His last visit to the Galle Face Hotel was in 1943.
Commander Pearse entered the Royal Navy at the age of 18 and fought bravely during the Japanese war. He was appointed commander in chief of the Kenyan Navy heading a training team in the country and was involved in fiery politics in Malta during his time there his many experiences inspired him to write his book ‘From Stormy Seas to Calmer Waters.
The book is a colourful illustration containing personal tragedies and successes that he obtained during 37 years of experiences in Her Majesty’s Royal Navy and 15 further years in commerce.
He writes in his book, of his visit to the Galle Face Hotel in 1943, “…found three young gentlemen enjoying the delights of the Galle Face Hotel in Colombo.
Those who will have stayed there on holiday will recollect the calm and essentially colonial atmosphere, and so it was after their swim, that the three were devouring cucumber sandwiches washed down by Earl grey tea whilst languishing in the comfortable wicker chairs of the lounge, All this to the delicate strains produced from the strings of violins in the hands of three ladies of an indeterminate age in cocktail frocks.
Alive to the realities, the sound of very low flying aircraft had the effect of disappearance under the tables of the majority of the clientele.
Rising sheepishly, a few minutes later, it was with considerable embarrassment that it was realized that “we’ll gather lilacs” had continued without a note having been lost, by the three old dears.
Somerset Maugham I think!.” (From Stormy Seas to Calmer Waters, by Commander Anthony Pearse).
Having being established in 1864, The Galle Face Hotel still continues to carry its legacy of ‘Timeless Grandeur” by serving many a man and purpose thus proving its presence as a proud landmark of a bygone era.
Many such stories, Commander Pearse’s being one of dozens, still delight those who have an association with the Galle Face Hotel.
About the Galle Face Hotel
The Galle Face Hotel is an award winning heritage hotel located at the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is steeped in the unique history of Sri Lanka amidst tradition and family values.
It is probably the only Hotel in the world which has a setting of a sea front city Hotel combined with the features of a beachside resort together grandeur and elegance of the bygone era of Sri Lanka.
Celebrating 150 years, the Galle Face Hotel is one of the landmarks in Asia with a historical past that speaks of the historical significance of Sri Lanka.
Today, the Galle Face Hotel is acclaimed as one of the best heritage Hotels in Sri Lanka and in 2012 it became the first Hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp.
The old world charm of the Hotel harks back to a vintage when Aristocracy and celebrities spent their days in pampered luxury, and sipped their tea while enjoying the magnificent sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Over the years, many Heads of State and celebrities have graced the Hotel, charmed by its eclectic mix of imperial tradition, architecture and flavor.
About the Galle Face Hotel Group
The Galle Face Hotel Group manages the hotel and leisure interest of Galle Face Hotel, Kandy Hotels PLC & Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC. Under this banner are 3 distinct portfolios of businesses.
The Deluxe Heritage Hotels Collection
Galle Face Hotel in Colombo & Hotel Suisse & Queens Hotel in Kandy. Each hotel is a connected to Sri Lanka’s history, imbibed with the splendor of yesteryear while continuing to serve visitors, foreign and domestic is gracious surrounds.
The Resorts Collection
4 hotels routed in some of Sri Lanka’s most special areas offer a modern facility with outstanding vista & access to experience this great country. The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa, The Surf Hotel Bentota, The Safari Hotel Thissamaharama and The Lake House Polonnaruwa. Each of these recently refurbished hotels offers traditional Sri Lankan hospitality to visitors.
