In a major nod to Sri Lanka’s cultural and linguistic heritage, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially added several Sri Lankan-origin words to its latest June 2025 update.
Among the notable inclusions is the term “asweddumise”, which describes the act of preparing land for paddy cultivation. With roots in Sinhala and a long history in the island’s agricultural and land reform lexicon, the word was first recorded in 1857. It has now found its place in the world’s most authoritative dictionary after years of persistent lobbying by Sri Lankan scholars.
Celebrating the island’s culinary identity, they have added “kottu roti”, the famous street food made from chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and aromatic spices. The dish is instantly recognizable by the rhythmic clatter of metal blades used during its preparation.
Also making the list is “mallung”, a traditional side dish made of finely shredded greens tossed with coconut and spices, and “kiribath”, the creamy coconut milk rice that graces celebratory tables during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
In a broader cultural context, the term “Avurudu referring to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, celebrated every April with rituals, traditional games, and festive meals, has also gained recognition.
Sri Lanka’s diverse musical heritage is represented with the inclusion of “baila”, an energetic music genre influenced by Portuguese traditions, and “papare”, a spirited brass band style often heard at cricket grounds and public gatherings.
Other entries highlight traditional fashion and heritage. “Walawwa” refers to a grand ancestral home or manor house, historically the seat of Sri Lankan aristocracy. Meanwhile, osari” is a traditional sari style worn by Sinhalese women, noted for its unique midriff frill and elegant draping.
According to Oxford University Press, these additions reflect the growing global recognition of Sri Lanka’s linguistic and cultural contributions.
The full list of newly added Sri Lankan words includes:
Kottu Roti – Street food dish made with chopped flatbread, meat, and spices
Kiribath – Rice cooked in coconut milk, typically served during celebrations
Watalappam – Rich coconut-based dessert flavored with jaggery and spices
Mallung – Sautéed greens mixed with grated coconut and seasoning
Asweddumise – Verb describing the preparation of land for rice cultivation
Baila – Lively genre of music with colonial Portuguese roots
Papare – Festive brass band music, often heard at sporting events
Avurudu – Traditional New Year festival celebrated in April
Walawwa – Ancestral manor house or estate residence
Osari – Distinctive style of sari worn by Sinhalese women
This landmark inclusion not only celebrates Sri Lanka’s vibrant traditions but also ensures that its unique expressions continue to gain recognition on the global stage.
