Historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office to Remain Under Postal Department – Minister Vijitha Herath

The National People’s Power (NPP) government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has decided to maintain the 130-year-old iconic Nuwara Eliya Post Office building exclusively for the operations of the Postal Department, reversing the previous government’s controversial plans to use the historic site for tourism-related purposes.

Government Suspends Previous Plans

Minister Vijitha Herath announced that all decisions taken by the former regime concerning the Nuwara Eliya Post Office building, including plans to lease it to the private sector for a hotel project, have been suspended. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Temple Trees on October 9th, commemorating the 150th anniversary of ‘World Post Day.’

Nuwara Eliya Post Office

• Minister Herath’s Statement: “The Nuwara Eliya Post Office and its premises will only be utilised for the activities of the Postal Department. The building will not be leased or sold for any other purpose,” he stated, reflecting the government’s commitment to preserve the historical and cultural value of the site.

Reversing a Controversial Decision

The previous administration had proposed leasing the Nuwara Eliya Post Office building to the Taj Samudra Hotel as part of a project to promote tourism in the area. However, these plans met with public outcry and protests in November 2023, as concerns were raised about compromising the heritage value of the building.

In response to the controversy, former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had clarified that the proposal only included setting up hotels on lands surrounding the post office and did not entail demolishing the historic building itself. The plans were limited to renovating the post office building to enhance its appearance and functionality, he noted.

A New Chapter for Nuwara Eliya Post Office

With the decision to halt the tourism project, the Nuwara Eliya Post Office building will now remain dedicated to postal services, preserving its legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s oldest post offices. This move is in line with the NPP government’s broader agenda to prioritize the conservation of national heritage and ensure that iconic landmarks serve their original purposes.

The Nuwara Eliya Post Office, constructed during the British colonial era, has long been a symbol of the city’s historical significance. Its preservation under the new policy demonstrates the government’s effort to safeguard Sri Lanka’s cultural assets while addressing public concerns regarding heritage conservation.

This landmark decision sets a precedent for how historic buildings should be preserved and managed, reinforcing the government’s stance on prioritizing the protection of Sri Lanka’s national heritage over commercial interests.