News and Events

Centenary Celebrations

A very special event was commemorated at the DBU on 18th January 2008, when the Union celebrated 100 years of its existence. For, it was on this very day in 1908 that the inaugural Meeting of the DBU was held and the DUTCH BURGHER UNION OF CEYLON saw the light of day.

The evening’s proceedings began with a Commemorative Meeting of the General Committee, Chaired by the President Mrs. Kem Martenstyn. In a brief Address she expressed great satisfaction for the pioneering spirit of the Founding Fathers; and wished the Union great success in all the years that lie ahead.

After a group photograph of the Committee taken on the lawn of the front garden, Members were welcomed to the Cocktail Party that followed. The gaily illuminated and flood-lit front lawn was almost like a fairyland, and provided an ideal backdrop to the evening's entertainment. It was heartwarming to see members as they moved around enjoying the ambience of the delightful surroundings mingling together and forging new friendships and strengthening existing ties. This all amounted to the realistic manner in achieving some of the objects and aspirations for which the DBU was founded

The Cocktail party was hosted in Buffet style and the Buffet table itself bore a spread of the most delectable refreshments which added spice to the flavour of a special occasion. Kumar Molligoda delighted the guests with the music provided by him on the saxophone and this added to the camaraderie.
President Mrs. Kem Martenstyn in her welcome speech lauded the efforts of the late Mr. R.G. Anthonisz and his team for their wisdom and foresight in founding the Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon which has stood the test of time for 100 years, and is still on a footing firm enough to last many more centuries. She exhorted the members of the Burgher community in Sri Lanka to rally round the Union and honour its Motto "Eendracht Maakt Macht" which means Unity Is Strength.

All credit for the meticulous planning and execution of this event falls squarely on our President Mrs. Kem Martenstyn, who in her inimitable style no doubt burnt the midnight oil in an effort to make this unique event the grand and memorable success it was.

By Anthea & Vernon Muller