Government to Preserve Nuwara Eliya Post Office as Heritage Tourism Site

Honouring the past, enriching the present—Nuwara Eliya’s iconic post office gets a tourism upgrade

The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved a new plan to preserve and modernise the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office for tourism purposes, reversing an earlier decision to transfer the site to the Urban Development Authority (UDA).

Speaking at the post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa confirmed the government will retain postal operations while enhancing the 130-year-old building’s appeal as a tourism landmark. Originally built in 1894 during British colonial rule, the red-brick Tudor-style building with its distinctive clock tower remains one of the town’s most photographed sites.

The decision follows widespread opposition to a previous proposal that suggested converting the post office into a hotel. Instead, the focus is now on sustainable heritage tourism.

Travellers seeking scenic stays in the area will find many excellent hotels in Nuwaraeliya, including the charming and centrally located Araliya Green Hills, offering comfort and convenience amid Nuwara Eliya’s cool, misty charm.