Mount Lavinia Hotel, Sri Lanka’s most iconic destination for romance, hosted an interactive briefing on 30th December 2024 to mark a significant milestone in its history – “220 years of Love”. This year-long celebration commemorates the hotel’s deep roots in Sri Lanka’s romantic heritage, beginning with the legendary love story of Sir Thomas Maitland and Loveena in 1805.
The discussion featured insights from three panelists: Sanath Ukwatte, Chairman of Mount Lavinia Hotel Group; Anura Dewapura, Chief Operating Officer of Mount Lavinia Hotel Group; and Ranga de Fonseka, AVP of Merchant Business & Promotions (Nations Trust Bank). The event provided a platform for both historical reflection and contemporary perspectives on the hotel’s ongoing legacy as a romantsic destination.
A Storied Legacy of Romance
Sanath Ukwatte, Chairman of Mount Lavinia Hotel Group, captivated the audience with the story of Sir Thomas Maitland, the British Governor of Ceylon, who fell in love with the local beauty, Loveena, upon his arrival in 1805. Their love story and the eventual conversion of the Governor’s Mansion into a hotel have helped cement Mount Lavinia Hotel as a premier destination for couples seeking romance. Since then, the hotel has become an iconic location for weddings, dates, and romantic getaways, attracting couples from Sri Lanka and around the world.
A Premier Wedding Destination
Anura Dewapura, COO of Mount Lavinia Hotel, shared the hotel’s vision of continuing to provide exceptional romantic experiences. “Unlike any other hotel, Mount Lavinia Hotel offers not only the Paradise Beach but also a rich history and unique character that sets us apart as a true symbol of romance. Celebrating 220 years of love is about cherishing our legacy while also looking forward to creating unforgettable memories for future generations of couples. From the captivating beach to our grand ballroom, every corner of our hotel is crafted to inspire love and joy. We are thrilled to offer special promotions that help couples turn their dream weddings into reality, and our partnership with NTB Amex Cards ensures that their journey begins with ease and elegance”, Dewapura stated.
To mark this special anniversary, Mount Lavinia Hotel is offering a 20% discount on wedding bookings made in 2025, inviting couples to celebrate their union in one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque and romantic locations.
Mount Lavinia Hotel also announced the launch of its newest wedding menus, offering exceptional value for money while maintaining the highest standards of quality and elegance. The menus include specially curated Hindu and Islamic wedding packages, designed to cater to the diverse cultural and culinary needs of couples. Led by Shamal Weerabahu, Director of Catering, Events, and Banquet Operations, and Hareendra Hangawatte, Assistant Director of Catering, the hotel’s expert catering team is dedicated to turning every couple’s wedding vision into reality. With their wealth of experience and attention to detail, they are fully equipped and ready to create unforgettable dining experiences that will complement the beautiful settings of Mount Lavinia Hotel, making each wedding celebration truly special.
Easy Payment Options with NTB Amex Cards
In an effort to make the dream wedding more accessible, Mount Lavinia Hotel has partnered with NTB Amex Cards to offer couples a unique opportunity. AVP of Merchant Business & Promotions (Nations Trust Bank), explained, “We are thrilled to partner with Mount Lavinia Hotel to provide a 0% interest easy installment payment facility for weddings booked at the hotel. With the ability to pay in 12-month installments, we hope to ease the financial planning for couples and allow them to focus on enjoying their special day.”
This partnership ensures that couples can make the most of Mount Lavinia Hotel’s stunning offerings without financial strain, providing an innovative way to enjoy with added convenience.
A Toast to “220 Years of Love”
The 220th anniversary celebrations will continue throughout 2025 with a series of romantic experiences and promotions designed to make each couple’s visit to Mount Lavinia Hotel unforgettable. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, or special date night, Mount Lavinia Hotel remains a beloved landmark in Sri Lanka’s romantic history.
