Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomed the festive season in grand style with its traditional Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony held on 1st December 2024 at the hotel’s iconic courtyard. The event featured the unveiling of a majestic 55-foot Christmas tree, spectacularly adorned with luminous red and shiny gold decorations, the chosen theme colors for this year’s festivities at the hotel. This stunning display symbolized the spirit of the season and set the tone for the holiday celebrations at Mount Lavinia Hotel.
The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering of guests, including religious leaders representing various faiths, ambassadors, corporate friends, guests, partners, and members of the media. Among the prominent religious leaders present were Rev. Fr. Freely Muthukudarachchi, Episcopal Vicar and Chancellor of the Archdiocese; Reverend Fernando; Ven. Olande Ananda Thero; Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thero; Pathmanathan Swami; and Mawlavi Musabh. These spiritual leaders took part in the event, addressing the attendees with words of wisdom and blessing.
A unique interfaith moment was facilitated by Rev. Fr. Freely Muthukudarachchi, who conducted a prayer, uniting the diverse faiths represented at the event in a shared spirit of peace, harmony, and goodwill. The interfaith gathering highlighted the importance of unity and understanding during this special time of year, reinforcing Mount Lavinia Hotel’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and respect for all cultures and traditions.
In his address to the gathering, Anura Dewapura, Chief Operating Officer of Mount Lavinia Hotel, shared a reflective message marking his journey with the hotel. “Exactly one year ago, I stood before you for the first time in 15 years since my time as General Manager of this historic hotel. I shared with you my vision—to make Mount Lavinia Hotel great again, a beacon of hospitality, culture, and heritage in Sri Lanka,” Dewapura began. “Looking back over the past year, I believe we’ve begun to achieve that vision. This grand old dame of a hotel is once again becoming a name that people talk about with excitement and admiration.”
Dewapura continued, expressing gratitude to those who supported the hotel’s revitalization efforts: “This evening, as we light this tree, a symbol of joy and hope, we also celebrate the journey we’ve taken together this year. None of this would have been possible without your unwavering support. To all of you—our friends, partners, and patrons—I cannot thank you enough for believing in us, for being part of our story, and for standing with us through every step of the way.”
The ceremony was further enhanced by a stunning performance from the Sri Lanka Navy Band, who performed a variety of Christmas carols and holiday songs, adding a festive cheer to the evening. The celebration also featured renowned local artist Kevin Almeida, who took the stage to entertain guests with lively music, creating a truly magical atmosphere.The lighting of the Christmas tree marked a moment of joy and celebration, as the guests marveled at the grandeur of the tree, its twinkling lights reflecting the warm spirit of the holiday season. The event was a true reflection of Mount Lavinia Hotel’s legacy as a destination of warmth, hospitality, and cultural richness.
In addition to the tree lighting ceremony, Mount Lavinia Hotel has prepared an exciting lineup of Christmas offerings throughout the month of December, giving guests an opportunity to celebrate the season in style. Each Sunday, the hotel’s renowned brunch experience is given a festive twist with different international cuisines. Guests can indulge in the following themed brunches:
- 8th December: Australian Christmas Brunch
- 15th December: American Christmas Brunch
- 22nd December: European Christmas Brunch
On Christmas Eve, the hotel will host a festive dinner buffet at LKR 9,500, offering a delicious spread of holiday favorites. The celebration continues on Christmas Day with a Grand Christmas Day Brunch at the Empire Ballroom for LKR 10,500, followed by a festive Christmas Day Dinner for LKR 8,500.
For those seeking a unique cultural experience, the hotel will also host a Sri Lankan Night “Ape Kema by Chef Publis” on 29th December, featuring traditional Sri Lankan delicacies and oriental music by famous local singers at The Terrace, for LKR 8,500.
Mount Lavinia Hotel invites guests to experience the warmth, joy, and hospitality of the season with these exceptional offerings and festive events. For Reservations and Inquiries, Please Call: 011 2 711 711 / 077 311 2399
