel for organising such a fun but an obviously competitive event!