Noteworthy Names: The Top 10 Burghers People You Should Know

Burghers, also known as Sri Lankan Burghers, are a mixed-race community in Sri Lanka with Portuguese, Dutch, and British ancestry. Over the years, they have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, arts, and sports. Here are 10 popular celebrities and notable people from the Burgher ethnic group:

• Geoffrey Bawa: Considered one of Sri Lanka’s most influential architects, Bawa is renowned for his tropical modernist style. He played a crucial role in shaping the architectural landscape of Sri Lanka.
• Tisca Chopra: Born to a Punjabi Hindu mother and a Sri Lankan Burgher father, Tisca Chopra is an Indian actress who has appeared in several Bollywood and Telugu films. She is known for her versatile performances.
• Carl Muller: Muller was a Sri Lankan Burgher writer who gained international acclaim for his trilogy “The Jam Fruit Tree,” “Yakada Yaka,” and “Once Upon a Tender Time.” His works provide insightful portrayals of Sri Lankan life during colonial and post-independence periods.
• Mark Pieris: Pieris is a prominent lawyer and legal scholar of Burgher descent. He has served as a judge of the Court of Appeal of Sri Lanka and is known for his expertise in constitutional and administrative law.
• Iranganie Serasinghe: An accomplished actress, Serasinghe is known for her roles in Sri Lankan cinema. She has won numerous awards for her performances and made significant contributions to the film industry.
• Princess Elizabeth Christina: A member of the Sri Lankan royal family’s Burgher branch, Princess Elizabeth Christina was known for her charitable work and social activism. She played a vital role in promoting education and healthcare in Sri Lanka.
• Chris Harris: Harris is a former Sri Lankan cricketer who represented the national team as an opening batsman. He played a key role in Sri Lanka’s successful cricket campaign during the 1996 Cricket World Cup.
• Priyanga Burford: Born to a Sri Lankan father and British mother of Burgher descent, Priyanga Burford is a talented actress known for her roles in theater, television, and film. She has appeared in numerous acclaimed productions in the United Kingdom.
• Eric S. Illayapparachchi: Illayapparachchi is a renowned Sri Lankan researcher and physician of Burgher origin. He has made significant contributions to medical sciences, particularly in the field of genetics.
• John Amaratunga: A seasoned politician, Amaratunga served in various government positions, including a ministerial role in Sri Lanka. He played a significant role in the implementation of development projects and represented the interests of his constituents.

Burghers’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Burghers community, also known as the Burgher people, is a unique ethnic group in Sri Lanka. Their heritage originates from the Dutch and Portuguese traders who arrived on the island during the colonial era. Over the centuries, the Burghers have developed a diverse cultural identity, which is reflected in their language, customs, and traditions.

Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Burghers heritage:

• Eurasian Ancestry: The Burghers are descendants of intermarriages between European colonizers, predominantly the Dutch and Portuguese, and local Sri Lankans. This mixed heritage has created a population with diverse physical appearances and cultural influences. The Burghers often have European surnames and exhibit a blend of Western and Sri Lankan customs.
• Creole Language: One of the distinct features of the Burghers community is the use of a Creole language known as Sri Lanka Portuguese Creole. This language developed as a result of the intermingling between the Portuguese and local Sri Lankan languages. It incorporates elements from Portuguese, Dutch, Malay, Sinhala, and Tamil. Although it is no longer widely spoken, efforts have been made to preserve this unique linguistic heritage.
• Delicious Cuisine: The Burghers are renowned for their delectable cuisine, which is a fusion of European and Sri Lankan flavors. Staple dishes include lamprais, which consists of rice and various curries wrapped in a banana leaf, and breudher, a rich Dutch Christmas cake. The Burgher community has also contributed to the popularization of dishes such as bol fiado (a meat pie) and frikkadels (meatballs).

The Burghers community continues to cherish and celebrate their cultural heritage through various festivals, social gatherings, and organizations. They have made significant contributions to the arts, music, and sports in Sri Lanka, enriching the country’s cultural landscape. The unique blend of European and Sri Lankan influences has shaped the identity of the Burghers, making them an integral part of Sri Lanka’s multicultural society.

Factsheet About Burghers People

Burghers Ethnicity: References and Resources

References and resources to explore and learn more about the Burghers ethnic group in Sri Lanka include:

• Research Articles: Academic and research articles can provide in-depth insights into the history, culture, and identity of the Burghers in Sri Lanka. Some reputable academic journals and databases that contain relevant articles include the Journal of Asian Studies, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, and Social Identities.
• Books: There are several books available that delve into the history and experiences of the Burgher community in Sri Lanka. Some notable titles include “Burghers of Sri Lanka: The Burgher Community and Its Role in the Sri Lankan Society” by Rajpal Kumar, “Mixed Blessings: A Burgher Life” by Bertram Fernando and Gillian E. Fernando, and “Out of the Ordinariness: The Extraordinary Burghers of Sri Lanka” by Pauline Cataldo.
• Museums and Cultural Centers: The Burgher community has made significant contributions to Sri Lankan culture and history. Visiting museums and cultural centers that focus on Sri Lanka’s multicultural heritage can provide valuable insights into the Burgher community’s traditions, cuisine, and lifestyle. The Dutch Burgher Union Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is one such institution that showcases the history and culture of the Burghers.
• Online Communities and Websites: Joining online communities and exploring dedicated websites can connect individuals interested in the Burgher culture and provide a platform for sharing experiences and knowledge. The Burgher Association Sri Lanka, for example, is an organization that aims to preserve and promote the Burgher heritage in Sri Lanka.
• Archives and Oral Histories: Historical archives and oral history collections can offer firsthand accounts and narratives of the Burgher community’s experiences. Exploring archives, such as the National Archives of Sri Lanka, and seeking out recorded interviews or personal memoirs can provide unique insights into the past and present of the Burghers.

By utilizing these references and resources, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of the Burgher ethnic group, their rich history, and their contributions to Sri Lankan society.

Delve into the lives of prominent individuals with Asmat, Alutiiq, and African-American roots, illustrating the rich tapestry of ethnic diversity. Exploring the achievements of influential figures tied to these Burghers roots offers valuable insights into the global interplay of cultures and their meaningful contributions to our world.