June 26, Colombo (LNW): A slice of Sri Lanka’s cultural identity has officially found its way into the global linguistic stage, as several uniquely Sri Lankan words have been incorporated into the Oxford English Dictionary’s (OED) June 2025 update.
The inclusion represents a growing international recognition of the island’s rich culinary traditions, music, and socio-cultural heritage.
One of the standout additions is the term asweddumize, a word deeply rooted in the country’s colonial-era agricultural history. Originally documented as far back as 1857, asweddumize refers to the process of converting forest or uncultivated land into irrigated paddy fields—a cornerstone of traditional land reform initiatives in Sri Lanka.
The word’s admission into the dictionary follows decades of lobbying by Sri Lankan academics, who have long argued for its historical and cultural significance to be acknowledged on a global platform.
Beyond agrarian terminology, the OED’s latest update also embraces the island’s vibrant food culture. Kottu roti, a beloved street food made from shredded flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and meat, has become a celebrated symbol of urban Sri Lankan life and now takes its place in the English lexicon.
Also making the list is vatalappam, a rich, spiced coconut custard dessert often served during festive occasions, particularly within the Muslim community.
A number of other words reflecting everyday Sri Lankan experiences have also been recognised. These include mellum—a simple yet nutritious dish of finely chopped leafy greens sautéed with coconut and spices; kiribath, or milk rice, which is a ceremonial food served during auspicious events; and avurudu, the traditional New Year celebrated jointly by the Sinhalese and Tamil communities in April.
Cultural expressions have not been overlooked either. The word baila, denoting an energetic form of dance music with Portuguese roots, and papare, the name for lively brass band performances often heard at local sporting events and public celebrations, are also among the new additions.
Linguists and cultural commentators have welcomed the update as a meaningful gesture of inclusivity that highlights Sri Lanka’s growing cultural footprint on the world stage. It also mirrors a broader trend in global lexicography: the recognition of regional and non-Western vernacular as essential contributors to the richness of modern English.
