World War 2 jeeps for holidaymakers touring Lanka
View(s):Driving around in Sri Lanka in a World War II military vehicle could be the dream of some and for those travellers visiting the country this could be the best option to enter the world of a bygone era while on holiday.
The Colombo By Jeep tour company has a fleet of World War II military vehicles that could be tracked from their serial numbers to ascertain their authenticity, the company’s owner Nishantha Abeysekara said in an interview with the Business Times. He had showcased his vehicles at a stall at the Sancharaka Udawa trade and exhibition fair held at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (SBMICH).
Mr. Abeysekara is reputed for his Copper Chimney outlet that provides lunch rice packets that has gained popularity despite its location and has now expanded on his hobby of collecting old military jeeps to entertain travellers visiting the country. He has been working earlier in the hospitality industry at the Lanka Oberoi and Taj Samudra hotels.
Holidaymakers would be enthralled to find that Colombo By Jeep has four jeeps: a Willys Mb manufactured in 1942 and used in World War II; a Land Rover Series 1 early version) manufactured in 1948 and considered the world’s oldest land rover; a Willys Mb manufactured in 1942 that has done its duty in World War II and the Willys M38A1 manufactured in 1945 and used in the Vietnam and Korean Wars.
These vehicles are available for tourists to take a ride on as long as they have their international driving licence to tour the country while holidaying in the country, Mr. Abeysekara added. Said to help discover the “indescribable untouched, unseen raw beauty of Sri Lanka,” Colombo By Jeep offers tailor made tours to any part of the country, he noted.
Mr. Abeysekara explained that they also provide riding off the track, crossing waters, and adventure safaris on private trails from extreme to moderate conditions.
In addition, they also provide basic training of driving off track and recovery techniques while on tour and allow travellers to go camping at night, arrange a night barbecue at various locations and booking of park bungalows and camping sites and hotel reservations.
Mr. Abeysekara pointed out that it took him nearly 10 years to collect these jeeps which he said he had picked up as a hobby. These jeeps have been tested in rallies over 600 km and were restored and maintained as well, he added.