MLH celebrates ‘220 Years of Love’
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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 panellists: 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 and Promotions (Nations Trust Bank). The event provided a platform for both historical reflection and contemporary perspectives on the hotel’s ongoing legacy as a romantic destination.
Sanath Ukwatte, Chairman of Mount Lavinia Hotel Group, captivated the audience with this story of Sir Thomas Maitland, 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.
In 1805, when Sri Lanka was still known as Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland, a British military general, arrived on the island to assume his duties as the second British Governor. 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 Sinhala descent, was the lead performer in her father’s dance troupe. As Loveena danced for a gathering at the Governor’s mansion, Thomas Maitland was captivated by her elegance and allure. As Loveena’s dance filled the room, the imposing Governor found himself falling under her spell, and an undeniable attraction sparked between them. Loveena, too, found herself drawn to Sir Thomas.
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. 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 immortalised in the heart of Ceylon’s colonial past.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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