The Dutch Godfather:

Herman Theodorus Steur

The first death anniversary of Herman Theodorus Steur, a highly respected philanthropist falls on March 25, 2013. He died on his way home to Netherland. He was laid to rest on April 9, 2012 at the St Joseph's Cemetery in Pamunugama amidst a large distinguished gathering. He was 82 at the time of his demise and Sri Lanka was his second home. He was born on April 26, 1932 with a twin sister in the Netherlands. Herman was a very successful businessman in this country. He arrived in Sri Lanka in 1979 to establish a shrimp exporting company in the ‘Greater Colombo Economic Commission’ now known as the BOI.

But his destiny changed him to becoming a philanthropist helping the poorest of the poor in our country. He launched projects to shelter roofless destitute elders and to educate youth whose parents were less privileged.

Herman Steur implored his well-to-do friends in Holland and secured funds, in order to perform meritorious acts to Sri Lankans. One would wonder why on earth this Dutch National helped people in Sri Lanka. This was because he loved Sri Lanka and her people. Herman Theodorus Steur was a hefty white man with a golden heart.

Initiation of his charity began when he witnessed the death of a poor fisherman one evening in early 1980 in Uswetakeiyawa where he was residing. The spouse of the deceased was helpless at the sudden death. Her fingers were crossed for want of funds to meet the funeral expenses. Steur bore the full funeral expenses and decided that it was fit to help the poor and deserving needy rather than investing monies in his export oriented 'Steur Products'.

He discussed the matter with the Rev. Fr. Lucien Dep the parish priest of St. Joseph's Church in Pamunugama. Fr. Dep advised Herman that it was prudent to offer financial assistance to the needy, after proper investigations.

The programme was launched as 'Holland-Sri Lanka Family Help Programme'. Steur was the Founder President and Rev. Fr. Lucien Dep was the Chairman. The duo drew up a constitution to implement this programme efficiently and vibrantly island wide.

Since they started receiving funds from Belgium and the USA as well, they changed the name to 'Family Help Programme'.

The first beneficiary of the programme was Nasnampattige Mary Margret, the widow of the deceased fisherman. Today FHP has adopted around 4,000 families and the aged numbering 3,000. Herman visited may parishes in the island in the early 1980s in order to form local committees to sustain FHP.

He addressed newly elected local committees and enlightened the members selected, of ways and means of helping the ‘Poorest of the Poor'. I was very impressed over his sterling qualities. Our local committee was administered by Rev. Fr. Rohan de Alwis the then Parish Priest of St James’ Church, Mutuwal.

His scheme was to offer monthly financial aid to widows, deserted mothers over 35 yrs with children under 21 yrs of age.

Herman Theodorus Steur was awarded the national honour of ‘Sri Lanka Ramya’ in appreciation of his invaluable service to the Poorest of the Poor by then President Ranasinghe Premadasa on May 22, 1993. In addition to helping the poor financially, FHP helps many homes for the aged, funds the construction of community halls, libraries, computer centres, pre-schools, vocational training centres and dental clinics in many parts of the country.

Furthermore, FHP launched a scholarship scheme for poor university students.

In the year 1994 Herman constructed a home for roofless destitute elders and named it as ‘Netherland's Welcome Village’ at Wilagedara in Gonawila. The road leading to this village was named 'Herman Steur Mawatha'.

This home was declared opened by the then Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranayake in 1996.The welcome village provides healthcare, food, shelter and a new life in a relaxed environment for the aged, free of any charge. At present there is a population of around 350 inmates. It comprises a chapel for Christians and shrine rooms for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. He set up a fund for tsunami victims after visiting several devastated regions.

So many material support were provided to affected people. Around 2,500 houses were built in the Eastern coastal belt for tsunami victims.

His demise is an irreparable, irreplaceable and irrepressible loss to a country like Sri Lanka. Those who associated with him will never forget his sterling qualities. He enlivened those around him with his compassion and light banter. May the soul of Herman Theodorus Steur Rest in Peace!

J. Bertram Fernando

He had a kind heart and smiling faceP:

Hilme Khali

Hilme Khalid was a person who won the hearts of the people of Mutuwal in Colombo. He was generous and intimately associated with everyone. He also possessed a kind heart, a smiling face and was a great character. On November 4 last year, everyone in Mutuwal shed tears for this man who associated them irrespective of religion or creed. Hilme Khalid bid goodbye to his family, friends and this world. Memories of him will never fade from our hearts.

He received a special CD from A.H.M. Azwer MP at the Geeth Raath programme held at the J.R. Jayawardene Center. He was the proprietor of Great Shipping (Pvt) Ltd., and a trustee of the Mutuwal Jummah Mosque.

He assumed responsible positions in many other mosques and fulfilled his obligations sincerely and diligently.

He performed social service to the needy. People from all around the country participated at his janaza. “A great man who has not harmed anyone and who has never refused to help others” were the words of everyone who were present.

Among the special guests who participated at the Geeth Raath program, Parliamentarian A.H.M. Azwer, ANCL Editorial Director Seelarathna Senarath and ITN Director Hashim Omar conveyed their condolence to his family. May Allah grant him the highest position in the heaven by showering mercy on him!

M.J. Kalaikkamal