The Steuart by Citrus hosts Scottish Member of Parliament Dr. Eilidh Whiteford

From left: Stephen Smith, Scottish Member of Parliament Dr. Eilidh Whiteford, George Steuart Group of Companies Chairman Dilith Jayaweera, Citrus Leisure Chairman Prema Cooray, Citrus Leisure Director Suresh de Mel, Citrus Leisure Director/CEO Chandana Talwatte and Citrus Leisure Director Rajinda Seneviratne 

Scottish Member of Parliament Dr. Eilidh Whiteford signing the guest book in the presence of (from left) The Steuart by Citrus CEO Sasha Dayal, George Steuart Group of Companies Chairman Dilith Jayaweera, Stephen Smith and Citrus Leisure Chairman Prema Cooray 

On invitation by George Steuart Group of Companies Chairman Dilith Jayaweera, Dr. Eilidh Whiteford, Scottish Member of Parliament, and her husband Stephen Smith was graciously hosted at ‘The Steuart by Citrus’ recently. Dr. Whiteford is the Scottish National Party (SNP) Member of Parliament for the constituency of Banff & Buchan and has a constituency office in Peterhead and ranks as one of Scotland’s hardest working MPs.

Dr. Whiteford and her husband who were on a short holiday to Sri Lanka stated: “We truly enjoyed the traditional Sri Lankan hospitality which the country is internationally renowned for. The welcome given to us at The Steuart by Citrus was splendid, and it was thrilling to see how the well the hotel has absorbed the Scottish heritage and culture.”

The recently launched business boutique hotel housed in the iconic headquarters of the 180 year old conglomerate George Steuart & Co., draws thematic inspiration from the Scottish heritage of its ancestors. The Steuart which offers many amenities for the leisure and business traveller offers over 50 spacious rooms with great charm and splendour in the buzzing city of Colombo. 

Steeped in history, the building known as Steuart House was among the first high rise buildings in Colombo. The legacy of the Steuart brothers permeates throughout the hotel, with reminders of 180 years of history scattered throughout the hallowed building. 

These include a large collection of invaluable antiques and memorabilia, including the original journals kept by James Steuart and the Grinlinton Chair, previously used by The Duke of Gloucestor and presented to the then Chairman of George Steuarts by the European staff of the company to mark its centenary year in 1935. In homage to its Scottish founders, The Steuart thus draws design inspiration from Scotland; the interiors will stay true to Scottish design elements across its livery, furnishing and finishes.