Water lilies are an important and sacred flower in Sri Lanka. People on the island love these flowers not only because they are beautiful but also because they are useful in many ways, especially in traditional food.
Water lilies grow in many places across the country. They can be seen in lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and even muddy water pools. These flowers grow well in the tropical climate of Sri Lanka. Their roots grow deep in the mud while their colourful flowers bloom on the water surface. When many water lilies bloom together, they create a beautiful and colourful view.
One well-known water lily is Manel, also called the Blue Lotus. It has a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans. Other important flowers are Olu, the white water lily, and Nelum, the lotus. These flowers are also sacred in Sri Lankan culture. The sacred lotus, called Rath Nelum, is especially respected by Buddhists because they believe the Buddha walked on seven lotus flowers when he was born.
Because of this belief, many devotees bring lotus and water lily flowers when they visit temples. They usually wear white clothes and carry flowers like Nelum, Olu, or Manel to offer at the temple. These flowers remind people about the teachings of the Buddha and the idea of impermanence. Water lilies are also seen in Sri Lankan art and culture. Beautiful lotus designs can be seen in the paintings of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and in traditional Kandyan art.
Water lilies have also been used in Sri Lankan cooking for many centuries. In the past, people used lotus leaves to wrap food. This tradition is still used today. Many people believe food tastes better when it is wrapped in lotus leaves. These natural wraps also give a special flavour and aroma to meals.
The lotus root is also a popular ingredient in Sri Lankan food. When sliced, the root shows a beautiful pattern. It can be cooked in different ways. A traditional dish is Nelum Ala Kirata, a curry made with coconut milk. Another dish is Nelum Ala Kalu Pol, which has roasted coconut and rice for extra flavour.
Lotus root is also used in other Asian cuisines. It can be stir-fried with vegetables or cooked in spicy dishes. Some modern restaurants also make creative lotus root dishes such as crispy fried lotus or hot butter lotus.
Another special food made from water lilies is Olu haal. These are small seeds taken from the white water lily fruit. The seeds can be used instead of rice and are considered healthy, especially for people who want to reduce carbohydrates in their diet. The seeds must be soaked and cooked before eating. A popular dish is Olu haal kanda, a healthy porridge usually eaten for breakfast.
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