Mount Lavinia Hotel celebrates “220 years of love”

Mount Lavinia Hotel Group Chairman Sanath Ukwatte (centre) with Chief Operating Officer Anura Dewapura (right) and Nations Trust Bank AVP of Merchant Business and Promotions Ranga de Fonseka 

Mount Lavinia Hotel

• Announces special wedding offers and exclusive partnership with NTB Amex Cards

Mount Lavinia Hotel, Sri Lanka’s most iconic destination for romance, hosted an interactive briefing on 30 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: Mount Lavinia Hotel Group Chairman Sanath Ukwatte, Chief Operating Officer Anura Dewapura, and Nations Trust Bank AVP of Merchant Business and Promotions Ranga de Fonseka. The event provided a platform for both historical reflection and contemporary perspectives on the hotel’s ongoing legacy as a romantic destination.

Ukwatte 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.

COO Dewapura 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 Director of Catering, Events, and Banquet Operations Shamal Weerabahu and Assistant Director of Catering Hareendra Hangawatte, 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.

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. Nations Trust Bank AVP of Merchant Business and Promotions explained, “We are thrilled to partner with Mount Lavinia Hotel to provide a 0% interest easy instalment payment facility for weddings booked at the hotel. With the ability to pay in 12-month instalments, 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.

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.