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We may be Burgher by heritage, but first and foremost, we are 110% Sri Lankan Source : pressreader “Most of us do not dwell on the past as what’s happened, has happened”, said Mr. David Colin-thomé, President of The Dutch Burgher Union (DBU), speaking on the Burgher community’s identity in an island nation with a troubled history. “We’re 110 per cent Sri Lankan,” he added. We spoke to David about the Burgher community’s perspectives leading up to Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day, at the iconic DBU premises, where the organisation’s Treasurer, Mr. Malory David was also present. The pair explained how, after independence, in particular after the Sinhala Only Act of 1956, the Burgher community in Sri Lanka progressively decreased in numbers as they migrated (primarily) to Australia through the 1950s, 60s and 70s. “From being one of the four prominent ethnic groups along with the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims, the ...