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Jackson treks down Lankan legacy :
Transcending Time
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
Trekking along the paths of history into charters of unexplored
territory seems a wondrous task indeed and one many of us strive to
test. Now seasoned actor and Creative Director of Swarnavahini Jackson
Anthony together with the Tourism Ministry, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion
Bureau (SLTPB), Defence, Public Security, Law and Order Ministry and
Swarnavahini has come up with the concept of putting together a program
to trace the footsteps of our royal ancestors.
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Jackson to travel across the legacy of the isle |
The program titled 'The Great Travel' focuses a journey through the
legacy of our motherland. Speaking to the media at the launch of the
program, Anthony stated that other than having faith in a present and
future after the elimination of terrorism, we should not forget that the
country boasted of a majestic past. As peace settled into the land we
are given the chance to explore the land sans barriers.
"The Tourism Ministry had focused on projects for local travelers to
venture into some of the most significant landmarks in history. "We hope
to trace the tracks of our ancestors and peek into the past and learn
more about our bygone era from the time that the Aryans stepped into the
land.
"Thambapanni, Maha Thiththa, Hanumantha Palama, Lathoni Gala,
Pomparioouwa, Sirasawattu Puraya, Upatissa Puraya, Vedda Kanda,
Doramadalava, Kasagala, Ritigala and many more places will cease to be
mere names in the ancient chronicles.
"The project opens doors for locals to follow their roots. Our
country is rich in tradition and customs. Evidence points out that
travelers from all over the island visited historic sites. Rock
scriptures and the mirror wall at Sigiriya have proven these facts.
"This is not a mere journey across some of the most beautiful and
astounding places in the country but a passage across history," he noted
adding that this is the first time that such an expedition will take
place in Sri Lanka. He also said that Defence Secretary Gotabhaya
Rajapaksa is very keen on the project. 'The Great Travel' involves
around 50 days of shooting. The program is set to take off on
Swarnavahini, Saturday at 7 p.m. towards the end of November.
Anthony was presented with a vehicle especially designed for
travelling by Micro Cars Limited and a camera designed for travelling
expeditions.
"History unearthed that nationalism is a modern concept. Dividing
regions for ethnic groups is a modern concept. Facts unveiled that all
the ethnic groups of the island merged and interacted in harmony in the
past," Anthony stressed.
Tourism Promotion Minister Faiszer Mustapha, SLTPB Chairman Bernard
Gunatilleke, SLTPB Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya and Tourism
Ministry Secretary George Michael were also present. |
