News

Bogambara prison to be transformed into a hotel complex

Published

1 year ago

May 6, 2024

editor

The Bogambara prison, a historical site with rich architectural heritage, is set to be transformed into a hotel complex, announced Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga. A private investor will spearhead this initiative.

Assigned to the Urban Development Authority (UDA) in 2014, Bogambara Prison is undergoing redevelopment as part of the Greater Kandy Development Plan and the Kandy City Development Plan.

Efforts are underway to preserve the prison’s colonial architecture while adapting the main building for new uses. According to E.M.S.B. Ekanayake, Central Provincial Director of the UDA, the project aims to enhance the economic value of the premises by adding open and recreational facilities accessible to the public.

The proposal for the main prison premises includes a commercial complex featuring a shopping mall, food court, museum, and a tourist hotel, all while safeguarding the architectural and historical significance of the site. The selection of an investor has been finalised, and the preparation of cost estimates is currently in progress.

Operating for 138 years, Bogambara Prison was decommissioned on January 1, 2014, with its functions transferred to the new prison in Pallekele. The site is now open to the public for tours.

News

03 vehicles collide at railway crossing

Published

18 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

03 vehicles have collided at the Merawala railway crossing on the Chilaw-Colombo main road.

The accident occurred at around 6.25 a.m. this morning (May 21) when a van, which had stopped behind a fuel bowser at the Chilaw Marawala railway crossing while it was closed for train traffic, was rear-ended by a prime mover transporting cement.

The prime mover had been unable to stop due to brake failure.

The van involved in the accident sustained significant damage and Chilaw Police are currently conducting further investigations.

(Pic: Accident 1st)

News

Ramith Rambukwella arrives before CIABOC

Published

18 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Ramith Rambukwella – son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today (May 21) to record a statement.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali yesterday (May 20) ordered the further remand of Keheliya Rambukwella until June 03, following his arrest by the CIABOC over 03 complaints related to alleged corruption.

The court also granted permission to name Ramith Rambukwella as a suspect in the case.

News

Mahindananda seeks permission for home cooked meals

Published

18 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who is currently in remand custody, has submitted a written request to prison authorities seeking permission to receive food from his home.

He is currently being held at the “M 2” ward of the Colombo Remand Prison along with around 10 other prisoners, according to reports.

It is also reported that former minister Keheliya Rambukwella is being detained in the same ward.