Sri Lanka, June 26 -- 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 light...