Several Sri Lankan words have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in its June 2025 update, marking a significant recognition of Sri Lanka's linguistic and cultural identity.

Among the new entries is "asweddumize," defined as "to prepare (fallow or disused land) for cultivation, esp. for the growing of rice.”

First documented in 1857, it has been re-evaluated and finally included after decades of advocacy from local scholars.

The popular street food "kottu roti" has also made its way into the OED.

This dish, made from chopped roti, meat, vegetables, and spices, is well-known for the rhythmic sounds produced during its preparation.

Also included is "mallung," a Sinhala-origin word describing a lightly cooked dish mixed with coconut and spices. 

"Kiribath," the traditional rice and coconut milk dish typically eaten during the Sinhala and Hindu New Year, has been added as well.

Significantly, the word "Avurudu," celebrating Sri Lanka's cultural festivities, has been included in the dictionary.

Avurudu refers to the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, observed in April, which is rich with traditional foods, rituals, and games.

The OED also now features "watalappam," a Muslim festive dessert made with coconut milk, jaggery, and spices.

Musical terms such as "baila," a Portuguese-influenced music genre, and "papare," a style of music often heard at cricket matches, are among the newly added words.

Finally, "Walawwa," denoting the main house or mansion on a Sri Lankan estate, and "Osari," describing a traditional type of sari worn by Sinhala women, have also been included.