Cabinet approves preservation and modernization of iconic colonial-era site, blending postal tradition with tourism development
Sri Lanka’s iconic Heritage Post Office in Nuwara Eliya is set for a revival—not as a luxury hotel, but as a living monument of postal history that will also serve as a tourism hub.
Minister of Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to enhance tourism at the Heritage Post Office site, while keeping postal operations intact. The post office, a red-brick colonial structure nestled in the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya, continues to draw several hundred visitors daily—many of whom send postcards home using its traditional wooden mailbox.
This decision comes after strong opposition from postal workers and civil society groups to a previous plan to lease the premises to India’s Taj Hotels. The earlier proposal, initiated by a former government, aimed to transfer the site to the Urban Development Authority, but met with widespread resistance from postal employees and local activists who feared the loss of an active and symbolic public service institution.
Minister Jayatissa stated that the new plan will officially repeal the former cabinet decision, allowing for the modernization of the building and surrounding land to enhance both domestic and international tourist appeal, while opening new avenues for revenue generation.
The Heritage Post Office, built during British colonial rule, remains a functional part of Sri Lanka’s postal system. In addition to its postal operations, part of the building has been converted into a holiday bungalow for postal officers, adding another layer to its multifunctional use.
By preserving the integrity of this landmark while enhancing its tourism potential, Sri Lanka is set to showcase how heritage and utility can successfully coexist—offering visitors both a glimpse into the past and a working piece of national identity.