News Item in THE ISLAND, 27 jUNE 2027 …
The OED also recognises the Sinhala-origin “mallung”, a lightly-cooked shredded greens dish mixed with coconut and spices, and “kiribath”, coconut milk rice traditionally eaten during Sinhala and Hindu New Year.
In recognition of Sri Lanka’s cultural celebrations, the dictionary now features “Avurudu”, the Sinhala and Tamil New Year observed in April, marked by traditional food, rituals, and games. Also included are “watalappam”, a Muslim festive dessert made of coconut milk, jaggery, and spices; “baila”, a genre of uptempo music with Portuguese influence; and “papare”, a lively brass-based music style often heard at cricket matches.
According to the Oxford University Press, the word “Walawwa” refers to a mansion or manor house—the principal house of an estate in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, “Osari” describes a traditional type of sari worn by Sinhalese women, known for its distinctive frill and draping style.
Following are the Sri Lankan words the OED has added to its June 2025 update:
• *Kottu Roti* – Chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, meat & spices
• *Kiribath* – Rice cooked in coconut milk, served at celebrations
• *Watalappam* – Spiced coconut custard dessert, popular among Muslims
• *Mallung* – Lightly cooked greens with grated coconut & spices
• *Asweddumise*- To prepare land for paddy cultivation
• *Baila* – Upbeat Sri Lankan music genre with Portuguese roots
• *Papare* – Lively brass band music played at sports events
• *Avurudu* – Sinhala & Tamil New Year celebrated in April
• *Walawwa* – A mansion or manor house; the principal house of an estate
• *Osari* – A type of sari traditionally worn
What’s a Kottu without a MUCHANG to share it with!