Wash the lentils then soak them in water for about 1 hour. Slice the onion and chilli and chop the garlic. Heat the oil and stir fry the onion, chilli, garlic and curry leaves. Drain the lentils and add to the pan. Add the chilli powder, the coriander powder and the coconut milk. Bring to the boil and simmer until the lentils are soft. Add salt to taste. From "A taste of Sri Lanka" by Indra Jayasekera, Isbn #962 224 010 0