For World Vegan Month, The Vegan Review is sharing the stories of vegans from 30 countries around the world. Here’s one from Sri Lanka.
Ishara De Silva, 37, is the managing director of Srimal Group in Sri Lanka.
She had been vegetarian on and off for a while, and went fully vegan in 2016.
Why did you go vegan?
In 2012, I set up a company on holistic wellbeing. The doctors who work for me always recommended plant-based diet for our meal plans. We are also a social enterprise, so we help lots of animal charities, reforestation projects, etc., and during this work, I learned a lot about the suffering of animals. I also adopted a stray cat and learned how emotionally attuned animals are, and therefore I chose to go vegan. And same for my company — all meals at our centre are now vegan.
What was the biggest challenge when you transitioned?
None. I strangely found it very easy.
What was the reaction of your loved ones when you went plant-based? How did they adapt?
My family also went vegan with me, and so did all our team.
Who are your influences?
My cat, which I adopted from the street and all the awareness programs I have watched and worked with.
What’s your favourite thing to cook now? Have you tried to veganise a local traditional dish?
Traditional Sri Lankan food is actually vegan. I did veganise some other more Westernised dishes I like (especially cakes, etc.).
What vegan product do you wish your country had available?
I wish we had more plant-based milk options. We have a lot of coconut milk, but not much of the other nut milks that I love. But that’s okay.Â
How accessible and affordable are vegan products in your country?
Very. As I mentioned, a traditional Sri Lankan diet is vegan.
What’s your favourite spot for vegan food in your city?
Unfortunately, even though our culture and tradition are based on Buddhism and therefore food is largely vegan, modern society is addicted to meat. So sometimes, it’s hard to find a vegan place to eat at. I guess my favourite place is my own centre.
What is the one city you’d like to visit as a vegan?
London. It has some great vegan food places.
What’s the biggest roadblock to veganism in your country?
The modern society’s obsession with meat consumption.