The Love Story of Sir Thomas Maitland and Lovina: A Forbidden Romance
In 1805, when Sri Lanka was still known as Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland, a distinguished British military general, arrived on the island to assume his duties as the second British Governor. Known to the locals as “King Tom,” he was a man of great power and authority, but he quickly grew dissatisfied with the accommodations provided to him upon his arrival. Seeking a more comfortable and grand residence, he found a beautiful, secluded spot in the village of Galkissa, not far from the capital, Colombo. There, perched on a promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean, he began constructing a magnificent mansion that would become a symbol of his status and power.
However, as the mansion took shape, it was not just the building that captured his attention—it was a dancer who would change his life forever.
Lovina Aponsuwa, a beautiful mestizo dancer of Portuguese and Sinhalese descent, was the lead performer in her father’s dance troupe. She was a striking young woman, with long flowing black hair and large, expressive hazel eyes that seemed to capture the essence of the island’s vibrant culture. Lovina came from the Rodi community, a marginalized caste within Sinhalese society, looked down upon by the higher castes. Despite her lowly status, she possessed a beauty and grace that enchanted all who saw her perform.
As Lovina danced for a gathering at the Governor’s mansion, Sir Thomas Maitland was captivated by her elegance and allure. It was more than just her beauty that fascinated him—it was the way her movements seemed to speak directly to his soul, offering an escape from the rigid constraints of colonial society. As Lovina’s dance filled the room, the imposing Governor found himself falling under her spell, and an undeniable attraction sparked between them.
Lovina, too, found herself drawn to Sir Thomas. Though they came from vastly different worlds—he a powerful British official, she a poor dancer from a low caste—there was a mutual respect that blossomed into a secret and passionate love affair. In the secluded mansion by the sea, away from the prying eyes of colonial society, their romance flourished. Lovina became a regular guest at the Governor’s mansion, and their clandestine meetings continued for years. Their love was one that defied societal norms—one that bridged the gap between colonial power and the oppressed local communities.
In an act of profound affection, Sir Thomas named his grand residence “Mount Lavinia” after her, immortalizing her name in the mansion’s identity. The house, once a mere symbol of his power, now held a deeper, more personal significance for him. It was a place of refuge and escape from the pressures of his role as Governor, where he could find solace in Lovina’s company.
But their love story was destined to remain hidden from the world. Sir Thomas, despite his deep affection for Lovina, was still a man of the British Empire, bound by its rules and expectations. Their relationship was a stark contradiction to the colonial system that dictated separation between the ruling British elite and the local population. Lovina’s caste—her very identity—was something that could not be ignored in the strict, racially divided society in which they lived.
As their romance continued to blossom, the inevitable happened—their secret was discovered. Word of the affair began to spread, causing a scandal among the British expatriates in Ceylon. The societal pressures and moral boundaries of the time proved too strong, and Sir Thomas was forced to face the consequences of his forbidden love.
In 1819, after the affair had been exposed, Sir Thomas was summoned back to Britain and transferred to Malta, where he continued his duties as a military leader. The departure was heart-wrenching for both Sir Thomas and Lovina. To show his regard for her, Sir Thomas gifted Lovina a large piece of land in Attidiya, a village away from Galkissa, as a token of his appreciation and affection. Despite the distance, Lovina’s name would always be linked to the mansion he had built and named in her honor.
Though the love affair between Sir Thomas and Lovina ended with his departure, the memory of their connection endured. Lovina’s descendants are believed to have lived near Mount Lavinia for generations, and her legacy lives on through the mansion that bears her name. The story of their passionate and forbidden love remains a cherished part of the island’s history, a testament to the power of love that transcends boundaries, even in the face of societal constraints.
While the romance between Sir Thomas Maitland and Lovina may have ended with his departure, the mansion he built and named after her stands as a lasting tribute to their love, forever immortalized in the heart of Ceylon’s colonial past.
