Taprobane Island, Private island with neo Palladian mansion in Weligama Bay, Sri Lanka.

Taprobane Island is a rocky private island with a villa, lying just off the southern coast of Sri Lanka opposite the village of Weligama. It takes its name from the ancient Greek word for Sri Lanka. The island was owned by the Count de Maunay, a French exile who fell in love with Weligama Bay and built the villa on this small island.

The island takes its name from Taprobana, the ancient Greek name for Sri Lanka. In the 1920s the French exile Count de Mauny-Talvande built the villa on the rock; later owners included the American writer and composer Paul Bowles. Kylie Minogue recorded a song titled "Taprobane (Extraordinary Day)" about the island.

The island's name comes from Taprobana, the ancient Greek name for Sri Lanka. The villa was built by the Count de Maunay, a French exile who fell in love with Weligama Bay. Australian singer Kylie Minogue recorded a song titled "Taprobane (Extraordinary Day)" about the island.

The island lies about four hours by car from Colombo International Airport or is accessible by helicopter transfer in under one hour. Visitors should know that this is private property and a visit must be arranged in advance.

The island's name comes from Taprobana, the ancient Greek name for Sri Lanka. In the 16th century, mapmaker Sebastian Münster mistakenly placed Taprobana at Sumatra, starting a debate over the island's identity. The name also appears in Camões's epic Os Lusíadas and in Borges's story The Lottery in Babylon.