Mount Lavinia - Sri Lanka

The Mount Lavinia Hotel was originally built in 1810 as a private residence for the British Governor General, Sir Thomas Maitland who constructed secret passages in the building to pursue a liaison with a local girl Lovinia whose father was the head man of the troupe. Some of these have been discovered in the kitchens, but unfortunately, are not open to the public.

The young lady was a rodiya - untouchable, who worked for the Governor who fell under her spell.

When the Governor was leaving the island at the end of his duties, (he was transferred to Malta where he eventually died a lonely bachelor), he asked his love what she wanted from him. Much to his surprise, she did not ask for the house, which he was prepared to give her. Instead, she asked for official permission to wear a cloth about her waist, a mark of status normally denied to rodiyas. The Governor gave his consent with an official gazette notification; the house was eventually sold and turned into a wonderful Hotel.

Additional Mount Lavinia information

• Mount Lavinia
• A Short Distance to Colombo
• Health & Saftey
• The Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela
• Banks & Financial