Seethawakapura, a land of magnificent natural surroundings. When it comes to natural surroundings, it is a land where time has stood still. It is a land of giants. And these giants are the mountains covered with lush vegetation. One only has to climb to the top of the Kalatuwawa Reservoir and one is greeted by a magnificent sight! A paradise! The body of water and the lush vegetation combines to give the sightseer a vista or a pleasing view, that he or she cannot easily forget in this lifetime. It is an unspoiled landscape.
As one stands in front of the entrance to the Seethawaka Botanical Garden/ Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens, it is almost like looking at a lost world! A world where time has stood still. It is a land of mystique.
Maha Sangha blessing the train.
In Jules Verne’s novel Journey to the Center of the Earth, the author describes a world of breathtaking natural wonders – a subterranean world full of wonders!
Seethawakapura is just such a place.
Only it is above the surface and it is very real! There are so many beautiful forests around the world and they are given coverage. But right here in Seethawakapura, we have lush vegetation that is second to none in the world.
Seethawaka Odyssey operates from Colombo Fort to the Waga Railway Station. This is a concept of Transport and Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr Bandula Gunawardhana. Dr Gunawardhana has been described as a visionary, and it is his ability to see opportunities and potential in things that have not been thought of before, that makes him a rarity. So far Seethawaka Odyssey has been operating on Sundays. But last Saturday for the first time, it began its voyage because of its great demand.
Last Saturday, Dr. Gunawardhana led a very large group, comprising media personalities and foreign dignitaries among others, into Seethawakapura.
Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana pointed out that this is a landmark when it comes to transportation in Sri Lanka.
“This train service will allow local and foreign tourists to thoroughly enjoy themselves in Seethawakapura. This is an initiative that will certainly develop tourism in Sri Lanka. What is happening today is the implementation. This will definitely be a popular tourist destination,” said Dr. Gunawardhana.
The Minister added that the Seethawaka Odyssey Sunday Train Service project was put into action in January 2023. The train service is designed to enable people to enjoy the beauty of Seethawakapura.
“Because of the huge turnout, we have now decided to make this train service available on Saturday as well. Many people in Colombo have not experienced the opportunities and possibilities Seethawakapura has to offer. That is why I am leading this retinue here in Seethawakapura. Our intention is not only to promote tourism but to promote the livelihoods of the people of Seethawakapura. This will increase their income. It will serve to uplift them. We want to make Seethawakapura a tourist zone.”
A luxurious tourism train service connecting Colombo to Jaffna was inaugurated. Departing on Fridays, this train offers tourists the opportunity to relish the charms of Jaffna on both Saturday and Sunday. It will leave Sunday night and arrive Monday in Colombo.
Western Province Tourist Board Chairman Sugath Hewapathirana pointed out the decision to turn the Saturday train service into a reality because of the overwhelming success of the Sunday Train service.
“We have really promoted tourism in this zone. And this has been a success. There are now luxurious hotels that can accommodate local and foreign tourists. So now we have commenced this train service on Saturday. Now because of this Saturday train service, tourists can enjoy the unique features of Seethawakapura on a Saturday and return home on a Sunday. We want to attract foreign tourists from all parts of the world to Sri Lanka. This is our challenge and we will meet this challenge. We all know that Sri Lanka is facing an economic crisis. We do not need to beg from other countries. We have abundant natural resources. If we organize ourselves well, we can bring in foreign exchange through our tourism. This will solve most of our problems. We cannot say what kind of problems will crop up in the future. Behind all these problems is our foreign exchange issue. But I feel we can overcome these difficulties. I firmly believe that we can emerge victorious. Our train service is ready. We want multitudes of tourists to come to Sri Lanka. We want to offer our foreign friends the very best that Sri Lanka can offer when it comes to service. We have to help Sri Lanka come out of this abyss. We must be ready to do this. We must enable Sri Lanka to become a self-sufficient economy,” said Hewapathirana.
The Vietnamese Ambassador said that the trip to Sri Lanka and Seethawakapura was an enriching experience for her.
“Sri Lanka certainly has a lot to offer. Sri Lankans are so hospitable and friendly. I have very much enjoyed the trip. I will do my best to strengthen the relationships between our two countries,” said the Vietnamese Ambassador.
The Russian Embassy Diplomat had only one word, but this word was powerful. She said that Sri Lanka is a paradise!
Musical entertainment.
Pictures by Gayan Pushpika
Ishara Jayawardane