Taj Group proposes to convert Nuwara Eliya Post Office into a hotel

8 November 2023 01:23 am Views - 3734

COLOMBO (Daily Mirror) - India’s Taj Group has proposed to convert the colonial-era Nuwara Eliya post office to a hotel, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardana said.

A proposal in this regard has been received by the President’s Office, he said.

During the Nuwara Eliya Special District Coordination Committee (DCC) meeting held last week, this matter came up and President Ranil Wickremesinghe slammed Sri Lanka Post officials for their failure to facilitate the project. Efforts to establish a hotel in the premises of the Nuwara Eliya post office have been ongoing for approximately the past 6 to 7 years, and this proposal has encountered strong opposition from postal trade unions.

However, Gunawardana, who is also the Minister of Post, said he supports the hotel project as it makes much economic sense. Besides, he said, the building needs heavy maintenance and the Department of Post doesn’t have adequate funds for that.

“There are a large number of Indians visiting Nuwara Eliya.

Seetha Eliya, a nearby location connected to the Ramayana, is a major attraction for Indian tourists,” Gunawardana said.

Meanwhile, the United Postal Trade Unions Front (UPTUF) announced a 48-hour strike from midnight yesterday to express their opposition against the plans to sell the buildings where Kandy and Nuwara Eliya post offices are located.