Life style

My home is the taste of eggplant

Published

3 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

Stars shine bright

Published

5 mins ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Leading figures from the industry graced the ‘Tharulya’ Muhurat ceremony

An auspicious beginning for ‘Tharulya’

The Muhurath ceremony of ‘Tharulya’ the newest teledrama directed by Sudarma Jayewardena, was held in a graceful setting at Waters Edge recently, bringing together artistes, television personalities and invited guests from the entertainment industry.

The auspicious occasion marked the official beginning of the much-awarded teleseries, with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp adding colour and glamour to the evening.

Cast members and crew joined Sudarma in celebrating the launch while industry well-wishers extended their support for the production.

Sudarma is known for her emotionally rich story telling and distinctive creative touch. When asked about her new tele-serial, she expressed optimism ‘Tharulya’ is expected to bring a fresh narrative to the local television audiences. For her ‘Tharulya’ can be described as a reflection of dreams, emotions and human relationships, woven into meaningful teledrama narratives. The word ‘Tharulya’ evokes a poetic sense of stars, hope and destiny, symbolising the journeys and emotional bonds explored through the story.

Sudarma Jayewardena is known for her work as a actress, director, producer and creative visionary behind several acclaimed teledramas. Over the years she has build a reputation for presenting emotionally layered stories that explore family dynamics, social realities, women’s experiences and human relationships with sensitivity and depth .

Her teledramas are known for strong story telling, refined casting and cinematic production.

The teledrama, ‘Ganga Adare’, directed by Sudarma, is among the well known television production.

This tele-series became popular on the small screen for its emotional story telling, strong character development and family centred narrative style that resonated with Sinhala TV audiences.

Sudarma’s involvement in musical events, like ‘Sonu Nigam,’ highlighted her versatility beyond teledramas, showcasing her ability to create large scale entertainment events that combined glamour, culture and audience appeal.

Sudharma, who is no stranger in the entertainment industry, is the Managing Director of Star Events. ‘Tharulya’ was produced by Saranga Mendis. This much talked about teleserial is all set to unspool on Derena TV.

Beyond teledramas , Sudarma also contributed to musical and entertainment programmes, expanding her influence within Sri Lanka’s media industry. Her productions are often noted for their polished presentation and emotional story telling. (Zanita) Pix by Thushara Attapathu

: Smile,glamour and anticipation for the young star

: Powerful performances expected as he steps into a key role

: Moments from the launch

: Soulful voice adds magic

: Creativity in motion as Director Sudarma Jayewardena leads the cast with her spouse

: Invited guests marked the launch

Life style

Sri Lanka and Viet Nam soar into a new era of co-operation

Published

5 mins ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

Landmark visit celebrating diplomacy, connectivity and growing economic partnerships

Air Bridge of Friendship

The state visit of the Party Secretary and State President, To Lam of Viet Nam, to Sri Lanka, heralds a defining moment in bilateral relations, where diplomacy and aviation converge in a new era of connectivity. With the launch of Viet Nam air services, linking the two nations, the partnership soars behind traditional statecraft -opening a seamless corridors for tourism, trade and cultural exchange between South and South East Asia.

My interview with the Ambassador for Viet Nam in Sri Lanka, Trinh Thi Tam, went as follows:

(Q) How significant is the State visit to Sri Lanka by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam?

(A)Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s visit to Sri Lanka is highly significant as it takes place when the two countries have just celebrated 55 years of diplomatic relations in 2025. Viet Nam is the first ASEAN members to visit Sri Lanka, and is also the first ASEAN country that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited after assuming office. More, importantly, both sides agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership on this occasion, opening a new chapter for cooperation in politics, trade, tourism, culture, education, and connectivity. The visit reflects the strong mutual trust and the shared determination to deepen cooperation in the years ahead.

(Q) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share centuries old Buddhist links. How can these spiritual and cultural ties be transformed into stronger people-to-people tourism?

(A) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka share centuries-old Buddhist and cultural links, which create a very strong foundation for closer people-to-people relations. These spiritual ties can be transformed into stronger tourism cooperation through Buddhist pilgrimage tours, exchanges between temples and universities, cultural festivals, and tourism promotion programmes. Increased air connectivity and easier travel arrangements will also encourage more visitors to explore each other’s cultural heritage and strengthen mutual understanding between the two peoples.

(Q) Direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City has generated great excitement in Sri Lanka. How important is this milestone for tourism and bilateral relations?

