DBU Bulletin April 2025 (2nd Quarter)
DBU BULLETIN – APRIL 2025
CONTENTS
- From the President’s Desk
- Entertainment & Events
- Catering Services
- Members Bar & Lounge
- St. Nikolaas’ Home
- Social Welfare
- Know Your Team – Etienne Jayatunge
- DBU Guest Rooms
- DBU Hall & Meeting Room Facilities
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
April is a month of renewal in Sri Lanka. Firstly, the 20th of April 2025, marked the celebration of the risen Christ. On behalf of the principal office bearers and the general committee of the DBU, we wish our readers and your families a happy and peaceful Easter, one that is filled with hope and optimism. Six years ago, the air in our beautiful isle was filled with death and hate, and we hope that time has helped ease the pain of that dreadful morning. It should never be forgotten although the acts of a few radicalized individuals should not be allowed to cloud the central message for Easter. Celebration of the resurrection, forgiveness and new beginnings.
April in Sri Lanka also marks the new year. Whilst the transition has astrological significance, it also marks the end of the traditional harvest season and the start of the new cycle. Again, this relates to renewal and hope. To all Sri Lankans, a happy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year.
The DBU is in a period which is best described as a renaissance. Elsewhere in this report you will find snippets of activity which capture some of this revival. This includes what we do at St. Nikolaas’ Home and our social welfare work. The old lady of “Reid Avenue” is a bustle of activity not only for members but also for the public. Please do patronize our “offerings” because it helps strengthen the Union and all of what it does.
To our teams at DBU and SNH, our grateful thanks for your passion. You are the channel for all that we do, and we are thankful for your commitment.
We look forward to your continued support on this journey of the Union in Sri Lanka.
Joachim (Joey) Caspersz
President
The Dutch Burgher Union
|
Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston, the original judges and hosts of MasterChef Australia, have teamed up with Luxury Escapes to curate exclusive overseas foodie tours, exploring culinary gems in destinations like Vietnam, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Sri Lanka. These immersive tours blend visits to Michelin-starred restaurants, local eateries, and vibrant culinary markets. During their recently concluded Sri Lanka tour, Gary and Matt, who scouted various outlets the previous year, chose the iconic DBU and the renowned Ministry of Crab as the two standout restaurants for their Colombo leg. Accompanied by sixty enthusiastic foodies from Australia, the group savoured unforgettable dining experiences, celebrating Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage.
Urban Sketchers Colombo, a community of artists, recently sketched the historic DBU building during their monthly sketch walk. The colonial structure inspired diverse artworks, capturing its elegance and surrounding street life. Shared on Instagram (@urbansketcherscolombo), the vibrant sketches, featuring bold perspectives and watercolors, reflect the group’s mission to celebrate Colombo’s heritage through art.
On Valentine’s Day, the DBU transformed into an elegant silver service fine dining venue, hosting a candlelit dinner crafted entirely by its talented staff. Executive Chef Prabath Jayasekera led the culinary team with remarkable skill and passion, delivering exquisite dishes that delighted the palate. The impeccable white-glove service, which impressed all guests for its flawless execution and coordination, was expertly directed by F&B Manager Ruwan Hapuaratchchy and GM Operations Ram Prakash. The bar and cocktail service, seamlessly handled by Rohitha Nimalsiri, added a sophisticated touch to the evening. The romantic ambiance was further elevated by a violinist, saxophonist, and vocalist, whose performances perfectly complemented the refined setting, creating an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience for all.
CATERING SERVICES
In addition to our popular regular menu, we introduced themed food nights in the last half of 2024 featuring a variety of cuisines, including Indonesian, Burgers & Hot Dogs, BBQ, Surf n Turf and so on. Some of these events are highlighted in the mosaic below, adding a fresh dimension of interest for both our members and patrons, as well as our catering staff, who embrace the challenge of creating new culinary experiences. Given that our catering facility operates at full capacity, these themed nights allow us to expand our offerings without overburdening daily operations. By selectively scheduling specific themes, we maintain variety while ensuring smooth service. Moving forward, we will refine our calendar by reducing or eliminating less popular themes, introducing new concepts, and increasing the frequency of the most well-received nights.
MEMBERS BAR & LOUNGE
The beautifully refurbished colonial-era Members Bar & Lounge, with a history spanning over 110 years, has become a vibrant social hub—particularly on our popular Wednesday Nights, as well as during lunch hours and other key times. Its growing popularity is reflected in the increasing demand for DBU membership.
Please note that we have also made an adjustment to the ‘No children under 14 years after 7:00 PM’ rule. Henceforth, this rule will no longer apply on Sundays which has been designated as Family Day. For your convenience the updated Bar & Lounge Rules & Regulations are reproduced further below.
The air-conditioned Heritage Bar, pictured below, is also available for exclusive private functions on all days except Wednesdays. The bar can seat approximately 20 guests and comfortably accommodate up to 25 people for a standing gathering. There is no booking fee, with the only requirement being a minimum spend of Rs. 60,000.
ST. NIKOLAAS’ HOME
April is an eagerly awaited month at St. Nikolaas’ Home, as residents and staff come together to celebrate both Easter and the Sinhala & Tamil New Year, filling the atmosphere with joy and festivity. The VOC Café served a special Easter Lunch for the ladies, featuring fried rice, prawn curry, and other side dishes prepared by the cafe staff. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year was celebrated as usual with lots of excitement and fun, bringing the community together in a lively and heartfelt celebration.
