Nuwara Eliya losing its iconic colonial era buildings

Nestled in the hills, the town of Nuwara Eliya resembles a quaint old town in the English countryside. Yet, oneby-one, its iconic old buildings which gave it the air of an English countryside have been pulled down.

Today the Nuwara Eliya town is on the verge of losing another of its historic old buildings.’

An official from the Urban Development Authority said they may have to completely demolish the historic 125-yearold Central Market building in Nuwara Eliya town to make way for a new three-storey market complex.

Officials were hoping to construct the new market building while retaining the frontage of the old building, with its distin- guishing colonial era arches.

Unfortunately this may not be possible, the UDA official said cracks had appeared in different parts of the old building. He added however, authorities were planning to replicate the original colonial architectural style including arches in the new market complex.

The old market building and the Nuwara Eliya post office were both constructed in 1894. Sadly, the town has lost a number of important historic buildings during the past 50 years.

The Nuwara Eliya theatre building was demolished in 1980 to make way for a new theatre, while the Divisional Secretariat ( Kachcheri) building was destroyed by fire in 1994.

Several colonial era buildings were also set ablaze by mobs during the ethnic riots of July 1983.

The Nuwara Eliya post office which still stands, is a major tourist attraction

The Kachcheri was completely destroyed by a fire in 1994 The old market yet another relic of the past is due to be demolished.