Life style
Jack of many tastes
Jackfruit (sometimes written jak) or kos runs through Lankan lives, history and culture for several centuries. Rich with multiple disease-preventive properties, jackfruit is considered a ‘super food’ in many western countries. The tree which bears this largest tree-borne fruit which has fed our people in hard times is revered as buth gaha. Yet, the full potential of this wonder fruit found in abundance is still not tapped here at home.
BY RANDIMA ATTYGALLE
Jackfruit or kos preparation days of my childhood was not about cooking yet another curry for lunch or grabbing an ‘instant’ bag of pods or kos madulu from a vendor; it was a half-day undertaking, almost a ritual. In my grandparents’ sprawling garden, I would watch a domestic pluck a fruit off a jak tree and rip it open. Magilin achchci who would protect her time-tested recipes almost with her life would then take over, squatting before the giant fruit ready for the big task to follow.It would take a good hour or two for her to clean the yellow bulbs of koholle (the sticky substance inherent in the fruit) with coconut oil. An underling would join her to speed up the exercise and if a visiting old hand happened to be around, she too would join. Sipping their mid-day kahata or plain tea, gossip would abound cleaning kos madulu for the pot.
Jackfruit is a popular rice substitute in rural Sri Lanka often accompanied with traditionals like pol sambol and dried fish or karawala – an epicurean delight. The Jack tree is revered by Lankans as buth gaha translating to ‘rice tree’. The fruit has fed many Lankans during food shortages through history and the COVID pandemic is the newest on the list. Selling a bag or two of kos daily during the first two waves of the pandemic also helped feed many families here.
Botanically termed
Artocarpus heterophyllus, jackfruit. the largest of all fruit known in the world, originated in the Indo-Malayan region. From there it spread to neighbouring Sri Lanka, South China, South East Asia and also to certain parts of Africa including Kenya, Uganda, Zanzibar, Mauritius and Madagascar. It also found its way to Brazil, Jamaica and Australia. The major jackfruit growing areas in the world are Bangladesh (where it is designated as the national fruit), Brazil, Myanmar, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines.
Acclaimed by villagers as a kiri gaha or a tree with sap, the jackfruit tree is also associated with many superstitious and rituals with a long history of that here at home. Historical records such as Mahawansa, Amawathura and Visuddi Margaya chronicle such connections. Robert Knox in his book, An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon too refers to the tree and its values. “Certain literary sources also document that a jackfruit orchard of 100,000 plants was grown under the royal patronage of Maha Parakramabahu. In early Sinhala literature this fruit is referred to by many terms including pana, panasa, herali and kos. Some of the names of towns and villages also reflect the close association Lankans have had with this fruit.
Kosgoda, Kosmulla, Koswatta, Kosgama, Panagoda, Panamure, Panamaldeniya and Heraliyawa are some examples,” points out the former Head of Fruits Division and Senior Research Officer from Horticultural Crops Research and Development Institute (HORDI) in Gannoruwa, Indrani Medagoda. The fruit research scientist who has extensively studied and presented papers on jackfruit also says that although it is consumed as a substitute for rice, it remains an underutilized crop in local agriculture. “Only about 30% of the total production is consumed and rest is wasted,” remarks Medagoda who calls for strategies to enhance the utilization of this wonder fruit to increase the income of growers and to enhance its contribution towards food security.
Jackfruit is considered to be an essential crop in the island given its multiple values include timber, medicinal, cultural and environmental. There are two fruiting seasons explains Medagoda. “March-June is the major season and November to January is the minor season. However, there are some off-season and year-round bearing trees as well.”
The traditional knowledge on jackfruit is used only at household level and dissemination of such knowledge among the growers and other interest groups is important remarks the scientist. “An integrated approach is needed to improve the conservation and utilization of genetic resources of the jak trees growing in Sri Lanka. This would improve productivity, quality and income from cultivation and will contribute to poverty alleviation and increased food security among the rural communities,” she adds.
Philanthropist and independence fighter Arthur V Dias, a landowner/planter, pioneered a jackfruit propagation across the island in 1918 earning himself the endearment Kos Mama. His campaign was instrumental in declaring jak a protected tree and none can be felled without a permit testifying to its importance in the country.
Jackfruit comes in many a form; an immature fruit which is polos is often cooked as a curry popular as polos ambula. Another is polos mallum. Polos ambula is now popular in overseas restaurants as well. “At one time polos was available only in Asian supermarkets in England, but today it is available in most supermarkets and stocks run out very quickly. It is a very popular vegetarian dish and is also a popular substitute for pulled pork dishes in restaurants,” says Padma Tennakoon from Staffordshire in the UK.
