In the dry zone of Sri Lanka, beneath the ancient stupas of Mihintale, lives Gunapala—a man dedicated to preserving one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred agricultural legacies: native rice farming.

Gunapala lives and farms in Rambewa, just outside Mihintale. He cultivates organic traditional rice varieties—the types once favored by kings, monks, and ancient healers. These native grains are different from modern, fast-growing varieties. They take longer to mature, are more resistant to pests, and offer deeper nutritional value. Most importantly, they carry the taste of history—earthy, fragrant, and deeply Sri Lankan.

What makes Gunapala’s method special is his commitment to old techniques. He avoids all synthetic fertilizers and chemicals. Instead, he relies on cow dung, green manures, traditional pest repellents made from neem and garlic, and manual weeding. It’s hard work. The yields aren’t always high. But the result is a rice that tells a story of resilience, purity, and cultural respect.

At Splendid Seasons, we’re proud to support Gunapala by sourcing his rice at above-market prices, ensuring his farming is not only meaningful—but also viable. His rice is used in select products, including wellness-based porridges and flour blends that bring these traditional grains into modern kitchens.

Gunapala’s story is one of quiet persistence. At a time when many farmers are switching to high-input, fast-turnaround crops, he has chosen the harder path: to stay true to his roots, and to honor a system of farming that respects both the land and the human body.

By supporting him, we’re not just buying rice. We’re helping to protect a piece of Sri Lanka’s food heritage—one field at a time.