Maha Nuge Gardens

Mahanuga Gardens is a private lane (street) located in the Kollupitiya district in the city of Colombo (postal code - Colombo-3). Even though it is called a garden, nothing of any importance is grown here. The lane runs off the main Colombo highway called Galle Road, leading to the commercial district of Fort, via the Galle Face Green — a beautiful stretch of land by the sea. "Temple Trees", the official residence of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, is situated within walking distance of Mahanuga Gardens Gardens. The imposing Cinnamon Grand Colombo Hotel (formerly the Lanka Oberoi) is adjacent to the properties.

Mahanuga Gardens was the hub of politics, music, commerce and the media from the 1960s to the 1970s — many distinguished members of Sri Lankan society resided here. The lane is owned by the powerful Bandaranaike family. To this day it remains in the hands of the wider family.

The street was previously known as 'Captains Gardens,' and 1st Lane, Colpetty. Sir Harry Dias Bandaranaike bought the property 'Alcove' from Sir Anthony Oliphant, Chief Justice of Ceylon, who lived here with his family. during the British Era. Sir Anthony Oliphant and his son Laurence Oliphant have been credited with introducing tea to Ceylon and being the first to grow tea plants on the Oliphant Estate in Nuwara Eliya. His son Laurence who became a well-known author and international traveller, spent his early childhood in Captains Gardens.

After purchasing 'Alcove' from Sir Anthony Oliphant, Sir Harry Dias renamed Captains Gardens to Mahanuga Gardens Gardens because of the huge Banyan (Nuge) tree on the property. This was the beginning of the Mahanuga Gardens connection with the Bandaranaike dynasty in Ceylon. Sir Harry Dias Bandaranaike was the first Sinhalese to be called to the Bar in England, the first Sinhalese to be appointed a Judge to the Supreme Court in Ceylon, he was also knighted by the King. Sir Harry also served as an Official of the Legislative Council of Ceylon.

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Wikipedia