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The Love Story of Sir Thomas Maitland and Lovina:A Forbidden Romance
In 1805, when Sri Lanka was still known as Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland, a distinguished British military general, arrived on the island to assume his duties as the second British Governor. Known to the locals as “King Tom,” he was a man of great power and authority, but he quickly grew dissatisfied with the accommodations provided to him upon his arrival. 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 Sinhalese descent, was the lead performer in her father’s dance troupe. She was a striking young woman, with long flowing black hair and large, expressive hazel eyes that seemed to capture the essence of the island’s vibrant culture. Lovina came from the Rodi community, a marginalized caste within Sinhalese society, looked down upon by the higher castes. Despite her lowly status, she possessed a beauty and grace that enchanted all who saw her perform.
As Lovina danced for a gathering at the Governor’s mansion, Sir Thomas Maitland was captivated by her elegance and allure. It was more than just her beauty that fascinated him—it was the way her movements seemed to speak directly to his soul, offering an escape from the rigid constraints of colonial society. As Lovina’s dance filled the room, the imposing Governor found himself falling under her spell, and an undeniable attraction sparked between them.
Lovina, too, found herself drawn to Sir Thomas. Though they came from vastly different worlds—he a powerful British official, she a poor dancer from a low caste—there was a mutual respect that blossomed into a secret and passionate love affair. In the secluded mansion by the sea, away from the prying eyes of colonial society, their romance flourished. Lovina became a regular guest at the Governor’s mansion, and their clandestine meetings continued for years. Their love was one that defied societal norms—one that bridged the gap between colonial power and the oppressed local communities.
In an act of profound affection, Sir Thomas named his grand residence “Mount Lavinia” after her, immortalizing her name in the mansion’s identity. The house, once a mere symbol of his power, now held a deeper, more personal significance for him. It was a place of refuge and escape from the pressures of his role as Governor, where he could find solace in Lovina’s company.
But their love story was destined to remain hidden from the world. Sir Thomas, despite his deep affection for Lovina, was still a man of the British Empire, bound by its rules and expectations. Their relationship was a stark contradiction to the colonial system that dictated separation between the ruling British elite and the local population. Lovina’s caste—her very identity—was something that could not be ignored in the strict, racially divided society in which they lived.
As their romance continued to blossom, the inevitable happened—their secret was discovered. Word of the affair began to spread, causing a scandal among the British expatriates in Ceylon. The societal pressures and moral boundaries of the time proved too strong, and Sir Thomas was forced to face the consequences of his forbidden love.
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. The departure was heart-wrenching for both Sir Thomas and Lovina. To show his regard for her, Sir Thomas gifted Lovina a large piece of land in Attidiya, a village away from Galkissa, as a token of his appreciation and affection. Despite the distance, Lovina’s name would always be linked to the mansion he had built and named in her honor.
Though the love affair between Sir Thomas and Lovina ended with his departure, the memory of their connection endured. Lovina’s descendants are believed to have lived near Mount Lavinia for generations, and her legacy lives on through the mansion that bears her name. The story of their passionate and forbidden love remains a cherished part of the island’s history, a testament to the power of love that transcends boundaries, even in the face of societal constraints.
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 immortalized in the heart of Ceylon’s colonial past.
In the early 20th century, the surrounding village, once known as Galkissa, was modernized and renamed Mount Lavinia, honoring the beautiful dancer who captured the heart of a British Governor. By 1920, the mansion had been transformed into a hotel, which became known as the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
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.
In a grand celebration of unity and tradition, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo hosted an exclusive and elegant Iftar dinner at the prestigious King’s Court. This remarkable evening, hosted by Nazoomi Azhar, General Manager of Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, brought together a distinguished gathering of ambassadors, key figures, top corporate executives, and esteemed members of the media.
The event showcased a spectacular array of culinary delights, with a highlight being the masterpieces crafted by renowned Pakistani Chef Riaz Bhatti. His exquisite creations, alongside an extensive selection of traditional and contemporary delicacies of Pakistani dishes, left guests in awe of the lavish spread and exceptional flavors.
Among the standout dishes of the evening were the rich and aromatic Mutton Raghni Josh, the flavorful Mutton Shahi Qorma, and the perfectly spiced Peshawari Beef Chapli Kabab. Guests also delighted in the Lahori Chicken Tikka Boti and the indulgent Chicken Peshawari Karahi, which added a taste of authenticity to the menu. The Iftar spread was further complemented by traditional desserts such as Gulab Jamun, Shahi Tukda, and Ras Malai, providing a sweet ending to the feast.
The atmosphere was one of warmth and hospitality, reflecting the spirit of Ramadan while offering a truly memorable experience. Guests were highly impressed with the impeccable service and the thoughtfully curated menu, making this Iftar dinner a standout occasion in Colombo’s social calendar.
Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, under the leadership of Nazoomi Azhar, continues to set the benchmark for luxury hospitality, delivering unforgettable experiences through its commitment to excellence.
In the Republic of Turkiye women have been one of the building blocks in shaping Turkiye for centuries. However, especially since the founding of the Republic, Turkiye has been one of the leading countries in the world, especially in terms of the political visibility of women. Women were given the right to vote long before women were given political rights in many democratic and modern countries.
Turkish women are known for their unwavering determination and resilience. They exhibit remarkable dedication and courage in pursuing their goals and challenge injustice. Their hard work and perseverence contribute to their advancement of society. These statements were expressed by the Deputy Chief of Mission of Turkiye M/S Merve Goozde Otlu at the residence of the Turkish Ambassador in Sri Lanka, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day.
