**Africans in Sri Lanka**
**Definition**
Africans in Sri Lanka, often referred to as the Kaffirs, are a small ethnic group descended from African slaves and soldiers brought to the island during the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods. They have contributed to the cultural mosaic of Sri Lanka, particularly in music, dance, and language, while maintaining distinct elements of their African heritage.
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## Introduction
Africans in Sri Lanka represent a unique and historically significant community whose origins trace back to the transoceanic movements during the European colonial era. Although their numbers are relatively small compared to other ethnic groups on the island, their cultural and historical impact is notable. This article explores the origins, history, cultural contributions, and contemporary status of Africans in Sri Lanka.
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## Historical Background
### Origins and Arrival
The African presence in Sri Lanka began primarily during the 16th and 17th centuries, coinciding with the Portuguese and Dutch colonial occupations of the island. The Portuguese, who arrived in Sri Lanka in 1505, were the first Europeans to bring African slaves and soldiers to the island. These Africans were mostly from East Africa, particularly from regions corresponding to modern-day Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya.
The Dutch, who took control of coastal Sri Lanka from the Portuguese in the mid-17th century, continued this practice, bringing more Africans to serve as soldiers, laborers, and domestic workers. These Africans were collectively referred to as „Kaffirs,” a term derived from the Arabic word „kafir,” meaning non-believer, but which in this context came to denote Africans. The term is now considered outdated and offensive in many contexts but remains a historical identifier in Sri Lanka.
### Role During Colonial Period
Africans in Sri Lanka were employed in various capacities by the colonial powers. Many served as soldiers in the colonial armies, valued for their martial skills and loyalty. Others worked as laborers on plantations, in households, or as artisans. Over time, they settled in coastal areas, particularly in the northwest and southern parts of the island, including towns such as Puttalam, Kalpitiya, and Trincomalee.
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## Demographics and Distribution
The African-descended population in Sri Lanka is estimated to number in the low thousands, though exact figures are difficult to ascertain due to assimilation and intermarriage with other ethnic groups. The community is primarily concentrated in coastal regions, with notable populations in:
– **Puttalam District**: A significant number of African descendants reside here, maintaining some cultural traditions.
– **Kalpitiya Peninsula**: Historically a settlement area for Africans brought by the Portuguese and Dutch.
– **Trincomalee**: Another coastal area with a small African-descended community.
Due to centuries of intermarriage with Sinhalese, Tamils, and Moors, many individuals of African descent have integrated into the broader Sri Lankan society, often identifying with other ethnic groups.
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## Language and Identity
Africans in Sri Lanka historically spoke a creole language known as Sri Lankan Kaffir language, which combined elements of Portuguese, Dutch, Sinhalese, Tamil, and African languages. This language served as a marker of identity and cultural cohesion within the community. However, the language is now nearly extinct, with only a few elderly speakers remaining.
Today, most descendants of Africans in Sri Lanka speak Sinhala or Tamil as their first language and have largely assimilated linguistically. Despite this, some cultural practices and oral traditions continue to preserve aspects of their African heritage.
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## Culture and Traditions
### Music and Dance
One of the most enduring legacies of Africans in Sri Lanka is their contribution to the island’s musical and dance traditions. The community is credited with introducing distinctive rhythms, instruments, and dance forms that have influenced Sri Lankan folk culture.
– **Kaffir Baila**: A popular music genre in Sri Lanka, Baila has roots in African rhythms brought by the Kaffirs. It is characterized by lively beats, call-and-response singing, and the use of instruments such as the violin, guitar, and percussion.
– **Traditional Dances**: African-descended communities perform dances that incorporate African movements and rhythms, often during festivals and social gatherings.
### Religion and Social Practices
Africans in Sri Lanka historically practiced a blend of Christianity, introduced by the Portuguese, and indigenous beliefs. Over time, many have adopted the dominant religions of the island, including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, depending on their region and intermarriage patterns.
Socially, the community has maintained a strong sense of identity through family networks, oral histories, and cultural events, despite pressures to assimilate.
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## Contemporary Status
### Socioeconomic Conditions
Today, Africans in Sri Lanka are generally integrated into the broader society but often face challenges related to economic opportunities and social recognition. Many work in fishing, agriculture, and small-scale trade, particularly in coastal areas.
Efforts to document and preserve the history and culture of Africans in Sri Lanka have increased in recent decades, with scholars and community leaders advocating for greater awareness and inclusion.
### Cultural Revival and Recognition
There has been a growing interest in the heritage of Africans in Sri Lanka, both within the community and among academics. Cultural festivals, music performances, and research projects aim to revive and celebrate the unique identity of this group.
Governmental and non-governmental organizations have occasionally supported initiatives to promote the history and culture of Africans in Sri Lanka, though the community remains relatively marginalized in national discourse.
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## Challenges and Issues
### Identity and Assimilation
One of the primary challenges facing Africans in Sri Lanka is the preservation of their distinct identity amid widespread assimilation. Intermarriage and the dominance of Sinhala and Tamil cultures have diluted many traditional practices and languages.
### Discrimination and Marginalization
Historically, Africans in Sri Lanka have experienced social marginalization and discrimination, partly due to their minority status and distinct appearance. While overt discrimination has decreased, issues of social inclusion and representation persist.
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## Conclusion
Africans in Sri Lanka constitute a small but culturally significant community whose history reflects the complex interactions of colonialism, migration, and cultural exchange. Despite challenges related to assimilation and marginalization, their contributions to Sri Lankan culture, particularly in music and dance, remain vibrant. Continued efforts to document and celebrate their heritage are essential to preserving this unique facet of Sri Lanka’s diverse social fabric.
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## See Also
– History of Sri Lanka
– Portuguese colonization of Sri Lanka
– Dutch colonization of Sri Lanka
– Baila music
– Afro-Asian communities
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## References
*Note: This article is based on historical and ethnographic research on Africans in Sri Lanka. For detailed academic references, consult specialized texts on Sri Lankan history and Afro-Asian studies.*
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**Meta Description:**
Africans in Sri Lanka, known as the Kaffirs, are a small ethnic group descended from African slaves and soldiers brought during colonial times. They have contributed notably to Sri Lankan culture, especially in music and dance.