Kiribath (Milk Rice) as Cultural Memory: Culinary Narratives in Sri Lankan Chronicle

M.J.U. Merinnage* and Chandima Bogahawaththa**

Food culture plays a significant role in preserving cultural memory by embodying social values, beliefs, and ritual meanings within historical narratives. Kiribath (milk rice) is one of the most prominent traditional foods in Sri Lankan Sinhala culture and is widely associated with auspiciousness, prosperity, and well-being. The aim of this study is to discuss the perceptions and meanings attributed to Kiribath in the past in relation to heritage memory. A comparative analysis of selected legends and narrative traditions in which kiribath appears as a significant symbolic element forms the basis of the research method. Although these legends originate from different historical contexts, they share a common narrative background, and it can be observed that Buddhist culture influenced societal understandings of Kiribath in society. That is, it seems that Buddhist culture has shaped the representation of Kiribath as a symbol of auspiciousness. The conceptual origin of this symbolism can be traced to the offering of milk rice by Sujata to Gautama Buddha prior to the Enlightenment.This narrative appears to have strongly influenced the symbolic meaning of kiribath in Sinhala cultural memory. As a result, kiribath has been preserved not merely as a food item but as a cultural symbol associated with the anticipation of positive outcomes in the future. The study highlights how narrative traditions contribute to sustaining food-based heritage and transmitting cultural meanings across generations.