This day is also important for Turkish women, who have played a vital role in shaping Turkish society, from the early days of our Republic to the present said the Deputy Chief of Mission. In her speech she also pointed out that the founder of the Republic, Mustafia Kemal Ataturk, has an important place in the hearts of all Turkish people, but his visionary leadership for women’s rights are especially precious for all women of Turkiye.
Some of the guests
She explained “Ataturk strongly believed in women’s equality and emphasized that a modern and progressive society could only be achieved if women had equal opportunities as men’’
“Women were encouraged to participate in all areas of life, including education, work life and politics. One of the most remarkable steps Ataturk took was granting women the right to vote and as early as 1930, women were able to run for office at the local elections and in 1934 women were granted this right long before many other countries (One year after that, there were already 18 women MPs). When we look at Turkish history, we see countless inspiring women who have shaped our country, playing crucial roles achieving many milestones. These women have proved that Turkish women could achieve greatness in any field from science to business, from arts to sports, if given the opportunity, she remarked.
Turkish women have also made a significant contribution to diplomacy, a field often seen as male-dominated, she remarked.
Kanchana Rajapakse from embassy
For decades, Turkish women have been representing our country with strength and determination on the global stage. The first woman diplomat Mrs. Adile Ayda was recruited in 1932, while Ambassador Filiz Dinemen is the first woman Ambassador of Turkiye, assigned to the Hague in 1982.
Women representation has been increasing in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, constituting almost 40% of the Ministry.
It is a personal honour for me to serve in a country like Sri Lanka, which gave the world the first female Prime Minister in history, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, she said with pride.
Her leadership showed that women can take on the highest responsibility and be a driving force not just for women but for the whole society.
The contribution of women in Turkiye in the field of Science and Technology is far reaching. She said in Turkiye, a prominent scientist who worked for NASA, whose research was instrumental in the legendary 1962 Apollo mission. She is Dihlhan Eryunt, was the recipient of the NASA Appolo Achievement Awards she said with pride.
The First Secretary, Imren Kaygisiz said Turkish women who have contributed to the development of the country and thier enduring impact on society who are still continuing to inspire strength,resilience and success of women
The Commercial Counsellor M/s Gamze Erc an also paid tribute to the founder of Modern Republic of Turkiye, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who gave importance to education of Turkish women and leader believed that development of a nation depends on a strong education foundation.
The evening had all the trappings of glamour followed by high tea.
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in sri Lanka hosted the International Women’s Day ceremony at thier residence.
Ambassador of Indonesia Dwi Gustina Tobing invited a large gathering of invitees including the Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj who was the Chief Guest. CBL Group Managing Director Sheamalee Wickramasighe, popular musician Umaria Sinhawansa and Stephanie Siriwardena also addressed the gathering. The ambassador looking elegant was busy welcoming the guests at her residence.
An evening of camaraderie, glitz and glamour. The event featured an insightful session aimed to empower women, and served as a tribute to the commitment of women who has contributed immensely. The ambassador in her speech said by celebrating the achievements of women and amplifying their voices, we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, where gender does not hinder opportunity but enriches collective experiences. Here is an excerpt from the ambassador’s speech.
A warm welcome to all of you. It is an honour to host this reception in commemoration of International Women’s Day 2025.
She said ” This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action”, is a powerful call to all of us. It underscores that equality cannot wait, and that all sectors of society must work together to speed up progress in women’s rights and empowerment.”
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- CBL group managing director Sheamalee addressing the gathering
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- Stephani and Umaria
Around the world, we have seen tremendous strides toward gender equality in politics, economics, and social spheres. Women are increasingly taking up leadership roles, contributing to economic growth, and shaping the future of our societies.
In Indonesia, we are proud of the progress we have made in advancing women’s participation. She said
She reiterated that 127 women were elected to parliament, making up 22.1% of the seats—the highest in our post-reform history. However, this is still below our target of 30%, which means there is room for improvement.
Our new cabinet includes 14 women, both as ministers and deputy ministers, demonstrating our commitment to gender-inclusive governance.
Ambassador welcoming Chief Guest Minister of Women and Child Affairs
Beyond politics, women are the backbone of Indonesia’s economy. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contribute over 60% to the national GDP, and 64.5% of these businesses are managed by women.
Additionally, Indonesia ranks among the top four countries globally for female business leaders
She pointed out Sri Lanka, too, has made significant strides in women’s empowerment. When I met with Minister Saroja Savithri Paulraj last week, we discussed the progress Sri Lanka has made in increasing women’s representation in politics and the economy. From women entrepreneurs driving economic growth to initiatives supporting women in leadership, Sri Lanka is showing a strong commitment to gender equality.
Many countries have made progress in advancing women’s empowerment, yet, despite this progress, we must recognize that challenges remain. Women still face barriers to equal pay, leadership opportunities, financial inclusion, and social mobility. Gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal access to resources continue to hinder the advancement of women in many parts of the world.
This is why collaboration is crucial. By sharing experiences, policies, and best practices, we can accelerate meaningful action to bridge the gender gap.
We must continue working together, fostering partnerships that empower women economically and socially. Indonesia is committed to strengthening collaboration with Sri Lanka and other nations to create more opportunities for women, recognizing their immense importance. Invitees were able to enjoy authentic Indonesian delicacies specially curated by the Ambassador herself.
By Zanita Careem
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