Government Acts to Save Historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office

The Government has launched an urgent initiative to conserve and restore the 130-year-old Nuwara Eliya Post Office, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic colonial-era landmarks, amid growing public concern over its deteriorating condition and past attempts to convert it into a private tourist hotel.

A special inter-agency meeting chaired by Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa was held recently to review progress on the restoration and conservation plan. The meeting brought together representatives from the Department of Posts, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), Department of Archaeology, Department of Buildings, Sri Lanka Navy, and other government bodies.

The discussions centred on preserving the post office’s architectural and historical integrity while upgrading its infrastructure to serve both postal operations and tourism. Built in 1894 during the British colonial era, the red-brick post office situated at the heart of Nuwara Eliya—is a beloved symbol of the town’s old-world charm and a favourite subject among local and foreign visitors alike.

The previous government’s proposal to hand over the property to a private developer had triggered widespread criticism from heritage conservationists, postal unions, and residents who feared the loss of public ownership and cultural authenticity. The current administration has firmly rejected privatisation, stating that the landmark will remain under the Department of Posts and instead be developed as a state-managed heritage attraction.

Officials at the meeting highlighted that the roof of the post office is severely damaged, causing rainwater leaks that have disrupted postal operations and damaged parts of the building. Restoration of the roof has been identified as the top priority, followed by structural reinforcements, façade preservation, and interior refurbishments—all to be carried out under strict heritage conservation guidelines.

The Department of Archaeology and Department of Buildings have been tasked with preparing preliminary renovation plans, while the Sri Lanka Navy has offered technical and logistical support for the conservation project. Dr. Jayatissa instructed officials to expedite the process, ensuring that authentic materials and designs are used to maintain the building’s historic value.

Heritage experts stress that restoring the Nuwara Eliya Post Office is not only about preserving a structure but also about protecting a national symbol of Sri Lanka’s postal history and colonial architecture. The government’s decision to retain public ownership and promote the site as a heritage tourism attraction aligns with global trends of adaptive reuse where historical buildings are modernised without compromising authenticity.

Once renovations are complete, the restored post office is expected to become a flagship attraction in Nuwara Eliya’s heritage tourism circuit, balancing functionality with cultural preservation and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s commitment to safeguarding its architectural legacy.