Sri Lanka’s palm-sap tappers ride UNESCO boostAFP, AMBEGODA, Sri LankaWhen Sri Lankan mechanic Sarath Ananda left his job in Kuwait to make traditional palm sweets, he never imagined the career switch would bring global acclaim. Sarath Ananda, a kithul tapper, serves jaggery freshly made from kithul sap at Ambegoda Village in Sri Lanka on Jan. 26. Sarath Ananda collects sap from kithul palm trees at the Ambegoda Village in Sri Lanka on Jan. 26. The UNESCO inscription has boosted recognition for the rural industry, which is still regarded as a lowly occupation in caste-conscious Sri Lankan society. “Kithul is not unique to Sri Lanka — it is found across South and Southeast Asia,” KDB chairwoman M. U. Gayani said.

Source: Taipei Times February 10, 2026 16:30 UTC