|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 13 June 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
'PJ's Sunburst World and Picnic Parks' Chairman of Sanasuma Developments (Pvt.) Ltd., who has conceptualised the next generation of hotels in Sri Lanka, believes it is time to make his personal contribution. Prasanna W. Jayewardene after 35 years of active involvement in the hotel industry, both here and abroad believes it is time for him to spearhead another dream, while continuing with the development of Sanasuma. Having been a Director of 15 hotel companies in four countries he has also managed Hotel Schools, transport fleets, railway catering and other tourism facilities. In the 1980s his company "PJ Hotel Consultants" were consultants to the giant Universal Enterprises the largest hotel conglomerate in the Maldives Islands, at the time. 'In all the years of my tourism experience the provision of some input into Sri Lanka's domestic tourism was a need I contributed little to.' Jayewardene says. The time is right to launch "PJ's Sunburst World" to rectify this, he adds. The concept is to create a theme park for the average people of Sri Lanka and primarily the country's children at affordable prices, for them to be happy at least for a while. A 'dream place' with minimum touch or reality, as was created by Walt Disney initially in Disneyland and later carried to Disneyworld and Eurodisney etc. is what is envisaged on a smaller scale, but with no compromise on standards. The principal difference will be that "PJ's Sunburst World" will be geared to the children of Sri Lanka and their parents and the fantasy characters will not be mice, ducks and dogs, but part of history, culture and biodiversity all steeped in legend to showcase the magic of this isle. Kings and invaders, aborigins and gypsies, dancers and singers from all parts and eras of this ancient land's history will make an unbelievable fairytale within the park. A water book park, Sling shot, Open train going through the park, bird park, target shooting/skeet, stages for musical performance, bicycle trails, night safari, elephant rides, skating rink and canoeing. The location will be in the Western Province but accessible by public transport or private bus. As a support system, in the form of providing advertisement, but not entirely towards this end, approximately 20 Picnic Parks will be developed across the country on the most frequented roads by van and bus travellers. The objective of this is to provide state-of-the-art picnic facilities for the average traveller. Seating, toilets, garbage disposal will be the main areas, which will be supported by shops, restaurants, etc. We will maintain the highest possible standards, but it will be kept simple. If balanced effectively will be free of charge to the user. Income being derived from the shops and restaurants together with advertising space rentals. Self employment opportunities will be focused upon at every stage of this operation. Entertainment sectors, shops, restaurants or any other service will be given out on franchise to individuals, families or very small companies. Only in the case of essentials will big companies be bought in. Preference will be given to the differently-abled and women, wherever fair and just. But standards and norms will be maintained, monitored and ensured by "PJ's Sunburst World". "PJ's Sunburst World" will be spread over 300 acres of land, while each of the picnic facilities should have approximately 2-5 acres of land. Planning and programming should be completed by the end of 2004 and the total concept should be up and running by the end of 2007 if not 2006. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