A can of jackfruit costs around
£ 3.50 in the UK and the price varies from shop to shop says Padma who had been living in England for nearly 50 years now. She loves the honey-sweet waraka (ripe jackfruit bulb) as well as jak in its other forms. “Waraka too is available canned but still found only in Asian supermarkets. Nothing can match fresh kos and waraka we used to enjoy back home in Sri Lanka but when you live abroad craving our traditional food, we are more than happy to have them even in tins or jars,” she says.
Jackfruit is popular in Australia as well. It is found canned, frozen and raw in both local and Sri Lankan supermarkets, says Lanchana Alwis who is reading for her Master’s degree in the University of Melbourne. “Raw jak is expensive compared to other fruits here. It is about $16 a kilo. A can (400g) costs about $4.50. Although I have still not seen it served as a curry in Australian restaurants, most Lankan restaurants in Melbourne serve kos curry for lunch and it is quite popular even among the locals. However, certain Australian restaurants offer BBQ jackfruit sandwiches and pulled jackfruit tacos.”
Jackfruit can be served boiled, as a kos beduma, atu kos, kos eta beduma and kalu pol maluwa. Ripe fruit could be either waraka or vela. Waraka is firmer than vela which is slimy and less preferred. Waraka sprinkled with a dash of pepper and salt is a succulent dessert and its fruity aroma is hard to hide. Some like it, others don’t.
The disease-preventive properties of jackfruit have earned it recognition as a ‘super food’ in many western countries, says Head of Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition at the Medical Research Institute (MRI) and President of the Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association (SLMNA), Dr. Renuka Jayatissa. “Sri Lanka has still not fully recognized the fruit’s health benefits and measures need to be in place to be more creative with its preparation and popularize it among young people,” observes Dr. Jayatissa who cites roasted jackfruit as an example. “This could be a healthy snack with less energy which would not affect weight.”
Although a few upmarket outlets and restaurants are experimenting with jackfruit dishes, the potential is still largely unoptimized says the Clinical Nutritionist. “Jackfruit can be a healthy filling for cutlets and patties and polos is a wonderful topping for pizzas. These should be made more freely available.”
Jackfruit is a rich source of potassium which is essential to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and a third of our daily potassium requirement could be met with one tea cup of jackfruit explains Dr. Jayatissa. A very rich source of fibre as well, jackfruit consumption could minimize the risk of colon and prostate cancer. Its antioxidants have cancer preventive properties, especially against breast cancer, she says.
Jackfruit is a also a good source of Vitamin A and magnesium. “A cup of jackfruit can meet 40% of the daily requirement of magnesium which helps prevent muscle cramps. Jak seeds are a good source of proteins and energy and it is always encouraged to cook jak with the seeds. Other curries made out of seeds such as kalu pol maluwa are very healthy.”
The ripe waraka has more carbohydrates than the raw fruit says Dr. Jayatissa. “The good news is that waraka is a low-carb food and even those with diabetes can safely enjoy it as it has the bonus of minimizing the absorption of carbohydrates because of the presence of fibre. It is a wonder fruit which is capable of controlling the sugar levels with the help of fibre,” says Dr. Jayatissa who encourages restaurant owners and chefs to be make optimum use of this fully organic nature’s panacea which is found in abundance countrywide.
Celebrating ‘Our Children’ on International Day to End Corporal Punishment
An event to mark the International Day to end corporal punishment was held at the public library recently. Organised by the Stop Child Cruelty Trust and the Child Protection Alliance it was an compelling advocacy iniative to combact violence against children.
Dr Tush Wickramanayaka, Founder Chairperson of SCC and Co-convener of CPA, shared her disappointment that the delay the submission of the Bill in parliament, which was already passed in Cabinet by the previous government on 2024 “Physical abuse of children is a preventable crime that has been normalised in society. Each day, there are horrendous incidents reported in the media. GOSL has a national and international obligation to fulfil its promises to eradicate this menace towards the dawn of a happier and safer future for the true beneficiaries of the future, our children”, said Dr Wickramanayaka.
