Review - The Burghers by J B Muller

This was a history lesson for me on a community which has been around from the time the Portuguese came into Sri Lanka - first for trade and then for conversions to the Roman Catholic faith. They were followed by the Dutch, and lastly the British. Apart from these three races there was a mixed bunch of

Poles, Russians, Germans, Swiss, French origin who all contributed to the race of Sri Lankan Burghers a very interesting bunch of people.

Distinctive in looks (most of the time) lighter color of skin, sometimes green, sometimes blue eyes, brownish hair in the past the Burghers were eminent in the police, judiciary and civil administration mainly because of their knowledge of the English language. They also contributed in no small measure to art, drama and dance. A very fun loving people they enjoyed music and dance on all occasions. Their food is wonderful and consists of all that is good and is today a sort of fusion cooking combining the best of the West and the East.

This was an interesting read. I was able to identify names and ancestors of several friends. This book is in fact winging its way to Melbourne as one of my friends would be so happy to read about her ancestors whom she never knew about before this!