Life style

My home is the taste of eggplant

Published

2 years ago

2023/11/12

Thilina Walpola

Growing up in Sri Lanka, my childhood was rich with home cooked eggplant dishes — despite my dad’s warnings

Zinara Rathnayake

I cannot remember when I first tasted eggplant, but I was at home. Where I grew up. Our house sat in one corner of a two-acre paddy field in the teardrop island, Sri Lanka. I was in kindergarten, or maybe even younger. My mother made sure I grew up with the flavours of wambatu. This is the name for eggplant, aubergine or brinjal in native Sinhalese – wambatu.

In ayurveda, purple eggplant is considered a “heaty food” — my father, always reading, would advise us against eating it too often. “You’ll get a headache,” he will say one day. “Your legs and hands will ache,” he will tell us another day. Now at 24, I realize my father may have been right all along. Nightshades such as eggplants do seem to trigger my frequent migraines.

But it was too late. I will always love wambatu now.

Growing up in our little home, my mother would cook me her tempered eggplant dish two or three times a week. We had two kitchens at home. One was the usual indoor kitchen. The other was an open kitchen space with an earthen fire. This was the norm in Sri Lankan homes. The modern indoor kitchen is for light cooking. The earthen fire is for “serious” cooking.

Inside, there was a kerosene stove. “It cooks food faster,” my mother would say. She juggled two jobs — teacher and housewife. Once she washed and removed the stems, she would cut each eggplant into thin slices. She would carefully check for any rotten part, or sometimes for worms. If your eggplant has tiny holes inside, it’s a telltale sign of pests. In the early 2000s, most vegetables we bought home were organically grown. There was always a chance to find a tiny worm or a black, rotten part in our eggplants.

“These are the best eggplants,” my mother would say as the younger me watched her with disgust as she removed the inedible parts. “You know you aren’t eating poison. They don’t have chemical pesticides.”

In mornings before school, she would use an aluminum cooking pot. She would pour a little coconut oil. How many spoons? Two or three? There was no measuring scale. “The right amount, so it tastes right,” she would tell me. The same words her mother, my grandmother told her. Homemade coconut oil slowly would heat on the kerosene fire, and the rich aroma would fill the space within the four walls of our kitchen.

Curry leaves, sliced onions, chopped garlic and finely cut red chili would cook for three to five minutes. When the onions turned translucent, she would add the sliced eggplant into it, followed by a few tablespoons of red chili powder, roasted curry powder, turmeric powder, and sea salt. It’s cooked until the eggplants turn slightly mushy.

The creamy lentils curry and spicy sambal paired perfectly with my mother’s slightly-mushy, tempered eggplant. It was a divided labor of love. It tastes like home.

Served warm, I would devour this eggplant with white or red rice, a creamy parippu (lentils) curry, and pol sambal. Lentils are cooked in thick, creamy, homemade coconut milk with Lankan spices. Pol sambal is a spicy condiment prepared with freshly, scraped coconut. Every morning, my father would scrape half a coconut. He would then add the grated coconut flesh, dried red chili, and sliced onions into a chalice-shaped mortar. He would use a pestle to finely crush all the ingredients, and season it with lime before it went into our plates.

Tempered eggplants are muddy-green in colour. Before cooking, nature marks the raw eggplants with white and purple stripes. These are graffiti eggplants. They grow in abundance in the dry parts of Sri Lanka. Every Sunday, I would go to the weekly fair with my mother. It was a produce market where men and women came to sell and buy local produce. We’d buy two kilos of graffiti eggplants every week, just for me and my mother.

On the day of my ‘akuru kiyaweema’ — a customary event of reading the first letters to a child at an auspicious time in Sri Lanka.

Some days in the evenings, I would sit on the green grass by the small bamboo gate at home. Every evening, a middle-aged man rode his bread truck along the dusty narrow lane in front of our house. He went through the paddy fields into the village beyond visible sight. We called him Choon Paan Uncle. Choon is a Sinhalese term which indicates fun and happiness — something like good vibes. Paan is the Sinhalese name for bread.

