News Today: Government Suspends Plan to Convert Nuwara Eliya Post Office into Hotel

The Sri Lankan government has announced its decision to suspend the controversial project proposed by the previous administration to transform the Nuwara Eliya Post Office into a luxury hotel. This historic, colonial-era building will now remain under the control of the Postal Department, according to Minister Vijitha Herath.

During an event held to mark World Post Day, Minister Herath emphasized that the new government and President are committed to preserving the post office for its original purpose. “The previous government made efforts to forcibly take over the Nuwara Eliya post office premises for a hotel project, but we are putting a stop to that,” he said. He reiterated that the building, along with its surrounding land, will be dedicated solely to the Postal Department’s operations and that no future plans will involve converting it into a hotel.

The Nuwara Eliya Post Office is one of the country’s most iconic landmarks, attracting both locals and tourists. Many were concerned that the transformation into a luxury hotel would erase a significant part of Sri Lanka’s colonial history. Minister Herath assured that preserving this heritage is a priority for the current administration.

By halting the project, the government seeks to protect the historical and cultural significance of the site while ensuring that the Postal Department continues its services from the same premises.