• In conversation with Mt. Lavinia Hotel COO Anura Dewapura 

Nestled along the coast of Colombo, where the urban hustle meets the rhythmic symphony of the Indian Ocean, stands the Mount Lavinia Hotel (MLH) – an enduring testament to the splendours of a bygone era, etching itself into the tapestry of Sri Lanka’s rich colonial history. 

Yet, the Mount Lavinia Hotel is not confined to the annals of history; it has seamlessly integrated itself into contemporary Sri Lanka, becoming a sanctuary for travellers, both local and international, seeking a harmonious blend of the past and the present. 

The beachfront locale, with the lull of the ocean as a backdrop, provides an idyllic escape from the frenetic pace of the city. Modern amenities complement the historical ambiance, ensuring that guests experience the best of both worlds. 

Notwithstanding the rough patch the hotel had to face during the pandemic and the economic recessions, along with the fellow competitors in the field, Mount Lavinia Hotel is currently on a journey of reviving its past glory and positioning itself where it should be. In this backdrop, The Sunday Morning Business reached out to Mount Lavinia Hotel Group (MLHG) Chief Operating Officer (COO) Anura Dewapura. 

Having been educated and trained in hospitality in Europe, Dewapura is a Swedish and US citizen who was born in Sri Lanka and has worked in over 18 countries. He moved back to Sri Lanka from New York in October 2023 with the one ambition of taking Mount Lavinia Hotel to its fullest glory, just as he once did during his period at MLH as General Manager from 2008 to 2012. 

He has held key positions at Starwood Luxury Collection, Hilton Curio Collection, Marriott Autograph Collection, and at independent lifestyle and luxury hotels in Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and North America.  

Mount Lavinia Hotel – a living piece of art and history

Constructed in the early 19th century, the edifice was initially designed as the residence of Sir Thomas Maitland, the distinguished Governor of Ceylon. As the cool ocean breeze swept through its corridors, the mansion bore witness to pivotal moments in the island’s colonial past, echoing with the laughter of soirées and the hushed conversations of dignitaries. 

Following the reign of Maitland, the mansion was officially inhabited by the third, fourth, and fifth Governors of Ceylon – Sir Robert Brownrigg, Sir Edward Paget, and Sir Edward Barnes respectively. The property has been owned by the Ukwatte family since 1975, and Sanath Ukwatte works as the current Chairman of the group. 

With renovations and alterations made in the main structure, the building remains more or less the same as it was designed in the 19th century. The architecture of the hotel, in that aspect, is a captivating fusion of history and modernity, a living canvas depicting the evolution of Sri Lanka. 

The building adorned with Victorian accents and colonial influences has gracefully adapted to the changing times while preserving its innate charm. Walking through its halls is akin to stepping into a living museum, where each room narrates a silent story of the island’s journey through time.

“In fact, we can never miss the story/legend of the love story of Governor Maitland, who fell in love with a young girl named Loveena from the lowest caste in then society – Rodi. It is said that, being deeply in love with the girl, Maitland built a secret underground passage from the hotel to the village where Loveena (who was later called ‘Lavinia’ by Maitland) lived,” said Dewapura. 

“Although these stories are yet to be fact checked, we have found an underground passage that starts right down from the stairs that lead to the Governor’s bedroom. Our researchers confirmed that it ends in a well in a nearby village. While we have sealed the tunnel halfway, the entrance is open for our guests to explore.”

Landmark in the hotel industry

The hotel’s significance extends beyond its architectural allure – it has become a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s hotel industry. Visitors from across the globe are drawn not only to its historical resonance but also to the promise of an immersive experience. The Mount Lavinia Hotel is not just a place to stay; it is a living narrative.

“I believe that Mount Lavinia Hotel is one of the blessed hotels in the country. Unlike most hotels in the industry which are luxurious only in terms of amenities, this hotel is blessed with nature. The sea view you get from here is unparalleled,” Dewapura said. 

“That indeed is why even local guests always tend to choose Mount Lavinia to spend their leisure time, reunite with family, and even host their weddings. In fact, we have a rich history of wedding ceremonies, where the weddings of several generations of the same family have been held at the hotel.” 

The hotel, with its historical charm, provides a backdrop that transforms weddings into fairytales and events into unforgettable moments.

The Mount Lavinia Hotel offers more than a room with a view. Its dining establishments are a culinary journey through the island’s diverse flavours. From exquisite seafood feasts to international gastronomic delights, the hotel’s restaurants are a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage. The ambiance, a perfect marriage of colonial sophistication and tropical tranquillity, enhances the gastronomic experience, turning each meal into a memorable event.

Future plans

“It is not a secret, of course, that the hotel has lost some fraction of its charm due to the multiple crises we were compelled to battle through. Nevertheless, we have already embarked on our journey of reviving its glory,” shared Dewapura.

Accordingly, they are planning to make the hotel a one-stop destination for the modern traveller, where they will be able to experience the local culture, interact with the locals, and as one would say, ‘taste the Sri Lankan authenticity’ in the comfort of the hotel. 

“In this venture, we are planning to empower the surrounding local communities to grow a tourism hotspot, offering authentic experiences and tourist-friendly ambience,” Dewapura elaborated. “Additionally, the hotel is going through some renovations as well and soon a new set of rooms will be added, allowing more guests to enjoy the luxury of Mt. Lavinia Hotel.” 

Moreover, the hotel is all set to embark on a new voyage, or rather reignite an old tradition of taste, with plans to introduce a series of buffets dedicated to food from an array of diverse cultures across the globe, while continuing the signature Sri Lankan style food buffets.

The hotel is also planning on a series of celebrations and special events in the coming month under the theme ‘Christmas Around the World’ in parallel to the coming season of love and joy. As a speciality, a 40 ft. tall christmas tree engineered by the in-house engineers will be lit on 26 November. 

Following is a list of events:

• 23 Nov. – Thanksgiving dinner
• 26 Nov. – Tree lighting ceremony
• 3 Dec. – American Christmas brunch
• 10 Dec.– Scandinavian Christmas brunch
• 17 Dec. – British Christmas brunch
• 24 Dec. – Christmas Eve sit-down dinner
• 25 Dec. – Christmas brunch at Empire Ballroom/Christmas dinner
• 26 Dec. – Boxing Day pool-side brunch
• 31st night dinner dance at the Terrace – ‘A Night in Copacabana’

“We are ready and equipped with the best chefs, best decorations, and the best events to offer an unmatched experience to our clientele during the festive season,” shared Dewapura, inviting everyone to join Mount Lavinia Hotel to celebrate the season.