Nestled on the shores of Colombo, the Mount Lavinia Hotel stands as a testament to both colonial grandeur and timeless romance. Its history, shrouded in tales of love and longing, weaves a captivating narrative that dates back to the early 19th century, when the island of Ceylon was under British rule.
In 1805, Sir Thomas Maitland, known affectionately as “King Tom,” arrived in Ceylon to assume the role of the British Governor. Displeased with the accommodations offered to him upon his arrival, King Tom envisioned a grand mansion befitting his status. His search for the perfect location led him to a picturesque promontory in Galkissa, where he decided to build his stately abode.
Completed in 1806, the Governor’s mansion stood as a symbol of authority and opulence. It was within these walls that King Tom’s path intertwined with that of Lovina Aponsuwa, a mesmerizing mestizo dancer of Portuguese and Sinhalese descent. Enthralled by her beauty and grace, King Tom fell deeply in love with Lovina, and in a gesture of devotion, he named his new residence “Mount Lavinia” after her.
Their love, however, faced formidable barriers. Lovina hailed from the Rodiya community, the lowest caste among the Sinhalese, while King Tom occupied the highest echelons of colonial society. Despite the societal divide, their clandestine romance blossomed, with Lovina regularly visiting the Governor’s mansion through an underground tunnel, hidden from prying eyes.
For six years, their love flourished in secrecy, until King Tom’s failing health forced him to depart from Ceylon. As a parting gesture, he bestowed upon Lovina a generous gift of land in Attidiya, ensuring her future security. Although their love story reached its inevitable end with King Tom’s departure, Lovina’s legacy endured through the name of the grand mansion overlooking the sea.
Today, the Mount Lavinia Hotel stands as a living tribute to this enduring tale of love and devotion. The secret tunnel, a silent witness to their clandestine meetings, serves as a poignant reminder of the passion that once thrived within its walls. The legend of Lovina, immortalized as “Lady Lavinia,” continues to capture the imagination of visitors, preserving her memory for generations to come.
As guests stroll through the corridors of the Mount Lavinia Hotel, they are not only enveloped in luxury but also steeped in history. Each corner whispers tales of a bygone era, where love defied societal norms and found refuge in the shadows of colonial splendor. From its humble beginnings as the Governor’s mansion to its current incarnation as a premier 4-star hotel, the Mount Lavinia Hotel remains a cherished landmark, a beacon of romance amid the bustling streets of Colombo.
In honoring the legacy of Lovina and King Tom, the Mount Lavinia Hotel invites guests to embark on a journey through time, where history and romance intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. From its panoramic views of the Indian Ocean to its elegant colonial architecture, the hotel stands as a living monument to a love story that transcends time and space, forever etched in the annals of Ceylon’s rich heritage.
