Reviving Lost Grains: How Sustenance Lanka is Bringing Back Traditional Porridges

Before instant noodles and processed breakfast cereals, Sri Lankan households began their day with a bowl of warm, nourishing herbal porridge. These traditional concoctions, made from wild greens and grains, were not just food – they were medicine, passed down through generations.

Today, Sustenance Lanka is on a mission to bring back these lost culinary treasures. We spoke to the founders about their journey to reintroduce Welpenala, Polpala, Iramusu, and other traditional ingredients to modern kitchens.

The Forgotten Wisdom

"Our grandmothers knew something that modern nutrition science is only now catching up to," says founder Amal Perera. "These wild greens are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that you can't find in ordinary vegetables."

Welpenala (water spinach) is known for its iron content and cooling properties. Polpala (Indian pennywort) is celebrated for its cognitive benefits. Iramusu (Indian sarsaparilla) has been used for centuries as a blood purifier and immune booster.

From Wild to Table

The process begins with identifying and sustainably harvesting these wild greens from forests and home gardens across Sri Lanka. Local communities are trained in proper identification and harvesting techniques, ensuring both quality and conservation.

Once harvested, the greens are carefully dried using low-temperature methods that preserve their nutritional content and active compounds. They're then milled into fine powders that can be easily incorporated into porridges, smoothies, and baked goods.

A Modern Solution

"We're not asking people to go back to grinding grains on a stone," explains co-founder Priyani Weerasinghe. "We've created convenient porridge mixes that capture the essence of tradition while fitting into busy modern lives."

The result is a range of instant porridge mixes that take just minutes to prepare but deliver hours of sustained energy and nutrition. Each mix is free from preservatives, artificial colors, and added sugars – just pure, traditional goodness.

Community Impact

The revival of traditional grains has also created economic opportunities for rural communities. Over 200 families now supplement their income by harvesting and processing wild greens, with fair prices guaranteed through Sustenance Lanka's out-grower programme.

"This isn't just about food," says Amal. "It's about preserving our heritage, supporting our farmers, and giving Sri Lankans a healthier start to their day."

Try their Traditional Herbal Porridge Mix – available in original Welpenala, Polpala, and Iramusu varieties – and taste a piece of Sri Lankan history.