The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has acknowledged Sri Lanka’s linguistic richness by including several native words in its June 2025 update. This move highlights the global recognition of Sri Lankan culture, traditions, and everyday life.
Among the newly accepted terms is “asweddumize”, a Sinhala-origin word referring to the process of converting land into paddy fields. This agricultural term, first seen in 19th-century documents (circa 1857), has long been used in land reform narratives. Its inclusion follows years of persistent advocacy by Sri Lankan scholars.
Also making it into the OED is “kottu roti”, a crowd-favorite street food featuring chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, meat, and aromatic spices. Its signature clatter during preparation is a familiar sound on bustling Sri Lankan streets.
Other culinary terms like “mallung”—a healthy blend of shredded leafy greens cooked with coconut—and “kiribath”, a creamy coconut rice dish often served during festive events, were added as well. These dishes hold deep cultural significance, especially during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
Speaking of which, the word “Avurudu” is now part of the dictionary, marking Sri Lanka’s April New Year celebration. The festival is renowned for its customs, rituals, traditional foods, and family-oriented games shared across communities.
Several other culturally rich terms are also now officially recognized. “Watalappam”, a rich dessert made with jaggery, coconut milk, and cardamom, commonly served during Muslim festivities, joins the list. So do “baila”, a vibrant music genre influenced by Portuguese rhythms, and “papare”, the upbeat brass-band music heard at cricket matches and street parades.
Additionally, the OED now includes “Walawwa”, meaning a stately mansion once occupied by aristocratic families, and “Osari”, the traditional style of sari worn by Sinhalese women, known for its elegant draping and unique pleats.
Oxford University Press stated that these additions reflect the island’s multicultural vibrance and help preserve Sri Lanka’s identity in global lexicons.