October 12, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s scenic beauty has long attracted visitors from India, with tourists flocking to its picturesque landscapes. Recently, an Indian film crew has taken over a section of Sri Lanka’s railway tracks to shoot a movie, temporarily halting train services on this iconic route. The filming is taking place on the rail track near the Nine Arch Bridge, situated between Ella and Demodara.
Currently, the train journey from Colombo Fort to Badulla has been interrupted, with trains only running up to the Ella Railway Station. The Sri Lanka Railways has announced that the track section from Ella to Badulla will remain closed from October 9 to 15.
This closure has been implemented to facilitate the filming of a joint Indo-Sri Lankan cinema project, produced by NE Commercial Group of Companies (Pvt) Ltd., a leading film production company in Sri Lanka.
The production company has paid Rs. 23 million to the Sri Lanka Railway Department for the use of the railway track, according to Railways Deputy General Manager (DGM) N.J. Indipolage.
The project has received approval from Sri Lanka’s Transport Ministry, with the intention of boosting tourism to the island once the film is released.
Sri Lanka’s geographical allure has always been a point of attraction for India, and this film project is seen as another step in strengthening the tourism bond between the two nations.
However, the diplomatic relationship between India and Sri Lanka has often been marked by complexities, including disputes over fishing rights, proposals for infrastructure projects like the Adam’s Bridge, and the controversial Seethusamudram Shipping Canal Project. These issues have occasionally strained the ties between the two countries.
Despite the promising objective of promoting Sri Lanka’s tourism through this film, questions arise about India’s motivations. The project may undoubtedly spotlight Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes, but it’s essential to scrutinize whether India stands to gain something more substantial in return.
The project’s true impact on tourism remains to be seen, and many in Sri Lanka are cautiously observing how the film’s narrative will depict the island.
The film in question features the Odyssey Train, which typically offers travelers a seven-hour, 20-minute scenic journey from Colombo to Badulla.
The storyline and theme of the film have yet to be disclosed. Comparisons have been made to Hollywood films like “Rambo,” which have historically reshaped narratives for various ends. In a similar vein, it remains uncertain how this movie will present Sri Lanka’s culture and landscape.
For the time being, train passengers between Colombo and Badulla must adjust their travel plans. During the filming period, train services will be restricted to the Ella station, and a bus service will be provided for passengers traveling between Ella and Bandarawela. These adjustments will remain in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily until October 15.
While the collaboration between India and Sri Lanka on this cinema project has stirred curiosity, it has also highlighted the challenges of balancing development initiatives with the convenience of local communities.
The final judgment on this project’s value to Sri Lanka will depend on the film’s success in attracting tourists and how it portrays the island nation on the global stage. Until then, Sri Lankans and tourists alike will have to make do with temporary changes to one of the country’s most scenic train routes.
