Report of the General Committee
of the Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon to be presented
at the 99th Annual General Meeting
to be held on 30th March 2007

The General Committee of The Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon, has pleasure in presenting to all members their Annual Report for the year ended 31st December,2006.

MEMBERSHIP

The Membership of the Union as at 31st December 2006 stands at 183 Rule 3 Members, one Honorary Life Member, 44 Invitee Members, 92 Associates, 29 Overseas Members and 11 Overseas Associates. During the year 14 Rule 3 Members, 39 Invitee Members, 3 Overseas Members, 58 Associates and 11 Overseas Associates were enrolled.

We extend to these members a very warm welcome.

Members – Mrs Cheryl de Fonseka, Mrs Mystic Flamer-Caldera, Mrs Maryanne Wijeyesekera, Messrs. Ramon Aldons, David Colin-Thome, H.C.T. de Jong, T. Holsinger, Michael Holsinger, Kenneth Honter, Dominic Ross Kellar, Howard Martenstyn, Christopher Raymond, Christopher Frank Stork, Neville Shane van Eyck,

Invitee Members: Miss Tania Arnolda, Mrs Cleone Amarasinghe, Ms Vilma May Chapman, Mrs Pia Dayananda, Miss Rozanna Flamer-Caldera, Miss Tamara Flamer-Caldera, Mrs Rebecca Grebe, Mrs Jennifer Joan Gunesekera, Miss Rozanne Hingert, Mrs Bobby Jordan-Hansen, Mrs Deanne Munasinha, Mrs Y.R. Outschoorn, Mrs Mary Ridgeon, Messrs. W.E. Brown, Ronald Bakelmun, W.H.Bowen, J.R. de Crusz, Lawry Jude Coenraad, P.M.P. Deckker, J.S. de la Zilwa, D.R. Deckker, Dirk Flamer-Caldera, Brian Forbes, Travin Gerryn, Royden Gibbs, G.P. Hatch, R.L. Hatch, L.E. Hannibal. R.L. Juriansz, G.A.F. Marshall, R.A. Nelson, Joseph P. Outschoorn, R.T.G. Pendigrast, Samson Ian Pereira, K. Pendigrast, Trevor Reckerman, Dale Rabot, Jeffrey Schucroft, D.E. Vandersay.

Overseas Members – Ms Amelia D. Thiedeman, Mrs Denise M. de Alwis, Mr Ian Haig Anthonisz.

Overseas Associates - Messrs. P. Wadugedera, Darryl Isaaks, J.H.C. Pereira, Peter Thomasz, Hirantha Pereira, Leslie Sisouw, Mark Sisouw, T.K. Howie. Maurice Forster and Astor Adriansz and Mrs Fiona Emersley-Chandiram

Associate Members – Mrs Shirani Amaratunge, Ms Kalpana Amalean, Ms Shirin Abayasinghe, Ms Nayantara Fonseka, Ms Ulrik Jager-Fernando, Ms Vasanthi Harasgama, Ms Nimmi Harasgama, Mrs Savitri Jayawardene, Ms Patricia Mamelka, Ms Nadira Madurapperuma, Ms Dilrukshi Martenstyn, Ms Averil Nathanielsz, Miss L.A. Peiris, Ms Pamela Peiris, Mrs Marianne Yvonne Sherine Perera, Ms Tarini Walpola; Mrs Kshama Dias, Messrs. Praveen Abhayaratne, Jimmy Deen, Ranjith Dharmapala, Romesh Ilangakoon, Theverayan Velrajh, Raju Chandiram, Krishan Parathalingam, Christopher Bryan Halangoda, Tissa Mario Benjamin de Alwis, Don Lalith Hilary Ganlath, Rajan Sellamuttu, Rohan Prathiviraj Perera, Buveneka Seniviratne, Shammi Silva, Steve de Croos, Aloysius Mario Patrick de Silva, Jeremy Dharmendra David, Dinesh Shehan Peiris, Shashi Dilum Welgama, Edward Wijesuriya, Shiran Joseph Perera, Gerald Frederick Chritopher de Saram, Nandalal Jayawardene, Giles Lucien Scott, Nishantha Mahendrajith Wedagedera, Anthony Malintha Ekanayake, Shiran Manohara Rajakaruna, Pratapkumar de Silva, Jehan Canagaretna, Abdul Sathar Mohamed Misbah, Christopher Rohan Dias, Anura Upali Seneviratne, Christopher Ranjan Martin Paiva, Dr Srilal Mahendra Perera, Jaliya Devendra, Navein Danesh Perera, Sunil Pius Ranmal Perera, Mahinda Seneviratne, Navaratnarajah Chandra Kumar, Christopher Noel Vishkaran Selvanayagam, Rukman de Fonseka,

