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3. Originating from East Africa, the Kaffirs were brought to Sri Lanka not just
by Arab and Portuguese traders of old, but also by the Dutch as
slaves. Additionally, the Dutch and the English brought thousands upon
thousands of these East Africans to strengthen their regiments while in Sri
Lanka. However, their numbers currently stand at 1,500 or less today.
Many are said to have returned to their native lands, or perished during
numerous battles which took place in Ceylons past.
Concentrated around the coastal areas, the Kaffirs of Sri Lanka are scattered
around Sirambi Adi in Puttalam, Pallai Uththu in Trincomalee, and in Kalpitiya,
Batticaloa and Negombo. A unique characteristic amongst the community
many who have now intermarried with other Sri Lankan ethnicitiesis the fact
that some of them speak in Portuguese Creole in addition to Sinhalese and
Tamil. Theyve also carried forward a tradition of song and dance particular to
their culture, known as Manja.
The Dutch Burghers
The Sindhis first arrived in the mid 1800s for trade. They established themselves
around Fort and Pettah, selling silks and artefacts before becoming wholesale
businessmen. Currently, many Sindhis still work in three main business sectors:
hotel, industry, and retail.
Stay tuned for part II, where we will explore more Sri Lankan minorities.