Sarath Ananda, a fifth-generation palm sap tapper in Sri Lanka, has seen his family's traditional craft gain international recognition after being listed by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The kithul palm sap, collected by climbing tall trees at dawn and dusk, is boiled into treacle and jaggery, which are sought after both locally and abroad. Despite the global spotlight, the industry faces significant challenges, including labour shortages, adulteration of products, and a dwindling supply of sap. Many worry that the younger generation is reluctant to continue the demanding work, threatening the future of this centuries-old tradition. Efforts are underway to preserve the craft, with state-led training programs and a growing export market, but the survival of authentic kithul tapping remains uncertain.