OBITUARIES

We record with regret the demise of Mr Amyas de Kretser, former DBU President, who at the time of his death was an Overseas Hony. Member with residence in Western Australia, Mrs Merle Poulier, Mr Alex Ernst of South Africa - Overseas Member, Mrs Anne Loos and Mr Ajith de Fonseka and offer condolences to the members of their families.

98th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The 98th Annual General Meeting was held on 28th March 2006 when 100 members were present. At this meeting, the newly introduced system of nominations for Office Bearers and Committee Members was brought into effect and together with the secret balloting all related matters was smoothly accomplished.

The following Members were elected as Office Bearers, Committee Members and Ex-officio Members :-

Principal Office Bearers:

President : Ms Kem Martenstyn
Deputy President: Mr Mervyn Anderiesz
Secretary: Mr Vernon Muller
Treasurer: Mr David Grenier

Committee Members:

Mrs Anthea Muller
Mr Nigel Austin
Ms Jackie Anthonisz
Mr Monte Holsinger
Mr David Martenstyn
Mrs Fleur Mack
Mr Michael Anthonisz
Mrs Zorina de Alwis
Mr Stephen LaBrooy
Mr Warren Solomonsz
Ms Carol Prins
Ex-officio Members:
Mr Godfrey de Kretser
Mr. Reggie Poulier
Mr Scott Dirckze

Committee meetings: During the year, there were 12 monthly meetings with satisfactory attendance at all meetings. In addition there were 3 special General Committee meetings.

Changes in the Committee:

In April 2006 Mr Dallas Martenstyn was co-opted to the General Committee.

Mr Stephen LaBrooy and Mrs Zorina de Alwis resigned during the months of May and August . respectively. The vacancies so caused were filled by Mr Dallas Martenstyn and Mr Rodney Koelmeyer.

Mr David Colin-Thome was co-opted to the General Committee in the month of August 2006.

FOUNDER’S DAY:

Founder's Day was celebrated as usual on October 22nd. The Ambassador for the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Sri Lanka, H.E. Reynout van Dijk who was the honoured Chief Guest was accompanied by his wife Ingrid. The proceedings commenced with the traditional speech delivered by our President which was followed by an informative and witty response by our Chief Guest. The vote of thanks was delivered by Deputy President Mr. Mervyn Anderiesz. The guests then enjoyed an evening of cocktails accompanied by lively music.
This was a well attended function.

EVE OF ST. NIKOLAAS’ FETE:

This event was held on 5th December 2006 when members and their children participated and had an enjoyable evening. In addition, the DBU invited the locally sponsored children who joined in the fun and games. They enjoyed the presence of old St. Nik and carried away prizes off the Christmas tree.

VISITORS:

The DBU was pleased to extend a warm welcome to Mr Darryl Isaaks, former President of the Eighty Club Melbourne and his wife June on their recent visit to Sri Lanka. Their presence on the occasions of the Children’s Christmas party as well as the party for the Welfare Beneficiaries was indeed heartening. It is obvious that they were happy spending the two mornings at the DBU seeing for themselves and experiencing the enjoyment of the young and the old as they participated in the functions hosted for them.

FINANCE: Report from Mr David Grenier
DBU:

The DBU returned a net operating profit for the year of Rs.208,801/=.

