• What the vegan experience is like for Sri Lankans

Every year, World Vegan Day (1 November) celebrates a global movement that is reshaping how we think about food and sustainability. Observed worldwide, it’s a reminder to reflect on the impact of our daily choices on the planet, animals, and our own health. 

Contrary to popular belief, veganism goes beyond just diet; it is a lifestyle that avoids animal products in every form, from food and fashion to cosmetics. World Vegan Day encourages people to consider that cruelty-free and sustainable living isn’t just possible, it might actually be essential for a kinder, greener world.

The Sri Lankan vegan reality

But what does veganism really look like for us here in Sri Lanka? The answer, it turns out, is a bit complicated. 

On one hand, our cuisine is naturally abundant with fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes, all staples of a plant-based diet. On the other hand, the concept of veganism as a lifestyle is still relatively unfamiliar. 

Walk into a typical eatery and say you are vegan, and you are more likely to be met with polite confusion than with a menu of plant-based options. Yet, if you look closely, vegan-friendly dishes are everywhere: rice and curry, dhal, pol sambol, coconut roti – they just aren’t labelled as such.

So, is life as a vegan in Sri Lanka easy or difficult? The answer, as many vegans will tell you, depends. 

If you are willing to look beyond labels, navigate local customs, and embrace the island’s naturally plant-rich diet, it’s surprisingly doable, even delightful. But if you are looking for clearly marked ‘vegan’ menus, speciality products, or meat-free sections at supermarkets, it might feel more like a scavenger hunt than a lifestyle.

Speaking to The Sunday Morning Brunch, Dr. Haritha Murage shared that being vegan in Sri Lanka was not particularly difficult. 

Describing himself as someone who followed a “light vegan lifestyle,” he explained: “I avoid consuming animal products and try not to purchase or wear items made from animal by-products, but I don’t make it so strict that it becomes restrictive. We live in a society and it’s not always possible to be perfect. What matters is the effort.”

For him, veganism extends beyond food to environmental and ethical awareness in all parts of his life. “Veganism, at its core, is about care – for the planet, for animals, and for your fellow humans,” he said. He drives an electric vehicle, avoids leather, and prefers cruelty-free products wherever possible.

Dr. Murage also pointed out that Sri Lanka’s food culture naturally lent itself to a plant-based diet. “Here, everything revolves around coconut, so you rarely have to worry about dairy in your meals,” he explained. “If you avoid animal-based proteins, you’re basically already eating vegan without realising it.” 

Still, he cautioned that anyone considering veganism should be mindful of their nutritional needs. “If you have specific health conditions or dietary requirements, it’s always wise to speak to a dietitian or nutritionist. Veganism should support your well-being, not compromise it.”

Privilege and the power of choice

Anura Kulasinghe, a longtime vegetarian who recently went vegan, shared that his choice was deeply personal and rooted in compassion. 

“I became vegan because I am an animal lover and a lover of the Earth,” he shared. “More than anything, I wish to protect them from harm.” 

Anura believes humanity will eventually evolve towards a fully plant-based existence. “One day, I believe we will reach a point where we can get everything we need, even protein, from plants. It’s possible; we just haven’t optimised our diets yet.”

However, he also acknowledges the challenges. “If you’re an athlete, if you go to the gym regularly, or if you’re very active, it can be hard if you don’t know how to get your protein,” he admitted. “You may need supplements, but if you’re truly committed, it’s about intention. You can make it happen; it just takes effort. And yes, it adds another layer of struggle to an already challenging life.”

Anura also touched on the privilege associated with veganism. “Veganism, in many ways, is tied to privilege,” he said. “To add a food challenge on top of your daily struggles is something only people with a certain level of comfort can afford.” 

His own transition happened later in life, once he was financially independent and had fewer responsibilities. “Now that my kids are grown and I can focus on my own well-being, I can finally live the way I choose. That’s a privilege, not everyone has that freedom.”

Anura also noted that access remained a major barrier. “Sourcing natural, organic food is a privilege too,” he added. “You need money to do that. Otherwise, most people rely on processed food out of convenience. It’s not that veganism isn’t possible here; it’s just not accessible to everyone.”

When health comes first

Then there’s Jesmin Fernando, who spent seven years as a vegan before reintroducing fish and eggs into her diet. 

“I loved being vegan, I felt very healthy and very light,” she said. “But over time, I started experiencing hormonal changes and gaining weight. That’s when I began working out and getting into endurance sports, and my nutrition needs changed drastically.”

For Jesmin, the change wasn’t about preference but practicality. “To get the protein I needed purely from vegetables, I would have had to eat impossibly large quantities,” she explained. “Whey protein was also much cheaper than vegan protein, and after a point, it became too much of a financial and physical strain.”

The result? “Once I added fish and eggs back in, my mood, energy, and fitness levels improved,” she admitted.

Still, Jesmin remains deeply connected to the principles that drew her to veganism in the first place. “I do mourn the clean vegan lifestyle I once led. I still believe in it,” she said. 

“Even though I’ve added animal products back into my meals, I continue to care deeply about animal welfare and the environment. Maybe someday, when plant-based diets are easier to sustain, I’ll go back to being fully vegan. If everyone could live that way, it would be wonderful.”

Listening to your body

From a more professional standpoint, Pasan Wijethunga, who is certified in holistic health and nutrition, offered a grounded perspective. 

“In my opinion, it’s a lot tougher for women to be vegan because their bodies go through hormonal changes at different stages,” he said. “They need varied nutrition at different times, so sticking to a rigid diet isn’t ideal.” He added that while veganism could work for some, it was still a restrictive form of eating.

“Veganism, by definition, limits your options,” Pasan explained. “I don’t recommend restrictive diets unless someone truly understands their body and has a strong reason to do it. Food is personal, and for many, it’s already tied to emotional or psychological struggles.” 

His advice? “Eat freely and listen to your body. But if you thrive on structure and discipline, and your ethical or environmental beliefs push you towards veganism, then by all means do it. Just be very attuned to your body’s needs.”

Pasan also echoed what others had said about the financial side of veganism. “To be frank, it’s a bit difficult here,” he said. “Nowhere in the world is veganism easy unless you have money. Ideally, we should all be eating organic, but most people rely on processed food because it’s convenient and affordable. Unless you’re financially comfortable, maintaining a fully balanced vegan lifestyle takes planning and a lot of support.”

A spectrum, not a rulebook

Ultimately, the perspectives of those sharing their own experiences show that veganism in Sri Lanka is not a one-size-fits-all lifestyle. For some, it’s a fulfilling ethical choice that aligns beautifully with our plant-based culinary roots. For others, it’s a logistical or nutritional challenge that requires privilege, planning, and patience.

What’s undeniable, though, is that Sri Lanka offers a unique foundation for vegan living, even if it’s not mainstream yet. 

As Dr. Murage observed, much of our food is already vegan by default. And many of the speakers reminded us that privilege plays a large role in accessibility, showing that flexibility and self-care are just as important as ideals, highlighting also that any diet must serve both physical and emotional well-being.

Veganism in Sri Lanka, then, exists on a spectrum. It’s not a rulebook, it’s a practice, personal and evolving. It’s about compassion, consciousness, and balance. Whether you are fully vegan, mostly plant-based, or simply trying to make more ethical food choices, what truly matters is awareness of what we eat, how it’s made, and the impact it leaves on the world we share.