Rekindling the spirit of Burgherhood

By Laila Nasry

Outgoing, democratic and liberal in their way of life, the Burghers provided the perfect foil to the conservative society of the pre and post-independence eras. Very much a part of Sri Lanka's history, being direct descendants of the colonial masters, the Burghers made worthy contributions in all spheres of national life. 

However, this colourful race, which graced every dance and social gathering in town, is gradually facing extinction. Statistics show that in 1963, the country boasted of 46, 050 Burghers, while the recent census recorded a drop to 34,616. 

Now comes a rallying effort in the form of 'The Burgher Association' to salvage what is left of their lifestyle and preserve it for posterity. 

Though the idea for an association was mooted in 1997, it didn't get off the ground until October 13, this year. 

"Over the years the Burghers have been pulling in different directions because amongst us there have been some who believe they are more superior than others. 

" But it's time we got together and forgot our differences," says its President Maxi Rozairo, reiterating that the association is dedicated to uniting the community and regaining its lost identity. 

Unlike at the Dutch Burgher Union which admits only Dutch Burghers as full members with voting rights and the ability to hold office, the Burgher Association is calling for membership from the Portuguese, Dutch and British descendants who make up the community. "We have a common goal to uplift the community, give them a sense of identity and revive dying Burgher customs and traditions," says Rozairo. 

Life for the Burghers in Sri Lanka changed drastically in the late 1950s with the introduction of Swabasha. Upto then English was their mother tongue. "Our forefathers didn't see the need to learn Swabasha. The public service then worked in English and there were several schools run by missionaries to cater to the needs of their children." Thus the shift was unanticipated and one for which they were least prepared. 

Widespread fear set in, for it was a language very "foreign" to them. Says Rozairo in retrospect, "I don't know whether the fear was real or imaginary."

Some of them resisted the change and began looking to settle elsewhere. Britain, Australia and Canada provided greener pastures. "We lost parents, siblings and relatives. Families were divided. The ones who could cope stayed back, while the others packed and left," he says.

The unique thing about the Burghers was their ability to integrate easily with other communities. "We were always part of the festivities of the Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims. We had no problems with them. They always found us fun to be with and a good diversion from their conservative backgrounds." 

There were no hard and fast rules when it came to the Burghers. "Our girls could marry outside the community. We could pursue unconventional professions," says Rozairo, tracing his musical talents to his Burgher roots. "Life was good."

Sadly today it's "I've forgotten what it is to be a Burgher". This was one of the initial responses Rozairo received when he began inviting fellow Burghers to join the association, and one they would seek to rectify. 

Uniting the community, educating the youth and ensuring the continuance of Burgher customs and traditions are priority. The Association hopes to revive their Christmas celebrations, sit-down dinners and sing-alongs.

"It will be easier for us to raise our heads now because today most of these customs have spread to other communities," says Rozairo, adding that this also makes it all the more important for them to distinguish themselves as a race. 

The Association will promote fellowship, create opportunities for youth to meet each other and assist their less fortunate fellowmen.

It also hopes to advance the use of English in the community and go a step further by teaching it to the rest of society. "Now there seems to be a realisation of past follies and there are programmes conducted to further English," says Rozairo. 

"We have the initial teething problems any association would have," says Rozairo still in the process of establishing a constitution and finding a meeting place. 

He hopes a Burgher philanthropist would chip in.

The response has been overwhelming. "Especially among the youth who are very keen. They are looking for an identity and I think they've found it," he adds.

Come join