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| Sunday, 5 May 2002 |
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Netherlands queen confers award of distinction on two Lankans by Carol Aloysius Two Sri Lankan scholars widely recognised for their outstanding contribution in promoting bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, have received one of the highest awards conferred on civilians by the queen of The Netherlands, on the occasion of Queen's Day, the official birthday of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.. Ms. Deloraine Brohier and Dr K.D Paranawitharne were decorated with the Royal Honour attached to the Order of Orange Nassau by the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka , Mrs Susan Th. Blankhart at a simple investiture ceremony held at the residence of the Ambassador. "It came as a complete surprise to me" Deloraine Brohier told the 'Sunday Observer'." I had received an invitation from the ambassador asking me to drop in for drinks at her residence, with a couple of friends or relations. I had no idea that it would turn out to be a ceremony to bestow this high honour on me". Nonetheless the royal honour given her was a particularly 'happy surprise' she admits, since it , " brought back memories of my father (Dr. R.L. Brohier) who also received this honour in 1979", a rare co-incidence according to knowledgeable sources." In fact , she says," a friend of mine who rang to congratulate me told me."Two people will be particularly happy for you - your late father and mother wherever they may be! ". This is not the first time that Ms Brohier has followed in the footsteps of her father and shared similar distinctions. Nearly half a century after her father was elected to the prestigious post of President of the Dutch Burgher Union, his daughter shared the same honour when she was elected President of the D.B.U last year.The distinction was doubly outstanding because she was also the first woman to head this eminent organisation, inaugurated in 1908. A former teacher, broadcaster, and travel writer , Deloraine Brohier has led a chequered life serving on a number of NGOs as well as on the Sri Lanka Tourist Board after she retired from her service at the UNDP. But her over-riding passion throughout her life, she admits has been ," to keep alive the traditions, customs and heritage left behind by my Dutch ancestors. As she says, " My community has been very much part of this country. My hope is that we would continue to play a part in blending with other communities to enhance the betterment of the country as a whole". Ms. Brohier's honour, according to the citation was, due to her " inexhaustible efforts to preserve and raise awareness regarding the mutual heritage that Sri lanka and the Netherlands share" ,a while Dr Paranawitharne received his honour for his , " academic and archival work on the historical relations between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka resulting in a highly improved insight into both cultures and their interaction". The Royal distinctions were conferred in connection with the fact that this year marks four hundred years of bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. |
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