16 Sri Lankanisms, Bung.

We’re embracing our Sri Lankan-ness with a bit more vigour than usual today, and have compiled this list of words which make us authentic, quintessential Sri Lankans. We’re totally not judging you, but you’re just not Sri Lankan enough if you’ve never used ‘bung’ or ‘machan’ at some point in life. Or if you haven’t been called it at some point either.

The awesomesauce pictures we’ve used are also completely local, and sourced off Nazly’s Flickr account. I’m terrible with Photoshop, so muchos gracias bohoma sthuuthiy to Malinthe for doing the bulk of work on this.

Now, back to Sri Lankanisms. This doesn’t cover everything, but here’s 16 of them off the top of our heads. If you’ve got any favourites you’d like to share, hit us up in the comments.

1. Machan

“”How you doing, machan?””

2. Bung

“”I’m alright, bung.””

3. Bambuwa

Also works along the lines of ‘goodness knows what’s happening’, when you’re really annoyed.

4. Aney

Oh, this could also be used to express annoyance. Did we mention that there are a LOT of those words?

5. Kaella

Not to be confused with “”kella””, which is what it ideally should be.

6. Redda

Like, what the heck, yea?

7. Mala Wadayak

The expression says it all.

8. No?

“”It’s very hot today, no?””

9. Mokak

Say what?

10. Achchige Redda

We did mention that we become very creative when it comes to expressing annoyance, right? Even when the phrases used makes zero sense?

11. Hena Gahapan

Ouch. Good day to you too, kind sir.

12. Mee Haraka

This is pretty safe to use around parents, it’s not really THAT bad. I mean it’s bad, but just not that bad.

13. Mala Keliyay

Oh shoot.

14. Patta

“”That was a patta knock by Sanga, man!””

15. Palayang Bung Yanna

Just… just palayang, men.

16. Shape

This post is shape eke okay, no?

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu Trending

Press Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of The London Grill & Welcoming Visiting Chef Phillip Davenport

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 14 May 2025 – Cinnamon Grand Colombo is pleased to invite

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

A Vintage Affair at Sky Lounge

An Evening of Fine Wine and an Italian Touch The Kingsbury, Colombo, invites you to

Highlights Kamu Trending

Browns Hotels Opens Turtle Conservation Hub at Dickwella Resort

On 23rd May, to celebrate World Turtle Day, Browns Hotels & Resorts (BHR) began a

Trending

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

Taste the World: 7 Cuisines in 7 Days

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

The Avenue, Colombo – Review

From the moment you walk in, the space offers a sense of comfort. Its simple

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Yamu Guide.

Best Waterfalls in Sri Lanka (Including Hidden Gems)

By Fathima Rukaiya, There are many beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, but are you unsure

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

A Curated List of 9 Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

Yamu Guide

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide