Nuwara Eliya Post Office heritage item damage sparks claims of political pressure, stalled police action and a Rs. 500 million loss.
Nuwara Eliya Post Office damage allegations have triggered fresh controversy after claims that police failed to act on a complaint involving a valuable heritage item.
The Nuwara Eliya Preservation Organization alleges that the Nuwara Eliya Police has not taken proper action over a complaint filed by the Nuwara Eliya Post Office and a notification issued by the Department of Archaeology regarding damage to the lightning conductor at the historic Pink Post Office in Nuwara Eliya.
The building, which is famous among both local and foreign tourists, has previously been at the center of controversy and is reportedly an archaeological site. The organization further claims that powerful political influence may be behind the alleged failure to launch a proper investigation.
Speaking to the media on behalf of the Nuwara Eliya Preservation Organization, Gayan Chathuranga Wijayabandara and Nalaka Dinesh Ratnayake made these allegations during a media briefing held this morning.
Members of the organization said the Superintendent of the Nuwara Eliya Post Office had lodged a complaint with the Nuwara Eliya Police on 2026.04.10.
According to the complaint, the copper strip connected to the lightning conductor of the historic Nuwara Eliya Post Office, an asset of archaeological and historical value, had been broken in the middle, causing damage and misplacement of the lightning conductor.
A related notification had also been sent to the Department of Archaeology regarding the incident.
Following the complaint, the Department of Archaeology informed the Nuwara Eliya Police through a letter dated 2026.04.29 to conduct a formal investigation. However, the organization claims that no proper investigation has been launched so far.
The Department of Archaeology became involved because the Nuwara Eliya Post Office was declared an archaeological site under a Gazette notification dated 23.02.2007.
The organization also noted that under the Archaeology Act, even unauthorized excavation at an archaeological site can lead to imprisonment.
They questioned why no action has been taken over the alleged damage and possible misappropriation of historical artifacts, which they claim may be worth hundreds of crores of rupees.
They also questioned who may be applying pressure to prevent an investigation.
The group raised concerns over claims that the lightning conductor may have been sold and that the proceeds were misappropriated, allegedly involving cyber-related theft.
The organization emphasized that the lightning conductor, which they say is centuries old, carries immeasurable historical value.
They said it is deeply suspicious that no proper investigation has been carried out despite both a police complaint and a directive from the Department of Archaeology.
The organization also referred to previous efforts under the former Ranil Wickremesinghe administration, alleging that attempts were made to rapidly develop the site after claims emerged that it would be sold to a foreign company.
They said those earlier developments have created further doubts regarding the current incident.
The group added that if financial fraud has occurred, it should be properly presented before court.
They said if there are reasonable suspicions, suspects should be arrested accordingly.
The organization further alleged that there is strong suspicion of political interference behind the police failure to take action or report the matter to court over the alleged damage and misplacement of the valuable lightning conductor.
The organization called on the people of Nuwara Eliya to remain vigilant.
It also urged those who previously supported the campaign to protect the post office to speak out again over what it described as a large-scale theft and criminal activity.
When contacted regarding the complaint and investigation, Nuwara Eliya Police OIC Mr. Indunil Premalal stated that all necessary investigative procedures connected to the complaint have been properly carried out.
He said several statements have already been recorded regarding the complaint.
However, he added that such information cannot be disclosed to the media at this stage.
The OIC further stated that additional legal action will be taken as soon as possible.
