ICES will be hosting a panel discussion and performance to raise awareness on the diversity of Ceylon Kaffirs in the Puttalam district and Sri Lanka more generally in order to foster dialogue between scholars who have carried out various social scientific investigations into the history, culture, and contemporary situations of Ceylon Kaffirs. The event will also provide a lesser known Ceylon Kaffir group from Kalpitiya an opportunity to share their experiences and music, while engaging with scholars. The dialogue will include panelists Dr. Lionel Mandy (California State University, Long Beach), Dr. Hugo Cardoso (University of Lisbon), Ms. Nirosha Kulasekara (University of Colombo) and a representative from the Sri Lankan Kaffirs, who will discuss issues related to the identity, culture, history and politics of the Sri Lankan Kaffirs. This will be followed by a performance of manja by the group of Kaffirs from Kalpitiya.