This figure has been arrived at after excluding the following :

(1) Expenditure of Rs. 1,743,500/= incurred for extensive restoration and improvements to the building as authorized by the General Committee and detailed in the Annual Accounts towards which the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Sri Lanka donated a sum of Rs.409,638/=

and

(2) transferring a sum of Rs.2,635,346/= being interest earned from the investment of monies lying to the credit of the A.E.Christoffelsz Memorial Fund, to the fund which now stands at Rs.28,481,846/=.

Given below is a Summary of the above workings :

Excess of Income over Expenditure for the year 1,510,285

Add: Restoration and improvements to building 1,743,500
Less Donation received from the Royal
Netherlands Embassy (409,638) 1,333,862
2,844,147
Less: Interest earned transferred to the A.E.Christoffelsz M.F. (2,635,346)
Net operating profit for the year 208,801
St. Nikolaas’ Home: Despite of spiraling costs of meals and other overheads, St. Nikolaas’ Home was able to record a profit of Rs.264,353/= for the year. Donations were received to the value of Rs.443,082/=. Interest income was Rs.506,908/= compared to Rs.493,086/= the previous year.

Social Welfare: Overseas remittances received for the year were from the Eighty Club, Melbourne – Rs.7,255,707/=; the Burgher Association of Australia- Rs.2,203,995/=; the Burgher Welfare League of W.A.- Rs.249,693/= and from the Voluntary Outreach Club - Rs.105,339/= which together with contributions to the Forgotten Peoples Fund of Rs.172,988/= totaled Rs.9,987,722/=. The total disbursements amounted to Rs.10,031,484/=.

The DBU Child Educational Sponsorship Project received Rs.372,700/=. The total amount disbursed amounted to Rs.417,000/=. The DBU Welfare Beneficiaries Sponsorship Project received contributions totaling Rs.389.385/= of which Rs.63,000/= was disbursed.

BUILDINGS & PREMISES – Chairman, Mr Dallas Martenstyn

Sub-committee Members - Miss Christine Wallbeoff – Architect; Mr Stephen LaBrooy; Mr Ajitha Madanayake and Ms Patricia Mamelka

The restoration work started in the year 2005 continued through the year 2006/7. We gratefully acknowledge the grant of Rs. 510,000.00 towards building restoration by the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Sri Lanka.

Hall, Verandah and Downstairs toilets

Re-Wiring
The entire downstairs area - hall, verandah, office etc was rewired to 30Amp 3 phase wiring by Fentons Ltd Allocation was also made with a view to air conditioning the Hall. All fans were re-painted.

Hall
The ceiling of the hall was removed to reveal the original Burma Teak rafters, planks and beams. These were cleaned, sanded and polished with a 3 coat treatment of Teak Oil. A Mahogany skirting was put in around the hall floor to enhance the existing Burma Teak floor. Repairs to the timber floor were conducted where absolutely necessary. The lighting was improved considerably with halogen spots and dimmer switches put in for all of the lighting. The Brass chandelier was polished and rehabilitated and fans were re-painted in black. Custom made door mats were put in the main hall. Wall pillars were extended (together with mouldings) to the height of the original ceiling. The hall was re-plastered where necessary and completely re-painted. Paintings of Dutch Period Forts by Mr. Royden Gibbs, photographed by Mr. Dominic Sansoni and made into prints, were framed and put up in the main hall. All the portraits of our past Presidents that were in the main hall were moved to the staircase of the main entrance to the upstairs members bar lounge.

Verandah
The entire verandah was re-plastered and continuous steps to the rear garden were put in. A part of the verandah, gent’s toilets and rear stairway entrance ceiling was panelled to match existing panelling. A fan light and window was fabricated and installed. The entire verandah was colour washed.

Toilets
The ladies’ toilet was up-graded which included the laying of timber flooring. The gent’s toilet was up graded and given a much needed extension to provided proper facilities for large functions.

