Ranminitenna tele-cinema village to rejuvenate the screen
by Ruwini Jayawardana
More than six decades had flown
by since Sri Lankan cinema took shape.
 Viewers have witnessed many creations which had brought honour to the
nation through the lens of many a talented filmmaker. Cinema
personalities such as Gamini Fonseka, Vijaya Kumaratunga, Lester James
Peries, Dr. Tissa Abeysekara, Joe Abeywickrama and many more have been
in the forefront showcasing their talents on the wide screen.
Television soon broke into the scene and had now established itself
as one of the main sources of entertainment. With the advent of
television many more were able to bring out their skills and creativity
before the world.
Now these two sectors have been given a further boost with the
construction of the first local Tele-Cinema village (Serendib studio) at
Ranminitenna in the Hambantota district. The massive project, initiated
under the concept of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, is taking shape in the
235-acre plot under the instructions of the Mass Media and Information
Ministry.
Strolling among the constructions along with some of the key figures
in the industry one could not help but envisage the hive of activity
which is likely to take place in the location a couple of years later.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Tissa Wewa, the tele-cinema village
is being set up in such a manner so as not to harm the breath-taking
landscapes surrounding the site.
Serendib studio will provide up-to-date facilities to filmmakers and
teledrama directors. Lodgings and food will be at hand along with other
basic facilities enabling individuals to engage in their task without
further hassle. The construction proceedings are handled by the Central
Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) and are monitored by senior
artistes Dr. D.B. Nihalsinghe and Ravindra Randeniya backed by Mass
Media and Information and Enterprise Development and Investment
Promotion Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Mass Media Minister
Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena.
The operation comprises three stages. The first is expected to be
completed at the end of the year. By 2010 a four-storeyed administration
building, 10 villas, several boutiques and pathways will be initiated.
All work is expected to be completed in 2011.
 Already the barely finished constructions show signs of some of the
buildings found in the Kandy, Galle and Colombo region. A coffee shop,
an ambalama (wayside rest)and an inn is already taking shape along with
a 127 x 75 studio where four groups will be able to engage in their
activities. In addition a hospital, school, court and other significant
buildings which are essential for creations will be constructed in a
manner enabling directors to make changes in the sets so that the
backdrop and features will differ in each creation. Each villa is
divided into two sections and consists of a bedroom, bathroom and
pantry. Ranminitenna tele-cinema village will accommodate around 320
artistes and crew.
Seasoned art director Errol Kelly is in charge of the set designs.
According to Mass Media Secretary W. B. Ganegala Rs. 550 million had
been collected through revenue taxes from imported films and teledramas
since July 2007. Rs. 200 million has already been invested for the first
stage. The tele-cinema village will open to the public after the work of
stage one is completed.
Several film directors and teledrama creators are already queuing up
to begin work at Serendib Studio and many cinemagoers and teledrama
enthusiasts are looking forward to watch many a creation which will be
shot in the splendors of Ranminitenna.
Pix: Sudam Gunasinghe
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