Colonial Governor Gregory forewent Galle residence for N’Eliya President’s House- his great, great granddaughter

• Her visit to the Nuwara Eliya President’s House had been facilitated by the Presidential Secretariat

By Ranjith Rajapakse  

British Governor of Ceylon (1871- 1875) Sir William Gregory’s great, great granddaughter Belenda Hund who was in Sri Lanka with her husband on a visit said she was pleased to see the President’s House in Nuwara-Eliya built by her great, great grandfather.   

She and her husband had been on a visit to the Nuwara- Eliya district and during their tour they took a particular interest in the President’s House in Nuwara Eliya (formerly Queen’s Cottage).  Her visit to the Nuwara Eliya President’s House had been facilitated by the Presidential Secretariat. 

She and her husband were accorded a warm welcome at the President’s House and hosted for tea.  

Mrs.Belenda Hund thanked the officials of the Presidential Secretariat for granting permission for her visit which had once been the abode of Mr. Gregory during his stay in Nuwara Eliya when he was Governor of Ceylon. She appreciated the hospitality of the staff of the President’s House.  

However, she said there was a residence in Galle for Mr. Gregory when he arrived at that time, but found it far too big ,grand and expensive for him though it is beautiful. She said Mr. Gregory had sold it for £1500 without permission from the British government and some people were upset about it.  

“Yet, he thought it was the right decision,” she said.   

She requested the authorities to maintain it as a museum and a monument of historical importance open to the public subject to limitations.  

She later visited Gregory Lake constructed by him and enjoyed its scenic beauty.  

During her visit to Nuwara- Eliya Victoria Park and the museum she met former Mayor of Nuwara Eliya Mahinda Dodampegama and asked him point out the possible further improvements to the museum.  

Mrs. Belenda Hund and her husband participated in the opening ceremony of the Eagles Observation Centre constructed at Shanthipura in Nuwara Eliya by the Air Force and had a friendly chat with Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath.