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Sri Lanka’s ancient art of toddy tapping finds new life in cocktails and desserts
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Toddy tapper Jayasena Mudiyanse is among those in Sri Lanka carrying on the heritage skill that has been given a boost by young entrepreneurs using the syrup in desserts and cocktails.
PHOTOS: CLAIRE TURRELL
Claire Turrell
SRI LANKA – Barefoot, toddy tapper Jayasena Mudiyanse scales a bamboo ladder that stretches up into the tree canopy, climbing with the agility and speed of someone half his age.
It is a journey that the 46-year-old makes thrice a day. A metal pot and a hooked knife dangle from his waistband, which he will use to collect a prized ingredient.