Prof Savitri Goonesekere, Emeritus Professor of Law, Faculty of Colombo, was the chief guest. She delivered a powerful message on the implementation of the law. Whilst highlighting the shocking 40,000 cases of child abuse awaiting justice for years, Prof Goonesekere warned, the law is not for the people who respect it; the law is for the people who violate it. When there is impunity and a lack of prosecution, then you give a powerful message of legitimacy.”
The event also featured an expert forum on child protection strategies and celebrated the winners of the ‘Me Unhurt – Stop Child Abuse’ art competition, amplifying youth voices in the fight for their rights.Speaking at the event, Dr Tush Wickramanayake said “Physical abuse of children is a preventable crime that has been normalised in society. Each day, there are horrendous incidents reported in the media.
In February 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that ending corporal punishment was a public health priority. Each year, 1.8 million children worldwide are subjected to corporal punishment. In some countries, violence against children costs up to six times what is invested in health. Countries that have enacted comprehensive prohibitions against corporal punishment are granting children the same protective legal framework against assault as adults.
Recently forty countries made the first-ever joint statement on corporal punishment to the Human Rights Council, declaring that ending corporal punishment is a human rights priority for children. Children have the fundaShockingmental right to protection from all forms of violence. This right is essential for their well-being, safety, survival and development. It recognises the severe and lasting consequences of violence against children, not just for the individual child but for society as a whole.
Despite being recognised in 2017 as the sole Pathfinding country in South Asia committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.2 (ending violence against children), Sri Lanka’s efforts have faltered. The National Partnership to End Violence Against Children (NPEVAC), established to drive this agenda, dissolved in 2018. At the 2024 Bogotá Ministerial Conference, the government pledged to enact the Penal Code Reforms Bill to Abolish Corporal Punishment, a long-overdue measure and to implement teacher training programmes by mid-2025. However, legislative delays and inadequate enforcement undermine these commitments.
Om Prakash Sen Thakuri, Executive Director, Legal Literacy, Nepal, was a special invitee and child rights advocate who spoke on Nepal’s efforts to stop child marriages, a critical issue relevant also in Sri Lanka. Whilst Nepal banned corporal punishment in all settings in 2018, the implementation of the laws was still challenging.
Saranga Disasekara, actor and brand Ambassador of #NOguti awaitingexplained, “At a time when Sri Lanka is crippled in many aspects of society, parents must improve communication with their children and ensure their children can come to them without fear if there is any concern relating to their well-being; child protection is a collective social responsibility.”
Dr Gehan Gunathilake, Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL), reiterated that children need to be recognised as rights holders and their welfare and safety should be at the heart of governance mechanisms. He informed that HRCSL has established a special child rights section to better focus on these issues.
Rtd DIG Priyantha Jayakody, a respected figure in law enforcement, explained, “Child abuse is now one of the top grave crimes in Sri Lanka. The Police must act more vigorously to ensure the evidence is submitted to the courts without delays to avoid the burden on law and order and the judicial services. He was particularly concerned about the 40,000 cases of child abuse awaiting justice and encouraged the government to act swiftly.
Prof Sarath Wijesuriya, renowned author and social activist, spoke on the collective responsibility of society in protecting children. He too insisted that children are the most vulnerable community in any country and the government should act beyond the rhetoric to ensure safety and welfare as a priority.
A key highlight of the event was the award ceremony for the winners of the ‘Me Unhurt – Stop Child Abuse’ art competition and the forum discussion with some of the winners on their views and expectations of a country that promotes and protects child rights.
The ‘Me Unhurt’ competition, judged by Shyamala Pinto Jayawardena (Shyamala School of Art) and Mihiri Devendra (Leap), received over 500 submissions nationwide. The winning designs by Chathuni Sandaleka and David Suarez (both 17) will grace the cover of ‘Our Children’, a forthcoming anthology of survivor narratives. Seventeen additional entrants earned high commendation for their artworks. In an interactive youth forum where the participants were asked to imagine they were President and Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, winners proposed bold reforms including Child-inclusive policymaking (e.g., youth advisory councils). Safer schools with anti-bullying protocols and Adult accountability through community monitoring. Their ideas resonated with attendees, including families and educators, underscoring the power of youth leadership.
Dr Tush Wickramanayaka, who turned adversity to advocacy and is a staunch advocate of child rights, explained that ‘Our Children’ book was a labour of love, a deep love and decades of hope. The art competition provided an opportunity for the young citizens to express their thoughts and feelings in creative masterpieces. The expressive images empower the voice of the victims and the public, highlighting the collective social responsibility to protect children. “The book is in the final stages of editing, and we hope to publish it in 2026. For now, we have created a leaflet of the artworks so that you can enjoy the visual tapestry of the young minds that tells us of the world they envisage. It is a sneak preview of the stories to follow…”, explained Dr Wickramanayaka.