The truck was Choon because he played music. It was a distinctive sound unique to Choon Paan trucks around the island. When I would hear the first sound of Choon Paan Uncle, I’d call my mum and we’d buy a loaf of bread from the truck, fresh off the oven. During dinner, I’d eat two slices of bread with my mother’s tempered eggplant dish.

The American eggplant is meatier inside. They grow in farmlands in Sri Lanka’s hill country, particularly in the tea town Nuwara Eliya. The sight of small makeshift stalls piled with stacks of glorious, dark-purple eggplant fills my heart with joy. It was only during school holidays that we’d road-trip in a small minibus to the up country. We’d come back home with several kilos of eggplants and a potted, mountain-grown gerbera plant. A week later, the gerbera plant was usually dead, but our stomachs (full with delicious eggplants) are happy. Our hearts were even happier.

My mother also made a creamy curry with eggplants. She would first deep fry sliced eggplants. Once the excess oil is removed, she would make it into a curry. The crunchy pieces were cooked in thick coconut milk and seasoned with Indian Ocean spices.

There’s another eggplant dish I remember well. Wambatu moju is a celebration. It’s a delightful pickle that’s only prepared during special occasions. It has often been a centerpiece of the lunch table at home weddings, birthdays, and Sri Lankan New Year celebrations. It’s mostly served with yellow ghee rice.

To make it: eggplants are sliced. The meaty slices are fried until they turn golden brown in colour. You then fry your green chillies and shallots. These coconut-oil fried ingredients are marinated with mustard paste, ginger-garlic paste, chili flakes, salt, sugar, and vinegar. At home, we prepare the pastes ourselves on a grinding stone by hand. The preparation lasts for hours.

With layers and layers of taste, the eggplant pickle is quintessentially Sri Lankan. It tickles your taste buds. Chilli adds a punchy note. The tangy vinegar pairs well with sugar and salt, and balances the bitterness of the crushed mustards. It’s every wonderful flavour in one single bite.

Me and my mother in the late ’90s.

Back then, in our tiny house by the paddy fields, my father worked his spare time in the garden. Our lawn was where bananas, pineapples, coconuts, and some vegetables were grown seasonally. There was also Thai eggplant and pea eggplant. Green in colour, they both look and taste different from their purple-coloured sisters. My father excelled at his elabatu (Thai eggplant) curry. He added dried tamarind from our next-door neighbor to our tiny Thai eggplants, cut in half and de-seeded.

Pea eggplants or thibbatu are even smaller. They are tiny, perfectly round balls. They are also named Turkey berries. When tempered, the clusters of berries taste wonderful. Since they are incredibly small, my father didn’t bother to remove the bitter seeds. But it was the kind of bitter you’d slowly fall in love with. I hated it at first, but with time, I slowly begin to like it. Before I knew it, I would ask my father for bitter-tasting, stir-fried pea eggplants every dinner.

As I grew up, I began loving my father’s Ayurvedic cooking. He frequented the outdoor kitchen, where he prepared tempered pea eggplants on an earthen fire inside a clay pot and turned seedless Thai eggplant into the sour, creamy curries I devoured. “There’s nothing heaty about them,” he would tell me with a smile.

In Colombo, I eat chemically-treated veggies and fruits from the supermarket, and I lunch in small eateries where curries taste nothing like love.

When I turned 10, we left for my school in Kandy. We stayed in a mountain house in the chaotic city. Our Kandy house only had one kitchen. It was where we were first exposed to chemically-treated veggies. My mother didn’t have to double-check for worms or rotten parts in her bulb-shaped, dark purple eggplants anymore.

My parents relocated to their tiny house by the paddy fields. Often, I head back home for my mother’s tempered eggplant. It sometimes triggers a migraine, but I cannot resist the taste. My father is retired now. He works in the garden and cooks on the earthen fire, making me his curries with glorious green eggplants. (BBC)

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Life style

Beauty of Sri Lanka in focus: Global showcase blends art, diplomacy and conservation

Published

2 hours ago

2026/04/12

Thilina Walpola

Ambassador Jovita Neliupsiene, Head of the EU Delegation to the US, and Mahinda Samarasinghe, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the US, joined a special viewing of the exhibition

By Ifham Nizam

The sixth edition of the “Beauty of Sri Lanka” Photography Exhibition is set to unfold across North America this April, transforming the power of visual storytelling into a compelling platform for cultural diplomacy, environmental advocacy and nation branding.