Bar, Lounge Area/Snooker/Pool Room, Board Room, TV Room, Balcony

The entire roof was re-tiled and timber replaced where necessary. The false ceiling in the Bar Area was removed to reveal the original Beams, four moulded Burma teak Trusses, and the two Aureole windows.
Gaps between the 4x2 rafters were sealed with inner poly-lined planks and stained to Teak finish. All the beams, Trusses and rafters were given a 3 coat Teak Oil treatment. The rewiring of the upstairs area, again being undertaken by Fentons Ltd is nearing completion. All of the fans were repainted. Additional lighting was introduced into the new panelled ceiling. Lighting for all of the pictures was installed. Interior Tats upstairs were introduced together with brass window railings. A lintel was installed in the board room. The TV room door was moved. 3 new chairs were introduced. A new moulding was done on the Archway entrance to the Pool room. The Insignias of the Dutch cantonments in Sri Lanka were put up in the Bar area.

Donations

We gratefully acknowledge the following donations towards the restoration work:

a) The Royal Netherlands Embassy in Sri Lanka for its financial contribution towards the restoration of the building.
b) Mr Terrence Pendigrast – for the donation and installation of the mahogany wooden skirting for the Bar Area, and for his donation of the upstairs balcony restoration work.
c) Mr Dominic Sansoni for donating three new chairs (reproduced in Teak from an existing chair) and introduced into the bar lounge area.
d) Mr David Foenander – for donating four magnificent antique two (wooden) bladed fans.
e) Mr Stephen LaBrooy for the prints of the Royden Gibbs paintings.

Garden

The front boundary wall was raised resulting in higher security, privacy and a significant reduction of noise pollution. Mr. Ashley De Vos is in the process of designing Dutch style gates and gate columns. The boundary wall of the rear section of the building was painted. Temple flower trees were planted together with some other plants along the entire perimeter of the building, all of which were donated by a member. Garden lights at the rear were put in.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT – Chairperson Ms Kem Martenstyn

An amnesty was offered and five Rule 3 members re-joined and paid the subs outstanding. Four (4) Associates were made Invitee Members, according to the rules of the Constitution. For the first time Overseas Associates joined the DBU. Mr Rodney Vandergert was elected an Honorary Life Member, with full voting rights.
During the year 14 Rule 3 Members, 39 Invitee Members plus four (4) Associates were made Invitee Members, 3 Overseas Members, 58 Associates and 11 Overseas Associates were enrolled.

ST. NIKOLAAS’ HOME - Chairman, Mr. David Martenstyn

During the year under review, the Home continued to run smoothly and had 46 Residents at the end of December 2006. Due to the rising costs, Boarding fees were reluctantly increased, but the residents readily accepted the increase.
Many members of the Union and many other friends outside the Union give regular help in kind and provide meals on special occasions. We are very grateful to all for their generous donations from time to time. To the St. Nikolaas & Brohier Memorial Homes Trust and the Burgher Welfare League of Western Australia, we owe a special thanks for their continued financial support of the Home.

Dr (Miss) Rosemary Muthumanie retired after serving the Home for over 25 years. She was felicitated at the Home Founder’s Day and our wholehearted thanks goes to her for her devoted service to the medical needs of the Residents of the Home. Dr.A. Wijesundera replaces her as the Doctor on call for the Home.

Founder’s Day was celebrated on the 22nd August with a lunch. The Matron and her staff turned out a very special meal and Rev. Charlie Jansz commenced the day’s proceedings with a word of thanksgiving and prayer.

The customary Christmas party was held at the Home and all the Residents and staff received gifts from Santa which were hung on a very unusual Christmas tree turned out by the Matron and her staff.

Thanks is due to the President, Ms Kem Martenstyn who has always been very supportive of the running of St. Nikolaas’ Home and visited the Home on a number of unscheduled occasions.

The Matron and staff have worked splendidly at the Home and their devoted work is very much appreciated.

SOCIAL WELFARE - OVERSEAS & LOCALLY SPONSORED CHILDREN - Chairperson, Ms Anthea Muller

The ideals and aspirations of our Founder and all dedicated predecessors of the Dutch Burgher Union have been adhered to in all spheres of "Caring and Sharing" of the less fortunate sector of our community, during the current year.