For further information, media inquiries, or to get involved with the Stop Child Cruelty Trust, please contact www.stopchildcruelty.com or 077-1656867. (ZC)
Charming with an affable demeanor is the Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Damiano Francovigh.
A long standing career diplomat, he is a graduate in Oriental languages and literature from the University of Venice in 1991. With a distinguished career spanning diverse diplomatic roles , he brings a wealth of experience to his role in Sri Lanka.
His innate charisma has unsurprisingly, grown quite popular in the social and diplomatic circles of Sri Lanka ever since he arrived in Sri Lanka 2023. In his current role he is dedicated to strenghening the diplomatic relationship between Italy and Sri Lanka.
His first impressions of Sri Lanka have been overwhemingly positive and his remarkable tenure is defined by unmatched activity of showcasing many socialand cultural events in Sri Lanka .Effortlessly chic and elegant at all times, he fulfills his roles with aplomb and epitomises the traits of a quintessential diplomat, with grand finesse. Since fashion is synonymous with Italian culture,Ambassador Damiano plays out the role of being a strong emblem of style. In this interview with ‘Sunday Island’ the Italian envoy shares his views on the naunces of diplomacy, his aspirations for fostering stronger ties between the two countries.
A great art aficionado, Damiano has brought many artists,musicians, chefs and designers to Sri Lanka.
Could you briefly describe your career path and the road you travelled to become Ambassador to Sri Lanka?
I joined the diplomatic service in 2002 and, as it happens for every diplomat, during the years I served both in our Headquarters in Rome and abroad. I was posted to Syria, as head of the commercial section of the Embassy, Vietnam, where I was Deputy Head of Mission, and India, where I was Consul General. After this last posting I served four years in Rome and I think that the experience I had in my previous postings in South-east Asia and in South Asia helped me a lot for being selected as Ambassador to Sri Lanka, a Country I had already visited as a tourist while I was posted in India, prior to my assignment here.
Ambassador Damiano Francovigh
How did your journey into relations between Italy and Sri Lanka begin and how has it evolved since your arrival?
We can say that this journey started, as it happens for all Ambassadors, the day I presented my credentials to then President Ranil Wickremasinghe, in a fascinating ceremony that mixed the ancient tradition of the Country with its rich cultural heritage. Since then, I have met many persons: politicians, civil servants, businesses, artists and also common people, trying to know better this Country, its history and its culture. I also engaged with local communities and institutions, which deepened my understanding of the political, social, economic and diplomatic connections. Our daily work is to see how shared values, mutual interests, and a growing Italian presence in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan presence in Italy can help foster stronger ties. I have learnt that Sri Lankans take pride in preserving their traditions and the nation’s unique identity while embracing modern innovation, an approach which is very similar to what happens in Italy. This combination of historical depth and cultural richness makes Sri Lanka not just an interesting place but a nation with a soul—one that captivates those who take the time to understand it.
What does being the Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka mean to you?
Being the Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka is both an honour and a great responsibility. Italy and Sri Lanka enjoy a long-standing and friendly relationship, built on decades of cooperation across many sectors. This partnership is enriched by the vibrant Sri Lankan community in Italy —the largest in continental Europe— and by the presence of Italian businesses in Sri Lanka, particularly in the garment, tourism, and hospitality sectors. My role is to work closely with the Sri Lankan Government and local authorities to further strengthen these ties, creating favourable conditions for individuals and companies from both countries to thrive. The fact that the well-being of so many people depends, in part, on the quality of this relationship makes my role deeply meaningful. It’s a daily reminder of the real impact diplomacy can have on people’s lives.
Design, fashion and wine-how is the Italian life style perceived in Sri Lanka?
Italian lifestyle is widely appreciated in Sri Lanka, as in many other parts of the world, for its elegance, quality, and craftsmanship. Italian fashion brands are well recognized and sought after, symbolizing a refined and timeless style. The same can be said for Italian design, which is often associated with excellence in furniture, architecture, and automotive. In recent years, Italian wine has also been gaining popularity, with an increasing interest in its rich variety and heritage. The growing number of Italian restaurants in Sri Lanka contribute to spreading the culture of Italian cuisine and lifestyle, making it accessible and enjoyable for many.
