He added that the time where Sri Lankan film makers would compete with the best in the global arena would be in the not too distant future.

Also the time in which overseas Tele/Film makers dictated terms on the local audience would soon be over, he added.

President Rajapaksa made these statements after declaring open the Mahinda Rajapaksa Tele-Cinema Park yesterday (30 March).

It is not the talent which the local film makers lacked but the facilities to compete with the very best in the world, he stressed and added that Ranmihithenna would empower them to reach greater heights.

As Sri Lanka became world famous because of the film ‘Rekhawa’, in the future Ranmihithenna will be world famous with the films made here, he stressed and added ‘the golden era which was lost to the local cinema would be back’.

The Park was built with funds received as taxes levied on foreign films and foreign tele-dramas, in the 2005 Budget.

“Earlier, our people were entertained by foreign artistes. Our children’s ideologies were molded by them. Traditions, attitudes and values were built by foreign artistes. Yet, we have our own artistes to form our ideals. We have talented people, the President further stated.

He added that a country needs artistic creations similar to industry, trade, lakes, airports and ports. Some people question as to why this was built in a rural area like Hambantota instead of Colombo.

“Remember, Hollywood was built in a forest, not in Chicago or in New York. In the near future, there will be a rail track near Ranmihithenna. Hambantota Port will be built along with an Airport. In a few more years, this country will not be the same place we once knew. It is changing rapidly”, the President stated.

The Mahinda Rajapaksa National Tele- Cinema Park, built on a concept of the President, is located in 235 acres of land with a cost of Rs 600 million for the first phase. The total cost is expected to exceed Rs two billion.

The facility which includes the infrastructure needs of film producers, provides the television and cinema artistes of the country an opportunity to produce films and tele-drams to international standards under one roof at a low production cost. It also provides the necessary natural scenery as it is located close to natural attractions in the area such as the Yala National Park, the Coastal belt, natural landscapes with magnificent scenery and vistas and a water reservoir of 40 acres.

The producers could also reach the mountains of the central hills within the short span of two hours. Also there are various production sets in line with producers’ requirements including mock locations of cities such as Colombo, Kandy, Anuradhapura and Galle. It has a fully equipped studio, accommodation, libraries, educational facilities, swimming pool, restaurants etc.

The opening ceremony was followed by a colourful performance including a street opera with the participation of 450 artistes. Renowned artistes from Film-Tele industry fraternity were present at the opening ceremony.

Incidentally yesterday's opening of the historic location also fell on the date of the 105th birth anniversary of President Rajapaksa's father and late veteran politician D A Rajapaksa.