The inclusion marks global recognition of terms deeply rooted in the island’s daily life, cuisine, music and traditions.
Among the Sri Lankan words added in the June 2025 update are:
- Asweddumize – To prepare land for paddy cultivation.
- Avurudu – The Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated in April.
- Baila – A lively, upbeat genre of music with Portuguese roots popular in Sri Lanka.
- Kiribath – Rice cooked in coconut milk, typically served at celebrations and auspicious occasions.
- Kottu Roti – A popular street food made from chopped flatbread, meat, vegetables and spices.
- Mallung (or Mellum) – A dish of chopped, lightly cooked leafy greens mixed with grated coconut and spices.
- Osari – A traditional Kandyan style of sari worn by Sinhalese women.
- Papare – A type of lively brass band music often played at cricket matches and public gatherings.
- Walawwa – A mansion or manor house, historically the principal house of an estate.
- Watalappam – A popular spiced coconut custard dessert.
The additions were made following research into the contemporary usage of these terms in Sri Lankan English.
The OED update also included revisions and updates to existing entries such as Ceylon Tea, Colombo, and Vihara, further highlighting Sri Lanka’s enduring cultural influence on the English language.