The Eighty Club of Melbourne sponsors 180 Welfare Beneficiaries and also 128 school going children. In addition they maintain a special Emergency Fund for those casual callers at the DBU Office, when they are in dire distress, or times of sickness. They continue to pay 4 deserving persons a medical allowance on a monthly basis. The Eighty Club of Melbourne also made available to the Welfare Beneficiaries a mid year and a Christmas bonus. The ECOM sponsored children received a Christmas gift and also a book allowance at the beginning of the year.

Dr Arthur Anderson continues the project, The Forgotten People Fund, started by the late Mr Arthur Keuneman. An annual sum of money received is disbursed to casual callers who do not receive any benefits from the DBU.

The Burgher Association of Melbourne supports 84 school going children. Under the VOC 5 children are sponsored with their education.

The Burgher Welfare League of Western Australia sponsors 18 elderly folk and each receives a quarterly payment and a bonus for Christmas.

Under our locally sponsored children scheme, we now have 48 sponsors supporting 75 children for education and in addition ten more children were supported by the "PEACE" Organisation.

During the year there were two special Award Schemes, one donated by Mr & Mrs. Maurice Forster of the Eighty Club Melbourne, namely the "P & M Forster Awards" for the improvement of English skills among the Eighty Club sponsored children, and an Art Competition sponsored by the Burgher Association of Melbourne where the children had to create their own Christmas Card to their sponsor. For both these Competitions cash awards were distributed to the winners.

Two exciting and enjoyable parties were held in December for the Welfare Beneficiaries and the ECOM sponsored children, whereas the locally sponsored children were invited to participate in the Eve of St. Nikolaas Fete held on 5th December.

Many casual callers benefited from the Eighty Club Emergency Fund to purchase lenses for cataract operations, to meet medical expenses, to purchase nourishment and to recover from accidents.

Arrangements were made for a few overseas visitors to meet the children they sponsor, whilst on holiday in Sri Lanka.

Donations of stationery, toys, spectacles and clothing were distributed on payment days.

We thank all our donors for their continued support of the less advantaged members of our community.

Eighty Club – Post Secondary Education-Chairman, Mr Michael Anthonisz:

Mr Ivor de Kretser of the Eighty Club Melbourne, who initiated this programme, sponsored five (5) young adults during the year under review, some of who have already completed their chosen course of education and are now gainfully employed.

Locally sponsored WB Fund - Chairperson Ms Fleur Mack

The DBU Welfare Beneficiary Sponsorship Project was inaugurated on 27th May 2006 by the President in order to help less fortunate men and women of our community over the age of 65 who could not meet their financial expenses. We sought membership to this sub-committee from the general membership and a few volunteers i.e. Ms Beverley LaBrooy, Ms Rozanne Hemdev, Mrs Fleur Mack and the President formed the group. We made an appeal to the general membership for funds on an annual, quarterly or monthly basis and were very well supported for the year with a total of Rs.254,500/=, which was so appreciated. With this we have paid 14 Welfare Beneficiaries Rs.1,500/= each for 3 quarters. They were chosen from a long list of people who had been previously interviewed and selected.

In November 2006 we organized a fund raising “Evening of Entertainment” which very successfully collected a further sum of money for the kitty for future payments. We intend increasing the number of Welfare Beneficiaries to 20 in the coming year.

Any suggestions and volunteers for the success and progress of the project will be welcome.

The A.E. Christoffelsz Educational Fund - Chairperson Ms Jackie Anthonisz

During the year under review 32 children from our community who were in need of sponsorship for their education were interviewed and selected. Payments commenced with the 2nd quarter paid on 24.06.2006. The 3rd and the 4th quarters have also been paid.

These payments are made from the interest received from the A.E. Christoffelsz Educational Fund.

It is hoped to increase the number of children sponsored next year.

