I have no idea why the Grand Oriental Hotel is named as such. My sister thinks it's because the British considered Sri Lanka as a part of the Orient; but I still think its name is a little misplaced.
Nevermind that, look at this awesome pettagama (chest) in the hotel.
Thathi says: It's original name was Grand Oriental which then became Hotel Taprobane.In mid 80's it shifted back to it's original name. This was the only luxury hotel in Sri Lanka during the early british colonial days. If you go to the top floor there was a room named as 'Queen Suite' where you could view the entire Colombo Harbor.This was patronised by the hierachy of british civil servants enroute to Australia at that time. Me the banker thinkls it was call the Grand Orient because it is so near the harbour along the sea route from the Orient to the west.Merchandise!! Beautiful Shot Boo..
ReplyDeleteYes, this country is definitely part of the Orient, so the name is not misplaced.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient
There is a club called the Orient Club in Colombo.