Shopping

Shopping in Sri Lanka can take many forms haggling with a handicraft-seller while sunbathing on the beach choosing fruit from the traditional village store, 'the kade' while side-stepping sacks of rice or checking out the bargain-priced latest international fashions (Sri Lanka is a major garment exporter) while enjoying the ambiance of a luxurious shopping centre in Colombo. And there’s so much in between! Visit a handicraft shop and familiarize yourself with traditional designs such as makara (a mythical animal, lion, swan, elephant and lotus which are most evident in brasswork (boxes, trays, lanterns, vases) and silverware (ornately carved and filigree jewellery, tea-sets) that make excellent souvenirs. In addition, ritual masks, lacquer ware, batik and handloom textiles, lace, and wood carvings are popular.

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s largest city is very colourful, vibrant and the commercial capital of the country. An interesting mix of modern life and colonial ruins, Colombo is located on the west coast of the island and adjacent to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.

North of the centre is the Fort district, the country’s business centre. South is Galle Face Green, a seafront expanse of occasional green. East of the fort is the pungent Pettah bazaar district. The city is home to over 600,000 people.

Colombo’s primary bazaar district is Pettah, located next to the Fort District. The narrow cobble-stone streets are lined with stalls and shops that sell a vast array of fabrics, clothing, handbags, jewelry, watches, electronics, shoes, books, household items, and much more, at really great prices. The goods are pretty much broken up by category. For example, music-related items are clustered around Malwatte Avenue, glass and mirrors are centered around Prince Street, and household items are likely to be found on Keyzer Street. Don’t worry about getting lost, because each lane leads back to the main street.

Where to Shop?

A notable shopping area if you’re looking for crafts is the Laksala Emporium. Run by the government, the goods here are more expensive, but usually top-notch. Selections range from painted wooden masks and lacquerware to Batiks and handloom cloth. For other high-quality items, check the Handloom Emporium, the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewelry Exchange, and the shops around the Cinnamon Gardens.

Larger scale shopping is available, too, at Crescat Boulevard and Majestic City, both on Galle Road . These larger malls features clothing stores, restaurants, supermarkets, and cinemas.

Many shoppers in Sri Lanka have their eye out for the famous Ceylon Tea. One safe bet is Tea Tang, with locations at Liberty Plaza, Galle Face Court, the World Trade Center, and the airport. Another good option is Mlesna Tea, with shops at Liberty Plaza, Majestic City, the Hilton, Crescat Boulevard, and the airport.

What to buy?

Batiks: It is a small scale industry that has risen to prominence in recent years especially among the tourists visiting the country. Batiks are one of the numerous local arts and crafts that employ individual design, talent and creativity.

Batiks incorporate many motifs and colors. Some are traditional and others highly contemporary and individualistic. Though it is seen that many display a vigorousness of design related to their origin. The material created by the batik-m