The Committee
- Takes note that Sri Lanka has nominated Kithul Madeema/Kithul Kapeema, an ancient indigenous technology for tapping Kithul in Sri Lanka (No. 02318) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
In rural village communities in Sri Lanka, kithul madeema, or kithul tapping, is a traditional method of collecting sap from the kithul tree, a tall palm found in forests and home gardens. The process entails climbing the tree using a ladder and wrapping the flower stalk with vine. A sacred tapping knife is then used to cut the stalk and collect sap on a daily basis. This sap is filtered and boiled for several hours to make kithul treacle, also known as kithul honey. It can also be consumed as a fresh drink or turned into jaggery (a solid sweet), vinegar and alcoholic drinks.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: Kithul-based products are an important part of daily life, often shared in ceremonies, festivals and gatherings. The tappers observe traditional beliefs, such as tree worship and sap storage practices. Traditionally, men collect the sap and women process it. While some village cooperatives and government programmes offer training, most learning happens informally at home. Although the practice was once tied to certain castes, it now belongs to all communities and is a shared part of the local culture. The practice helps preserve cultural identity while promoting unity and creating a strong connection between people and nature. It also provides a source of income in rural areas, fostering community resilience.
R.4: The communities, groups and individuals concerned with the element played an essential role in every stage of the nomination process. They participated in consultations, studies and meetings, which were part of participatory decision-making processes. Their free, prior and informed consent to the nomination was given in various formats, which reflects inclusivity and transparency.
R.5: The element was included in the Sri Lanka National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements in 2024. The inventory is maintained and updated by the National Library and Documentation Services Board, but update is done in an ad hoc manner. Inclusive participation of communities and groups in the inventory process is ensured.
- Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting State Party through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.2: The nomination presents strong arguments for how the inscription of the element would promote the visibility of intangible cultural heritage, foster intercultural dialogue and highlight human creativity. Regarding the element's contributions to sustainable development, the nomination file underscores the deep connection between cultural and natural heritage, and demonstrates the links between the element and aspects such as food security, inclusive economic development and environmental sustainability.
R.3: The safeguarding measures presented by the submitting State Party are multifaceted and include awareness-raising initiatives, such as campaigns, workshops, seminars, programmes and exhibitions. The approach is explicitly community-driven at all stages and involves gender-sensitive strategies. The State’s role in facilitating and supporting these efforts through policy, legislation and public–private partnerships is also clear.
- Decides to inscribe Kithul Madeema/Kithul Kapeema, an ancient indigenous technology for tapping Kithul in Sri Lanka on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.