In the early 20th century, the surrounding village, once known as Galkissa, was modernized and renamed Mount Lavinia, honoring the beautiful dancer who captured the heart of a British Governor. By 1920, the mansion had been transformed into a hotel, which became known as the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
Today, the Mount Lavinia Hotel stands as a symbol of Sri Lanka’s rich history, blending colonial heritage with modern hospitality. The story of King Tom and Lovina continues to be woven into the fabric of this historic landmark, offering guests a glimpse into the past while enjoying the luxurious comfort of one of Colombo’s most iconic hotels.
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The Evolution of Mount Lavinia Mansion: A Legacy of Four Governors
Following Sir Thomas Maitland’s departure, the mansion that would become the iconic Mount Lavinia Hotel continued to evolve under the leadership of three subsequent British Governors: Sir Robert Brownrigg, Sir Edward Paget, and Sir Edward Barnes. Each brought their own vision to the estate, leaving a lasting impact on the architecture and expansion of the mansion, transforming it from a stately residence into a grand colonial landmark.
Sir Robert Brownrigg (1812–1820)
Sir Robert Brownrigg, who served as the British Governor of Ceylon after Sir Maitland, was instrumental in expanding and enhancing the mansion. Brownrigg had a strong interest in improving the island’s infrastructure and bolstering its colonial presence. Under his stewardship, the mansion underwent significant renovations, adding new wings and creating more living space to accommodate his growing entourage and administrative needs. He also established lush gardens and a more refined landscape around the mansion, enhancing the property’s stately appearance and making it a center for formal gatherings and events. Brownrigg’s influence began the transformation of the mansion from a private residence to an official governor’s residence that could serve as both a place of governance and leisure.
Sir Edward Paget (1822–1828)
Sir Edward Paget succeeded Brownrigg and continued to expand the mansion. Paget, a former military officer, was known for his commitment to improving Ceylon’s defenses and colonial institutions. His time at the mansion was marked by further architectural changes, as he oversaw the addition of new buildings and the enhancement of the residence’s overall grandeur. One of the most notable additions during his tenure was the construction of a large, formal entrance and grand staircase that became a prominent feature of the mansion. These changes reflected Paget’s desire to assert his authority and ensure that the mansion maintained its status as a symbol of British power in Ceylon. Paget also invested in making the estate more accessible, with improved roads and pathways that connected the mansion to the surrounding area.
Sir Edward Barnes (1828–1835)
Sir Edward Barnes, who took office after Sir Edward Paget, is perhaps best known for overseeing the most significant transformation of the mansion. Under his guidance, the mansion grew substantially in size and sophistication. Barnes recognized the importance of maintaining the estate as both a seat of governance and a place for social and diplomatic gatherings. He oversaw the construction of additional wings, including large, spacious rooms to host official banquets and gatherings, as well as accommodations for visiting dignitaries. Barnes also made substantial improvements to the mansion’s gardens, creating sweeping views of the surrounding coastline, which helped further cement the estate’s reputation as a magnificent, luxurious residence. During his tenure, Mount Lavinia evolved into a symbol of British colonial power, with its expansive grounds and stately architecture representing the grandeur of the British Empire in Ceylon.
The Mansion’s Transformation
By the time of Sir Edward Barnes’ departure in 1835, the mansion had undergone a complete transformation from the modest country house originally envisioned by Sir Thomas Maitland into a sprawling and impressive estate. The mansion’s evolution reflected not only the personal tastes and visions of these successive governors but also the changing political and social landscape of colonial Ceylon. The architectural changes and additions made by Brownrigg, Paget, and Barnes created a building that embodied both the power of the British Empire and the elegance of colonial design, combining European architectural styles with the natural beauty of the island’s surroundings.
Today, the legacy of these governors lives on in Mount Lavinia Hotel, which stands as a testament to the grandeur of colonial architecture and the enduring spirit of Ceylon’s history. The hotel’s continued success and its historical significance are a tribute to the many hands that shaped its evolution over the centuries.
