Shopping in Sri Lanka

For shopper’s Sri Lanka shopping is a delight. One can discover unrivalled shopping opportunities at the markets of Pettah and Fort in Colombo that ranges from modern shopping complexes to charming pavement shops. It’s a good idea to have a look at what is on offer at flashy stores like Odel, Barefoot, Arena, Plantation Road and Elephant Walk. One will find from clothing, home wares, souvenirs, furniture to knickknacks which are all laid out in profusion.

When shopping Sri Lanka it has good quality leather ware found at very moderate price at the leatherwork shops and shoe shops around Colombo and Fort. The bazaar next to the Fort railway station on Olcott Mawatha sells leather products at a cheaper price than those found in the Handicraft shops of Laksala and Lakmedura.
While shopping Sri Lanka a very popular collector's item among foreigners visiting Sri Lanka are the island's masks. These masks are carved at a number of places along the south west coast, with the town of Ambalangoda being the main mask-carving center.

The country also has one of the best teas in the world. Tea is available in special presentation packs at the Sri Lanka Tea Board counter at 574 Galle Road, Colombo 3 and at the Airport. For the tourists there are plenty of souvenir shops selling woodcarvings, ceramics, handlooms, and colorful batiks that showcase indigenous Sri Lankan craftsmanship at its best. The country also is also known for its extensive gem trade with sapphires, rubies, moonstones, and garnets available throughout the island. The Gem Exchange in Colombo houses many Gem dealers and a government valuation service.