The present movement was initiated by an informal meeting held at the Lindsay Lecture Hall, Bambalapitiya, on 12th November 1907, at which a large number of both ladies and gentlemen were present. The proceedings commenced by Mr H. van Cuylenburg being called to the chair. Mr R.G. Anthonisz gave a brief explanation of the objects of the meeting. At the conclusion of his address the following resolution was moved by Mr Horace de Kretser: “That this meeting is of opinion that a Union of the Dutch Burghers of Ceylon, with the object of promoting the moral, social and intellectual well-being of the community, was very desirable”. This was seconded and carried unanimously.
Mr J.E. Christoffelsz proposed that the following gentlemen, with power to add to their number, may be appointed a Committee to frame rules, enroll members and carry out the preliminary arrangements for the formation of such a Union, viz. Drs L.A. Prins and Andreas Nell, and Messrs. F.J.T. Foenander, E.A. vanderStraaten, G.E. Leembruggen, R.G. Anthonisz, C. Speldewinde, Horace de Kretser, F.H. de Vos, R.A. Brohier jr., Allan Drieberge, P.H. Ebell, Edgar Schokman, W.B. Toussaint, Colin Kriekenbeek, H.P. Beling, Lloyd Siebel, W.S. Christoffelsz, Sam de Heer, C. Albrecht and W.E.V. de Rooy.