Published by Milk Coop Society, Deniyaya,
Sri Lanka, November 2026

We are really thankful to TerraCircle for providing funding for the design and layout of the cookbook to distribute in Sri Lanka.

For generations, traditional recipes have been passed from woman to woman—from mothers and grandmothers to daughters and younger generations. Along with ingredients and cooking methods, these recipes carry stories, cultural practices, and knowledge of the seasons that have supported Sri Lankan families for centuries.

Nourishing Peace was created to honour this precious heritage and the extraordinary women who continue to keep it alive.

This cookbook is a collection of beloved local recipes created with the women of the Milk Coop Society, representing 78 rural women’s groups living in communities surrounding the magnificent Sinharaja Rainforest. During my journey with these women, I experienced much more than farming and food. I shared laughter, songs, dances, stories, and friendships. Through these moments, I witnessed the strength, happiness, and connection that grow when women come together with kindness, trust, and a shared purpose.

These women are guardians of local knowledge. They grow organic foods using traditional practices that have been carefully passed through generations, while also embracing new ideas that strengthen their connection with the land. Through Milk Coop, we have shared knowledge, introduced new tools and techniques, and explored ways to better understand the health of the soil that supports their gardens.

This book is a celebration of the women who grow, cook, preserve, sing, dance, and share. It is a tribute to their generosity, creativity, and determination. My hope is that Nourishing Peace inspires families to gather around the kitchen, reconnect with local foods, respect the wisdom of previous generations, and continue passing these traditions forward.

Every recipe in this book carries a piece of Sri Lanka’s heart. May it bring nourishment, connection, and peace to every home where it is shared, both locally in Sri Lanka and throughout the world.

Jo Dean
Author
Australian Volunteer Program
Sri Lanka