News

Bogambara prison to be transformed into a hotel complex

Published

7 months 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

President holds talks with ITAK MPs

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2024

editor

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met with Parliamentarians from the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) today (04) at the Presidential Secretariat.

During the discussion, the ITAK MPs brought to the President’s attention the longstanding challenges faced by the people in the Northern and Eastern regions.

Parliamentarians Sivagnanam Shritharan, Pathmanathan Sathiyalingam, Shanmugam Kugathasan, Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, Gnanamuthu Srineshan, Kaveenthiran Kodeeswaran, Elayathamby Srinath, and Thurairasa Raviharan also attended the meeting.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Govt. policy statement passed in Parliament sans vote

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2024

editor

The resolution on the Statement of the Government Policy presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Parliament on November 21 was passed unanimously in Parliament today (Dec. 04) without a vote.

The debate on the Statement of the Government Policy was held as a two-day debate from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm yesterday (Dec. 03) and from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm today.

BIZ

W.M. Mendis’ liquor manufacturing license to be suspended

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2024

editor

The liquor manufacturing license issued to W.M. Mendis & Co. Limited will be suspended from tomorrow (December 5) due to their failure to pay Rs. 5.7 billion in excise taxes and surcharges, the Excise department said.

Accordingly, as per the provisions Excise Ordinance Act, the Commissioner General of Excise has ordered to suspend the liquor manufacturing license issued to W.M. Mendis & Co. Limited effective from tomorrow.

The department further stated that measures have been taken to suspend the liquor manufacturing process from tomorrow (December 5) and to not renew the other licenses issued to the company from December 31 onwards if the company continues non-payment of tax arrears and surcharges.