What do you love about this country and your special likings?
Sri Lanka is a country of incredible diversity, offering a fascinating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. I have been particularly captivated by its stunning landscapes, from the beaches of the south to the tea plantations of the hills. The historical and archaeological sites, such as Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Dambulla, are simply breathtaking. The local markets, bustling with activity, are a perfect example of energy, where traditional spices, handcrafted goods, and fresh produce showcase the richness of the land and its people’s ingenuity. On a more personal note, I have a deep appreciation for Sri Lankan seafood and I enjoy trying different local curries. The warmth of the people makes this country a truly special place to live and work.
What are the places and experiences not to be missed for those who want to travel Sri Lanka from Italy? Your favorite food and destinations in Sri Lanka?
Regarding touristic destinations to recommend, this is a very hard choice to make because I should mention so many places which I visited and liked very much, like the southern beaches, or trekking in the Pekoe Trail, or the hills, or the magnificent sacred sculptures of Dambulla, or the experience of playing golf in one of the marvelous courses present in the island. There are indeed so many things which could be listed, but if I have to select only one place, I would then mention Sigiriya, whose visit was, for me, a breathtaking and fascinating experience. Regarding food, I have a special preference for sea food and Sri Lanka is blessed with a great production of wonderful prawns, crabs, lobster and other delicacies of this kind, which I love cooked in any style.
How do you boost cultural co-operation and heritage between the two countries? What are some recent initiatives from the Italian Embassy?
The Embassy organizes a number of initiatives to make Italian culture and lifestyle better known and visible in Si Lanka. I am also very glad that we have recently launched two new social channels, where the Embassy communicates the organization of events or main facts of our bilateral relations that can be of general interest (https://www.facebook.com/ItalyinSriLanka/ , https://www.instagram.com/italyinsrilanka/). The focus of our initiatives is on many different sectors, spanning from fashion and design, to food, culture, science, sports and others: I am glad here to mention the celebration of the worldwide week of Italian cuisine in November, when we invited, with the collaboration of some of the most important hotels in Colombo, five chefs who have presented to the local public Italian delicacies for the entire week, the concert we have organized in Galle in occasion of our national day in June, when we presented the latest creation of the Italian author Nicolò Faraci. And we will have more during 2025, with a concert by a renown Italian violinist in September and a contemporary art performance before the end of the year.
Can you discuss some of the challenges you encountered coming from a country where everything is different, food, language, social ethos, and temperature?
When reaching a new Country diplomats always face challenges, which involve not only our self but all of our family. As a matter of fact, while we maintain a continuity in our work (our procedures and business environment remain always the same in all Italian Embassies worldwide), for our family members the horizon changes totally: new house, new friends, new school for the children, new climate and environment. Moving to Sri Lanka has brought us to an environment that was not unknown since, as I said, I was posted previously in South Asia. Language and food weren’t such a big challenge since English is widely spoken in the region while we started to know and appreciate in our previous posting the use of spices and cooking style typical of the area. Concerning food, I have also to confess that we cook daily original Italian cuisine in my residence, not to miss too much the original flavors of Italy.
Finally, what impression has Sri Lanka left on you? And what message would you like to share with its people?
After almost two years in Sri Lanka, allow me to say that, beyond its economic and cultural strengths, Sri Lanka stands out for its resilience. The country has faced so many challenges, from civil war to economic hardships, yet its people have remained strong, adapting to challenges with determination and optimism. I think that the Country, while completing the journey to come out of the economic crisis, is discovering its great potential, which is still untapped: it’s an island state in a critical junction of the Indo-Pacific area, an area which has been the driver of global growth in the last 20 years; is a country that, since the end of the colonial period, has always enjoyed a democratic political system, a condition which has been strengthened by the results of the very peaceful elections and transition of power carried out in 2024; is a Country rich of wonderful tourist destinations, with a tropical climate allowing to welcome tourist 12 months a year. These are all conditions indicating that Sri Lanka should not implement inward looking policies but should instead continue in the path that it has recently started, strengthening investments in tourism and infrastructures and opening up the economy, and its manufacturing sector, to foreign investments and trade. This will increase the touristic presence in the island and will link up more strictly local industries to global value chains which will lead to an increase of business opportunities, exports and growth.
The Kingsbury has appointed Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
The development of a country depends on the productive contribution that its people make towards the nation. — Prime Minister
The Prime Minister participated in the 77th commemoration of AL- NAKBA for Palestine.
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