Future Plans for St. Nikolaas’ Home
The SNH Sub-Committee is set to embark on several key projects to enhance the Home’s facilities and overall environment:
- Facility Expansion – A new three-story building will be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 125 million, generously funded by a magnanimous donor. The building plans and budget have been approved by both the donor and the DBU, and we are now awaiting local authority approvals to commence work.
- Dining Area Enhancement – Expansion and improvement of the dining facilities to provide a more comfortable and spacious environment.
- Security & Accessibility Upgrades – Installation of a new entrance gate and construction of a security post at the entry point.
- Infrastructure Improvements – Paving of the entrance path and the rear footpath from the café outlet to the kitchen.
- Aesthetic & Structural Enhancements – Replacement of the metal grills on the buildings with wooden ones.
- Waste Management – Upgrading the garbage disposal system.
- VOC Café Collaboration – Assisting with the launch and operation of the VOC Café outlet.
Upon completion of these initiatives, St. Nikolaas’ Home will stand as a premier retirement facility, offering our resident ladies the comfort and dignity they truly deserve.
We invite our members to support these initiatives or consider sponsoring a meal in memory of a loved one. Meal sponsorships are currently available at Rs. 45,000 per meal for all the residents and staff.
SOCIAL WELFARE
The DBU is more than just a club for members; it is a community club with much broader objectives. Uniquely among clubs in Colombo, the Union aims to care for and improve the welfare of those in our community who need assistance.
As you are aware, the challenging economic climate in Sri Lanka makes it difficult for some in our community to meet their daily needs. The DBU, along with many local and overseas donors, supports these individuals, particularly:
Elderly folk with reduced means to meet their basic needs.
Children requiring financial assistance for their schooling.
Additionally, the DBU has a scheme (funds permitting) for aiding children with the costs of advanced or specialized studies. Members and significant donors from overseas are already engaged in these sponsorships, and the DBU is grateful for your generosity.
However, there are increasing requests from our community to expand the current sponsorship schemes to assist more individuals.
The DBU invites you to consider taking on any of the following sponsorships for an initial period of 2 years:
A quarterly sponsorship for elderly individuals of LKR 6,000 per quarter per individual.
A quarterly sponsorship for children of LKR 5,000 per quarter per child.
A combination of (1) and (2) or multiple sponsorships are also welcome.
If you are willing to extend a helping hand, or if you are already assisting and wish to take on additional sponsorships, please email Julia or Etienne at admin@dbu1908.com.
The DBU looks forward to a positive response to this appeal.
KNOW YOUR TEAM
GUEST ROOMS
DBU Guest Rooms
The DBU now offers six well-appointed guest rooms available for booking by both members and the public. Located on the second floor of our historic, newly refurbished facility on Reid Avenue (now Philip Gunawardena Mawatha) in the heart of Colombo, these smart, modern, and comfortable rooms feature en suite bathrooms and can accommodate individuals, couples, or families.
Designed to provide the comforts of a star-class hotel, the rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a mini refrigerator, tea and coffee-making facilities, in-room safes for valuables, and 24-hour security and maintenance. Ample parking is also available. However, unlike an impersonal hotel, the DBU guest rooms offer a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a charming guest house—true to the Burgher tradition of hospitality.
Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the Members’ Lounge on the first floor, where they can host friends and family. Additionally, the VOC Café on the ground floor, as well as the Lounge, offer a variety of food and beverages throughout the day, including traditional Burgher fare.
The Standard and Deluxe rooms are competitively priced between US$ 60 and US$ 80 per night, inclusive of government taxes and service charges but excluding meals. A long-stay discount is available for non-members. DBU members receive a significant discount on their own room bookings; however, this does not apply to additional rooms or bookings made on behalf of others. This special discount cannot be combined with any other promotional offers the DBU may introduce.
At the DBU, we promise warm, homely hospitality combined with modern comforts, all within an ambiance rich in Burgher heritage. We look forward to welcoming you on your next visit.
For enquiries and bookings, please email reservations@dbu1908.com.
HALL & MEETING ROOM FACILITIES
Host Your Next Event at the DBU
Looking for the perfect venue for your next corporate or private event? The DBU Hall offers an elegant and versatile space ideal for seminars, conferences, product launches, cocktails, dinners, luncheons, birthdays, and anniversaries. Reservations are open to both DBU members and the public.
With exceptional service and a diverse selection of menu options, we ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests. Whether it’s a formal gathering or a special celebration, our team is dedicated to delivering the finest hospitality.
For inquiries and reservations, contact us at 0765 77 77 88.
DBU Meeting Room – The Perfect Space for Your Business Needs
Our well-appointed and modern meeting room is designed to provide a professional and comfortable setting for your business discussions, presentations, and gatherings. Equipped with a large-screen TV and full catering services from the VOC Café, we ensure a seamless experience for you and your guests.
With a seating capacity of 15–18 at the main table and additional seating available, the space is ideal for board meetings, team discussions, and private consultations. Reservations are open to both DBU members and the public, making it an accessible and convenient choice for all.
For inquiries and reservations, contact us today at 0764 273 792.
