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| President's Pavilion | |
|---|---|
.jpg) The President's Pavilion in 2016 | |
 Interactive map of President's Pavilion | |
| General information | |
| Location | Kandy,Sri Lanka |
| Current tenants | President of Sri Lanka |
| Owner | Government of Sri Lanka |
President's Pavilion is anofficial residence of thePresident of Sri Lanka, located inKandy,Sri Lanka. This was formerly the Governor's Pavilion until 1972 when Sri Lanka became a republic. It is located close to the sacredTemple of the Tooth in the center of the city of Kandy at the head of the Pavilion Street. Although an official residence, it is used rarely forofficial functions, most notably during theEsala Perahera when at its conclusion theperahera sandeshaya is presented.
After the British gained control of theKandyan Kingdom in 1815 by theKandyan Convention it governed the former Kandyan Kingdom as a protectorate. However following theUva Rebellion, three years later in which Kandy was captured by the rebels, the British moved to combined both parts of the island under a central administration. However Kandy remained an important city second only to the capitalColombo.
Therefore, a European-style palace was constructed in the late 18th century for the use of theBritishGovernor of Ceylon during his visits to the city. This was used for hosting Royal visits to Kandy, most notably that ofAlbert Edward, Prince of Wales, in 1875.
In 1944, during theSecond World War, theSouth East Asia Command of the allies was moved to Kandy, where it remained till the end of the war.AdmiralLouis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander of the South East Asia Command, took up residence at the Governor's Pavilion till the end of the war.
Following independence in 1948 the house became the official residence of theGovernor General of Ceylon in Kandy. It was formally renamed as the President's Pavilion in 1972, after Sri Lanka became a republic.William Gopallawa a native of Kandy was the last Governor General and firstPresident of Sri Lanka to reside at the house.
7°15′50″N80°38′25″E / 7.26389°N 80.64028°E /7.26389; 80.64028