A documentary on the Gandhara civilisation in Pakistan, jointly produced by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was launched by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in Colombo, the Pakistan High Commission said yesterday.

Titled “Gandhara” the documentary is jointly produced by the High Commission of Pakistan in Sri Lanka and Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited with the support of and in coordination with, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.

It takes viewers on a visual journey of the Gandhara Buddhist heritage sites of Pakistan.

One of the relics of Lord Buddha discovered in the Gandhara region is preserved at the Taxila Museum in Pakistan. It is the region where the Gandhara Buddhist civilization reached its pinnacle of glory from 1st century AD to the 7th century AD.

The first anthropomorphic statue of the Buddha was created in the region now called Pakistan.  Known for hosting the world’s oldest Buddhist University, Thakshashila (Taxila), Pakistan is home to some of the most sacred Buddhist artifacts.

 A sapling from the sacred Bodhi Tree in Anuradhapura, gifted by the government of Sri Lanka to the government of Pakistan, also grows in the gardens of the Taxila Museum.

In order to present this heritage to the Buddhist world in general and Sri Lanka in particular, the idea of “Gandhara: The Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan” was conceived.

Launched with the support of the Prime Minister and Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, this documentary will open up new avenues in religious tourism, and strengthen cultural and people to people ties between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

With special permission from the Government of Pakistan, both local and foreign technicians including Director Mateen Saherai and Production Controller Sajjad Mohommad (Gateway To Production, England) from England have contributed to this film.  The film is based on a screenplay that explores the historical ruins and artifacts captured in a realistic way while also exploring background historical information.

Ven. Agrahera Kassapa Thero is the Senior Adviser to the entire project. The concept and script has been prepared by the Project Consultant Director, Vidyajothi Prof. Nimal Silva. The film is co-produced by Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited, known for producing, marketing, distribution and exhibition of international films. The sound and movie editing is done by local artistes.

Kaushalya Wickramasinghe, the Chairperson of Siddhivinayak Cine Arts (Private) Limited, mentioned that the film is expected to be screened in local cinemas as well as on local TV channels and abroad in collaboration with international organizations.

The Acting High Commissioner of Pakistan, Tanvir Ahmed said that “Gandhara” was conceptualized with the aim of bringing the peoples of Sri Lanka and Pakistan together through their shared history and heritage. Venerable Dr Kirindey Assaji Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, while fondly recalling his visit to the Holy Buddhist Trail in Pakistan organized by the High Commission of Pakistan, gave his blessings for the success of the documentary and closer relations between the two countries.