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.
Monara TV, launched with much fanfare just a year ago under the Swarnavahini media network, has reportedly shut down operations.
Employees have been informed that the closure is temporary, citing the need to resolve certain administrative issues.
The channel, led by Buddhika Wickramadhara, was ceremonially launched on June 25, 2024, with a grand event at Waters Edge.
Producers who supplied teledramas to Monara TV say they are owed nearly Rs.200 million in unpaid dues.
Meanwhile, it is reported that the parent Swarnavahini TV channel is also reportedly grappling with a serious financial crisis, paying teledrama producers only after 60 episodes are broadcast.
Producers claim they are compelled to wait about 03 months to recover an investment of around Rs.15 million per teledrama. Even then, payments are made in small portions, covering just 05 episodes at a time.
Producers who supplied teledramas before the appointment of Mr. Susara Dinal as CEO say it is even harder to claim their outstanding payments, as they have been asked to recover the dues from former CEO – Udara Wijesinghe.
The Swarnavahini Media Network is owned by Subaskaran Allirajah – Chairman of Lyca Group, which also owns Lycamobile, a global telecommunications company.
A young woman was found in the Dewipahala-Dodam Ella area in Kuruwita, after being brutally attacked and her gold necklace stolen
According to the police, the victim was found collapsed on the roadside with severe neck injuries caused by a sharp weapon. She was rushed to the Ratnapura Hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after admission.
The victim has been identified as a 26-year-old.
Arrests are yet to be made and an investigation is underway.