Organised by the America Sri Lanka Photographic Art Society in collaboration with key diplomatic and institutional partners, including the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C., the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Los Angeles and Toronto, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the exhibition will run from April 22 to May 4 across Los Angeles, Toronto, New York and Washington, D.C.

Held in conjunction with Earth Day, the exhibition continues to evolve as a globally recognised initiative that brings together art, conservation and international engagement. What began as a photography showcase has now matured into a dynamic soft-power platform that tells Sri Lanka’s story to the world—through its landscapes, biodiversity, and deeply rooted cultural heritage.

Photographers from Sri Lanka at Nigara State Park

The 2026 tour will feature prestigious venues that reflect its growing international stature. These include the iconic Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre International, Metro Hall in Toronto—marking the exhibition’s debut in Canada—the Permanent Mission in New York, and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, D.C., as part of the widely celebrated Passport D.C. event. Each venue represents not only a geographic expansion but also a widening of the exhibition’s global audience and influence.

Exhibition

At its heart, “Beauty of Sri Lanka” is a vivid narrative of a nation’s natural and cultural wealth. From the mist-covered central highlands and pristine coastal belts to dense rainforests teeming with endemic wildlife, the exhibition captures Sri Lanka’s ecological richness through the lenses of talented photographers. These images serve as both an invitation to explore and a reminder of the urgent need to protect fragile ecosystems.

This year’s programme takes a significant step further by integrating real-world environmental action. The “ReTree Los Angeles” initiative, launched in line with Earth Day, focuses on tree planting, urban restoration and community engagement. It also includes a children’s painting competition aimed at fostering environmental awareness among the younger generation. Organisers believe that nurturing creativity at an early age can instil a lifelong commitment to conservation.

Adding a scientific dimension to the event, Dr. Sarath Gunapala will deliver the keynote address on “The Journey of Infrared Photography,” exploring how advanced imaging techniques can reveal unseen dimensions of the natural world. His participation highlights the exhibition’s interdisciplinary approach, where art meets science to deepen understanding and appreciation.

The exhibition will also feature a vibrant cultural segment designed to immerse international audiences in Sri Lanka’s living traditions. A carefully curated lineup of performances—including the sacred Wes Pooja, the dramatic Naga Raksha mask dance, the rhythmic Thelme ritual dance and the light-hearted Salu Paliya—will bring to life the island’s folklore, rituals and performing arts heritage. These performances are expected to add colour, rhythm and emotional depth to the visual experience offered by the photographic displays.

ASPAS President Suria Perera emphasised that the exhibition is more than a display of images. “It is a celebration of Sri Lanka’s identity—its natural beauty, its cultural vibrancy, and its responsibility to future generations,” she said. “Through photography and community engagement, we aim to inspire a deeper connection between people and the environment.”

Over the years, the exhibition has drawn a diverse audience, including diplomats, policymakers, conservationists, art collectors and members of the Sri Lankan diaspora. Its ability to connect these varied groups underscores its role as a bridge between cultures, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding while strengthening Sri Lanka’s global presence.

The continued support of diplomatic missions, cultural institutions and tourism authorities has been instrumental in elevating the exhibition’s profile. Their collaboration reinforces the role of art as a powerful tool in shaping perceptions, building partnerships and promoting sustainable tourism.

As the 2026 edition prepares to open its doors, “Beauty of Sri Lanka” stands as a testament to the island nation’s enduring appeal and its commitment to conservation. It is not merely an exhibition, but a movement—one that celebrates beauty, inspires responsibility and connects Sri Lanka to the world through the universal language of art.

Life style

Vibrant celebration of tradition and togetherness

Published

3 hours ago

2026/04/12

Thilina Walpola

This holiday season, City of Dreams Sri Lanka invites guests to step into the heart of a truly Sri Lankan celebration with Signature Avurudu—a four-day cultural experience taking place.

