Mount Lavinia is a suburb in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is inside the
administration boundary of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal
Council. The area is a mostly residential suburb, known as Colombo's
beach retreat it is famed for its "Golden Mile" of beaches, and has
long been a hot spot for tourism and nightlife. The area's name
arose when the second Governor of Ceylon, Sir Thomas Maitland,
acquired land at "Galkissa" (Mount Lavinia) and decided in 1806
to construct a personal residence there. Maitland fell in love
with Lovina Aponsuwa, a local mestizo dancer, and continued a
romantic affair with her until he was recalled to England in 1811.
The Governor's mansion, which he named "Mount Lavinia House" is
now the Mount Lavinia Hotel and the village that surrounded the
building has subsequently developed into a bustling area, taking its
name from the Governor's mistress, Lovina