Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo

According to Christopher Schewezer, a mansion of the Dutch Governor had been located on a site facing the harbour. The British recognised the importance of the location and constructed a building to house their military personnel. The construction commenced on 23 February 1837 and was completed on 27 October in the same year. After the British had consolidated their position, the military forces left, and the barracks were gradually converted into a hostelry. It was named Grand Oriental Hotel in 1875.

The hotel is a five-storeyed building with British architectural features. Large decorative columns, plaster mouldings, domes in the roof and an open arcade on the ground floor with arches are some of the special characteristics of the building. The airy rooms and passageways still retain the old decorative and functional elements.

Some modifications were made inside the hotel. Certain areas of the ground floor were rented as shops. The building is located in a high-security zone, surrounded by the Police Head Quarters, the Ports Authority and the Defense Ministry.

Location: The building is located on York Street, Fort Colombo 1. facing the Colombo Harbour.

(Heritage Buildings of Sri Lanka by Nimal de Silva and D. P. Chandrasekara 2009 P.182)

Unique Sri Lanka

Grand Oriental Hotel

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