Oxford English Dictionary adds several Sri Lankan words to its June update
Source:Island
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has added several uniquely Sri Lankan words to its June 2025 update, OED.com has said.Among the new entries is “asweddumise”, meaning to prepare land for paddy cultivation—a word with roots in Sinhala, long used in Sri Lankan agriculture and land reform discourse. First documented in 1857, it was re-evaluated and finally added after decades of lobbying by local academics.
Another standout addition is “kottu roti”, the beloved street food dish of chopped roti, meat, vegetables, and spices, known for its sizzling preparation and rhythmic chopping sound.
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 by Sinhalese women, with a midriff frill and shoulder drape