The A.E.Christoffelsz Educational Fund – Post Secondary Education:

Chairman – Mr. Michael Anthonisz

It is the intention of this committee to administer this programme under two schemes- one for Diplomas and short courses, where any one student would be permitted a maximum draw-down of Rs.40,000 for an year as an outright grant (non reimbursable), and the other for students following a Professional/Degree course (2 years or more duration) conducted by a recognized professional body, where the payment would be in excess of Rs.40,000/=/ Under the second scheme the amounts in excess of Rs.40,000 will be treated as an advance and repayable by the student within two years of completion of the course.
During the year only one student following Chartered Architecture received payment under this scheme.

FUND RAISERS - Chairman, Mr Nigel Austin

The Friday Jazz Programmes arranged together with Jerome Speldewinde during the period between July and December 2006 when Jerome was visiting from Australia, were a great success and very much enjoyed by our Members.

Whilst thanking Jerome and our various Sponsors who contributed to the success of these evenings, the final profit realized by the DBU was Rs. 174,403.36.

The Christmas Fantasy Dance held on 2nd December 2006 brought a further profit of Rs. 241,250.00. Here again, the Fund Raising Committee must convey their sincere appreciation to all of our valued Sponsors.

BAR & BILLIARDS - Bar Secretary, Mr Monte Holsinger

The bar operations for the year under review shows a marked improvement over that of the previous year. Evidently, the sales have been boosted primarily by the activities of the Entertainment Committee who have done a wonderful job.

There were a couple of Administrative problems, notably the discrepancy of stocks on verification but these issues have since been addressed.

The new closing hours of the bar by the Government through the Excise Department has been a body blow to this cost center and has contributed not only to restricting sales but also incurring the displeasure and even wrath of members. Members, especially those regular patrons of the bar and others with a penchant for tripping the light fantastic into the wee hours are reminded that the Committee of Management is helpless against these harsh regulations.

An Indoor Games Tournament of Billiards, Snooker and Darts was conducted in the months of November and December 2006, which went off very satisfactorily to gauge from the response of members. The results of the tournament are given below.

Champion/Champions Runner-up/Runners-up Presenter of Trophy
Darts 301 David Joachim Dorian Gray Andrew Christoffelsz
Darts-Round the Clock Dallas Martenstyn Dorian Gray
Snooker - Doubles Upali/Mahinda Seneviratne David Martenstyn/Monte
Holsinger
Billiard singles Mahinda Seneviratne M.A. Gaffoor Monte Holsinger
Snooker singles Monte Holsinger Ranjan Paiva

I wish to place on record my thanks to the Indoor Games sub-committee members, namely, Mr Andrew Christoffelsz and Mr Michael Daniels and to Mr Mohan Lourdes, our Manager, for all his assistance and helpful suggestions.

ENTERTAINMENT – Chairperson Ms Jackie Anthonisz

The Entertainment Committee organized a few functions at the beginning of 2006 and these were well attended.

With the commencement of Darlan entertaining Members and their guests every Wednesday in the upstairs Bar/Lounge area, the Committee was in agreement that no regular functions would be organized for the members. The entertainment by Darlan proved very successful and more and more members joined in the fun and games every Wednesday.

Celebration of Founder’s Day proved a big success and was enjoyed by over 90 members and their guests.

The usual Christmas dinner dance was held on a grand scale in the year under review and over 180 members and their guests participated in this function – “Christmas Fantasy”. There were two bands in attendance and those who attended this function had a fun-filled evening’s entertainment, with lots of prizes and surprises.

The locally sponsored children were invited to St. Nikolaas’ Fete on 5th December along with the DBU members’ children.

Special thanks goes to the President, Ms Kem Martenstyn who helped the Entertainment Committee and participated in every function. Thanks are also due to all the members who joined in these functions and made them the success they were.

It is hoped that more members will participate in the DBU functions in the new year.

KITCHEN – Chairman, Mr Michael Anthonisz

The daily sale of Lamprais has proved to be very popular.

The kitchen is now fully operational and a cook and an assistant cook were hired during the year. Short-eats and snacks are available during bar operating hours.

ANNUAL SALE:

The DBU Annual Christmas Sale was held on 10th December 2006. The special stall for Burgher delicacies was a roaring success as usual with all the items being snapped up within an hour or two.

DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE - Chairman Mr Mervyn Anderiesz

A Disciplinary Committee, chaired by Mr. Mervyn Andriesz- Deputy President, comprising Messrs. Vernon Muller, David Grenier, David Martenstyn, Michael Anthonisz, Nigel Austin, Monte Holsinger and Godfrey de Kretser was appointed, and met as and when required.

BURGHER MEMORIAL FUND AND THE LUCIEN DE ZILVA MEMORIAL TRUST –

Balances standing to these funds are Rs.385,392.31 and Rs.470,629.50 respectively.

DBU JOURNALS www – Co-ordinator, Mr David Colin-Thome

Stepping into the 21st Century, plans are already underway for the development of a DBU website, which will help to bridge the vast communication gap that has existed with the members of our community who have sought greener pastures.

With its own website, the DBU will be in a position to raise its profile by keeping the global Dutch Burgher community abreast with all its activities, ranging from St. Nikolaas’ Home and its social welfare programmes, to the Union’s social activities itself.

The most significant aspect of the website however, will be the digitizing of all the DBU Journals and genealogies, which will in effect ensure that these valuable resources will be preserved for eternity. Much of this information is already available on the internet through genealogical societies, but it will be a welcome development by our community, historians and genealogy enthusiasts alike, if the DBU presented this material through its own channels.

It is envisaged that the construction of the DBU website and subsequent operational costs will be fully funded through sponsorship.

GENEALOGY & ARCHIVES - Chairperson Ms Kem Martenstyn

Genealogy: The balance standing to the credit of this fund at 31.12.2006 was Rs.227,688/38.

Membership Application Forms are now sent to Dr. Malcomn Jansze for scrutiny. A member who joined as an Invitee was made a Rule 3 member as the genealogy was available at the DBU.

Members are invited to send in updates of their genealogy with the necessary documentation for publication at a future date.

Archives – Following the recommendations in the previous report some headway has been made in compiling a list of members from the inception, although there is yet a long way to go. Any suggestions that members could offer in this connection will be most welcome.

NEWSLETTER:

The monthly Newsletter under the auspices of the President was circulated to all members on a monthly basis. These newsletters which are comprehensive in scope and contents, written in an easy to read manner, are indeed a boon to all members.

SPECIAL NOTE:

We take this opportunity to laud their achievements and offer congratulations to three members of the Union namely Mr J.B. Muller, Ms Linda van Schagen and Mrs Christine Spittel Wilson for the successful launching of the books authored by them. The titles respectively are – “The Burghers”, “Ethics & Etiquette” and “Christine”. Copies of these books are at the DBU Secretariat and will be available to members for reference reading.

MISCELLANEOUS:

We are specially pleased to place on record that the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Sri Lanka hosted two of their important functions in our premises. One was their National Day Celebrations held in May 2006 and the other was an evening of Christmas Carols in December.

STAFF:

The staff at the DBU comprise Mr. Mohan Lourdes, Manager, Mrs. Etienne Jayatunge Administrative Secretary, Mr. Jerome Pereira- Barman, Mr. Errol Pietersz- Steward, Mr. Kapila Jayasundera - Office Aide, M/s Gunadasa and Peiris of the catering services and Mr Subramaniam – Gardener, also Mr Athula Ranasinghe who handles the accounts. The hall mark of their services has been devotion to duty and loyalty, for which we express our sincere thanks. We exhort them to continue their services in the self same manner in all the future years as well.

CONCLUSION:

We have now come to the end of another successful year the 99th in an unbroken series, and now stand on the threshold of the Union's Centenary which falls in 2008. This will be a momentous occasion for all concerned, and the Committee that will be elected at the next Annual General Meeting will have the privilege of planning the Centenary celebrations. This, they will no doubt do in a befitting manner.

In the meantime the earnest wish of every single member would be that the Union proceeds from strength to strength. And so be it.

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE
OF THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION OF CEYLON

Vernon Muller
Secretary

13.03.2006.

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