Capturing the essence that is Mount Lavinia

The Mount Lavinia Hotel held the award ceremony of the photographic competition to get the "best shot" of the hotel, on March 31.

Amateur and professional photographers residing in Sri Lanka vied to capture, through the lens, the hotel's two centuries of history, its romantic flair and mystery, and its breathtaking settings. The competition wound up the celebrations held in connection with the hotel's 200th anniversary.

The five winners were chosen by a Panel of Judges, chaired by renowned Swiss photographer Beat Presser. An exhibition, showing a selection of the best photographs, will remain on display at the Maitland State Room of the hotel during April.

Here first Prize winner Jerrard Athukorala receives his prize from Swiss Ambassador Ruth Flint.