The island known today as Sri Lanka was first invaded by the Portuguese in 1505. After 150 years of Portuguese domination, the Dutch moved in for another 150 year spell, after which the British took over around 1815. The result of this colonisation was a hotch-potch of English-speaking descendants with European surnames that was, for convenience, classified as ‘Burgher’ from the Dutch ‘town dweller’.

Burgher culture is described as hedonistic, with Burghers always ready to ‘put a party’ or ‘put a shot!’ As with most stereotypes, I can testify that there is an element of truth in that, with our tendency to enjoy the good life (not to mention good food) without any thought to the morrow!

However, Burghers have also excelled in their fields: literature (Carl Muller, Michael Ondaatje, Michelle de Kretser, Melanie La Brooy, Michelle Wright), law (Trilby Misso, Ronnie de Kretser), music (Keith Potger of the Seekers, Chris Ludowyk, Pippa Wilson, Rob Foenander), cooking (OAM Charmaine Solomon, Geoff Jansz), sports (cricketer Graeme La Brooy), academia/politics (Professor David de Kretser), modeling/acting (Jacqueline Fernandez, Jaimie Durie), and fashion (Barefoot founder Barbara Sansoni).

Not long after Ceylon (as it was called then) gained independence from colonial rule in 1948, the Official Language Act of 1956 was enacted, which meant that the medium of education and administration was changed to Sinhala. This prompted vast numbers of Burghers to emigrate to English-speaking countries. Nevertheless, ties to their homeland remained strong as they brought the flavours of the East to their new homes in the West. Certainly, lampries and love cake are the hallmarks of any family gathering, delicacies which you can now try at Curry & Chips.

They lost a home but never their identity.

Carl Muller, Yakada Yaka