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.