A tradition worth
bringing home.

Who we are

Rishi Ahara is a righteous food initiative operating through the Dharma Vijaya Foundation in Colombo 07. We bring traditional Sri Lankan ingredients, recipes and ethical food practices into modern everyday life.

Our work is inspired by the “Sil Suwandai – Hela Diviyai” Piriven and Vihara Villages National Programme. We connect traditional knowledge, responsible agriculture, careful preparation and modern convenience.

Our mission

Making traditional food part of modern life.

• Revive Sri Lanka’s traditional food heritage.
• Encourage local rice, grains, vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices.
• Make traditional food practical for modern families.
• Support ethical and responsible preparation, from cultivation and processing to cooking.
• Promote food education and dietary diversity.
• Create opportunities for local farmers and communities.

Our vision

A healthier nation and a righteous food economy.

We envision a future where traditional food knowledge is protected, local farmers are supported, and families have better access to diverse and responsibly prepared food.

The farmer. The ingredient. The meal. The consumer.
A stronger connection at every step.

Our values

Compassion

Respecting people, animals and the natural environment.

Responsibility

Giving attention to how food is cultivated, processed and prepared.

Honesty

Providing clear information about ingredients, products and prices.

Tradition

Protecting valuable Sri Lankan food knowledge.

More than taste

The Rishi educational presentation identifies three important qualities of food: nutritional, medicinal and functional properties.

These encompass essential nutrients, naturally occurring plant compounds traditionally valued as part of a varied diet, and plant fibre, prebiotics and beneficial microorganisms associated with normal digestive functions.

Explore our food philosophy

From farm to plate

Food quality depends on the entire journey. Rishi Ahara encourages responsible cultivation, careful handling, hygienic preparation and thoughtful serving.

Agriculture → Selection → Storage → Processing → Cooking → Plate

The Rishi presentation describes food as a connected process involving agriculture, processing, cooking and the human body.

A heritage worth protecting

Sri Lanka possesses a rich variety of traditional foods, yet many remain underused. The Rishi educational presentation describes more than 3,000 food varieties as underutilised, while around 30 are commonly consumed by most people.

Through products, recipes, catering and education, Rishi Ahara seeks to bring these forgotten ingredients back to everyday tables.