Abstract:
The Afrikans* currently living in Sri Lanka are a diverse group. Some are students, some are
members of diplomatic missions and embassies. Most of these Afrikans intend to return to
their home countries once they have attained their goals in Sri Lanka. Those Afrikans who
have lived in Sri Lanka for most if not all of their lives have a different and fascinating
history. It starts with their origins, which are often unclear. It continues with the name used
to classify them- ‗Kaffir‘ (Kapiri in Sinhala)- which is a derogatory term. This history
includes the capture, forced migration, and enslavement of their ancestors by Afrikan, Arab,
Portuguese, Dutch, and British profiteers and by wealthy Sri Lankan and Indian royalty,
merchants, and landholders. It continues with success in surviving and prospering in a
foreign land amidst differing cultures, languages, and holding a different status within the
caste systems in Sri Lanka. And as we view the Afrikan Sri Lankans today, we see them in
communities in various parts of Sri Lanka. They are continuing to assimilate successfully
into the larger society while, in many cases, retaining distinctive Afrikan physical features
and cultural forms. This presentation discusses the Afrikan Sri Lankans through an Afrikancentered
lens that focuses on their history, present situations, and futures from their own
perspective. Afrikan-centered theory uses Afrikan values as theoretical and experiential
frameworks through which to understand the trials and triumphs of Afrikan peoples wherever
they are found. Photos of members of the various communities will be used to illustrate
aspects of the assimilation and acculturation processes in which they are engaged. Questions
that remain unanswered regarding their past will be raised and discussed.
*The spelling of ‗Afrikans‘ with a ‗k‘ rather than with a ‗c‘ as in ‗Africans‘ is purposely
done. Its use is explained in the paper.