Proud moment for Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam

(A) The launch of direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City by Viet Nam Airlines (national carrier) and Viet Jet (a private airline) is a historic milestone for bilateral relations. It not only shortens travel time but also creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, business cooperation as well as people-to-people and cultural exchange. This achievement comes at a very meaningful moment, following the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, demonstrating the commitment of both countries to enhance practical cooperation and strengthen connectivity between Southeast Asia and South Asia.

(Q) Do you think this direct flight will significantly increase Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka within the next few years?

(A) Yes, we believe the direct flights will significantly increase Vietnamese tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka over the next few years. Sri Lanka is becoming increasingly attractive to Vietnamese travellers because of its beautiful beaches, Buddhist heritage, natural landscapes, and hospitality. Easier connectivity and tourism promotion activities will help more Vietnamese people discover Sri Lanka. We also expect stronger two-way tourism exchanges, contributing positively to economic cooperation and people-to-people relations between the two countries.

(Q) Do you see Colombo becoming a stronger regional hub connecting Viet Nam with the Indian Ocean region?

(A) Colombo has great potential to become a stronger regional hub connecting Viet Nam with South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic location, combined with improving connectivity and growing economic cooperation, can help facilitate trade, tourism, logistics, and maritime cooperation. Following the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, Viet Nam sees many opportunities to work more closely with Sri Lanka in regional connectivity initiatives and strengthen economic links between Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

(Q) Viet Nam and Sri Lanka have enjoyed decades of friendly relations. What makes this partnership unique in Asia?

Proud moment for Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam

Trinh Thi Tam played a key role in celebrating the historic visit

(A) The Viet Nam–Sri Lanka partnership has been built on longstanding friendship, mutual trust, and deep cultural connections rather than only economic interests. The two countries have consistently supported each other over many decades and share common values regarding independence, peace, and international cooperation. President Ho Chi Minh, Viet Nam’s Nation Father, stopped over in Sri Lanka on three occasions. Vietnamese people has always treasured the strong, unconditional support offered by Sri Lankan people during our hard struggle against imperialism and colonialism. The recent elevation of bilateral ties reflects the maturity of this relationship and the shared vision to expand cooperation across many sectors in a sustainable and balanced manner.

(Q) How does Viet Nam view Sri Lanka’s role with South Asia and the Indian Ocean together?

(A) Viet Nam highly values Sri Lanka’s important role in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Sri Lanka’s strategic location and historical role as a maritime and commercial centre make it an important partner for regional connectivity and economic cooperation. With Sri Lanka’s keen interest in engaging more with ASEAN (Regional Comprehensive Economic Parnership ) Viet Nam believes Sri Lanka can play an even stronger role in connecting South Asia and Southeast Asia, especially in trade, tourism, logistics and maritime cooperation.

(Q) How would you describe the current diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka after the Party General Secretary and State President’s visit?

(A) Following the visit, the diplomatic relationship between Viet Nam and Sri Lanka can be described as stronger, more dynamic, and more future-oriented. The establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership demonstrates the high level of political trust and creates a solid framework for expanding cooperation in many important sectors, including trade, investment, tourism, education, digital transformation, agriculture, and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

(Q) After the Party General Secretary and State President, what is your vision for Viet Nam-Sri Lanka relations over the next decade?

(A) Over the next decade, we hope Viet Nam–Sri Lanka relations will develop into a stronger, broader, and more practical partnership under the framework of the Comprehensive Partnership. We expect deeper cooperation in trade, tourism, connectivity, digital economy, education, renewable energy, agriculture, and maritime cooperation. At the same time, people-to-people exchanges and cultural cooperation will continue to grow, creating a solid foundation for long-term friendship and mutual prosperity between the two countries.

(Q) What message does Viet Nam wish to send to Sri Lanka and South Asian Region through the visit?

(A) Through the Party General Secretary and State President’s visits to India and Sri Lanka, Viet Nam wishes to send a strong message of friendship, cooperation, and shared development to Sri Lanka and the wider South Asian region. The visits demonstrates Viet Nam’s commitment to strengthening partnerships in South Asia and promoting peace, stability, connectivity, and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Life style

“Flow” with love

Published

10 mins ago

2026/05/24

Thilina Walpola

At Hilton Colombo Residences, Mother’s Day unfolded in an atmosphere of elegance, warmth and treasured family moments, as “Flow” hosted a specially curated celebration, dedicated to women who hold families together. From cocktails to a lavish international spread, the afternoon gourmet indulgence was enjoyed with heartfelt appreciation.