Ex-Tourism Chief recommends preserving historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office – Other options suggested

Former Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism, Kimarli Fernando, has proposed the consideration of converting the President’s Nuwara Eliya residence into a hotel, should the demand for additional accommodation arise. This suggestion comes in light of the recent decision by the Government to transform the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office into a hotel.

Expressing her concerns about the surplus room capacity in the upcountry city, Fernando took to her Facebook account to offer an alternative solution. She highlighted that Nuwara Eliya currently has excess room capacity including some of the best hotels in Nuwara Eliya the likes of Heritance Tea Factory sought-after by many tourists.

Even though the Cabinet of Ministers had recently approved a proposal by President Ranil Wickremesinghe to convert the Nuwara Eliya Post Office into a hotel, Fernando suggested exploring different options. She emphasized the historical significance of the Post Office, a Tudor-style two-storey red-brick building with a clock spire, constructed in 1894 by the British. She also acknowledged the proud history and heritage of Sri Lanka Post, which has been in existence for more than 209 years.