This inaugural gathering is inspired by Mohammed Nadhir (Ned) Dean’s life-long commitment to honour human dignity and his love for Sri Lanka. It is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Sithie Tiruchelvam and Dr. Neelan Tiruchelvam. A humanitarian and scholar, Dr. Turchelvam was a protector and promoter of human rights, peace, and good government. Founder of the International Centre for Ethnic Studies, he was assassinated in 1999. His wife, Sithie Turchelvam and devoted colleagues and friends continued with Dr. Tiruchelvam’s mission, in the very space we will be gathering. As we convene, we will remember Alexander Bain’s words as he delivered his speech at the 2022 Leland Memorial Lectures.