Blending time-honoured traditions with contemporary flair, the festivities promise to capture the spirit of the Aluth Avurudda (Sinhala and Tamil New Year) in all its colour, rhythm, and warmth. From the moment guests arrive, they will be welcomed into a space transformed with festive décor, echoing the charm of a village celebrations brought to life in the city.

At the centre of the celebration is the Pahan Pujava, a symbolic lamp lighting ceremony led by the management, setting a tone of unity, prosperity, and new beginnings. This meaningful ritual reflects the essence of the New Year—a time to pause, reflect, and step into the new year with hope and positivity.

Throughout the four days, guests can experience the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka through a series of traditional performances. The rhythmic beats of raban and drums, alongside vibrant dance acts, will fill the air, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and celebratory. Adding to the experience are elegantly dressed Sri Lankan hostesses, offering a warm, authentic welcome that embodies the island’s renowned hospitality.

No Avurudu celebration is complete without its flavours, and City of Dreams Sri Lanka delivers a feast to remember. Guests can indulge in an array of traditional sweets and savouries, alongside curated Avurudu-themed buffets and creative beverages inspired by local ingredients. Passing canapés and festive treats ensure there is something to enjoy at every turn—whether you’re reminiscing over childhood favourites or discovering new twists on beloved classics.

Designed as a celebration for all, Signature Avurudu brings together families, friends, and visitors from around the world to share in the joy of the season. It is a reminder that Avurudu is more than a festival—it is a feeling of togetherness, renewal, and shared happiness.

This April, celebrate the sights, sounds, and tastes of Avurudu at City of Dreams Sri Lanka—where tradition meets modern celebration, and every moment feels like home.

Life style

Thomian sailors secure many medals in India

Published

3 hours ago

2026/04/12

Thilina Walpola

Thomian sailors witj official

Students of S. Thomas’ College recently demonstrated commendable performance at two international sailing events held in India: the inaugural Indian Sailing Regatta and the 4th North-East Regatta. Both events featured participation from foreign teams, including Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Malaysia, Russia, Great Britain, South Korea, Singapore, and India.

The inaugural Indian Sailing League (ISL), held at Umiam Lake, Shillong, India, marked a significant milestone in the sport and was prominently featured in The Times of India. The ISL is a first-of-its-kind franchise-based sailing league, bringing together 14 teams, 182 sailors, and 58 international participants from eight countries.

The ISL follows a concept similar to the Cricket Indian Premier League, where top sailors are “bid” and selected into franchise teams representing different regions. The competition introduced an innovative team-based format in which the best sailor from each team in each category competed, combining multiple race formats such as fleet racing, team racing, marathon races, and rig-and-race challenges. This pioneering structure, widely regarded as a first in global sailing history, has significantly enhanced the spectator appeal and competitive depth of the sport, while promoting youth, women, and high-performance sailing on a single platform.

At the first Indian Sailing Regatta, in the Boys’ Optimist category, Haren Wickramatillake secured 3rd place and was also awarded a special medal for his courage during the rig and race event. Dhiren Perera achieved 3rd place in the rig and race event alongside his team member.

At the 4th North-East Regatta, performances continued to be noteworthy. In the Main Optimist Boys category, Haren Wickramatillake was placed 6th, while Shem Fernando secured 19th place out of 32 participants. In the Junior Green Fleet Optimist Boys category, Anuruth Tennakoon achieved 2nd place and Dhiren Perera was placed 4th out of 10 participants. In the ILCA 4 Boys category, Akaine Ubayasiri was placed 11th out of 22 participants.

These achievements highlight the high level of skill, determination, and sportsmanship demonstrated by the young sailors, while also reflecting Sri Lanka’s strong presence in an emerging and globally significant sailing platform.

Upcoming international sailing events, featuring students of S. Thomas’ College, include the Asian Beach Games 2026, to be held in China ,in April 2026, and the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) competition, scheduled to take place at Port City, in Sri Lanka, in December 2026. These events will provide valuable international exposure and further opportunities for the young college sailors to compete at a high level.