Dutch Burgher Union

The object of the Union shall be: (a) To promote the moral, intellectual, and social well-being of the Dutch descendants in Ceylon. (b) To inculcate in the minds of the youth of the community principles of self-help, self-reliance, and thrift; to foster and encourage by financial aid, when necessary; talent and industry in those who are deserving; and to relieve, by charitable help, distress and want among those of the community who maybe in destitute circumstances. (c) To revive and conserve some of the useful and beneficial customs of the Dutch ancestors of its members; and to promote the study of the Dutch language among them. (d) To promote and foster a feeling of fellowship among its members, and to draw their families into closer association with each other. (e) To gather by degrees a library for the use of the Union composed of all obtainable books and papers relating to the Dutch occupation of Ceylon, and standard works in Dutch literature. (f) To cause to be prepared and read at meetings of its members, or printed and published, papers, essays, etc., on questions relating to the history and origin of the Dutch Burghers of Ceyion, and to publish the genealogies of Dutch families now in Ceylon. (g) To prepare and publish a memorial history of the Dutch in Ceylon descriptive of their social life and customs, their methods of administration, and the influence of these upon existing institutions in the Island. (h) To consider and discuss any other matters kindred to the above enumerated objects which may commend themselves to the Union.