Clothing
The country comes well equipped with a host of the finest clothes shops. If its men’s wear you after, then look no further than Hameedia, the household name in men’s clothing. For all you ladies, make your way to either Wellawatte or Ranjana’s in Pettah where you will definitely find the perfect sari for you. However if you are on the lookout for tailor made sari, then choose from the finest of fabrics at Fashion Fabrics for the ideal fit and style. Odel and Cotton Collection located in the heart of Colombo are fashion stores that serve up the perfect combination of class and elegance when it comes to selecting a garment.

Antiques
Tourists travelling around the country find our range of antiques as being some of the best that can be treasure for a lifetime. Memorable antiques dating back to the Colonial days can be discovered in places like the Galle Fort and the town of Ambalangoda which is located on the South coast. Choose from a variety of pottery, brassware, furniture and porcelain objects that will be the perfect gift to take back home.

Traditional & Contemporary Crafts
Sri Lanka boasts as having a group of experts located in different parts of the country who specialize in their respective art. Most traditional pieces of art and craft can be purchased at Laksala in Colombo at an affordable price. Lakpahana in Colombo also serves as another outlet where you can choose the perfect piece of memorabilia. However in recent times local entrepreneurs have developed their own trade where a range of objects made with traditional methods are on display for many a passerby. These include Batik T-shirts of exquisite design, scented candles, relaxing herbal massage oils and hand woven toys.

Books
As the old saying goes, “Reading maketh a man”, we stay true to the age old saying as we possess a range of bookstores containing some of the finest pieces of literature. Shop for your favourite novel or the latest science fiction book from either Vijitha Yapa which has a number of outlets situated in various parts of the country, Bookland or even M.D. Gunasena.

Gems & Jewelry
The town of Ratnapura in the Sabaragamuwa Province is famously nicknamed as the “City of Gems”. Any traveler looking to purchase a Sapphire or Amethyst can make their way towards the town where purchases can be done. Gem studded jewelry can be purchased at stores such as Swarnamahal and Mallika Hemechandra for that special someone or occasion.

Village Fairs and Malls
Sunday is the perfect day of the week to shop for the freshest vegetables and fruits that are grown throughout various parts of the country. If you do have the patience, then take a trip down the narrow alleys of the Pettah Bazaar where you will discover the latest pieces of technology, toys and various home appliances.

Tea
The country’s most famous and enjoyed beverage can be bought straight from tea factories such as the Labookelle estate in Nuwara Eliya, the Bogawanthalawa estates in Dick Oya and the Tea Research Institute in Talwakelle. Savour the true essence of a beverage that is made famous the world over and has some of its roots buried deep in the history of our country.

Spices
Sri Lanka is well known for its spices and spicy food and these items can be found and bought from almost any store or market in the country. Beginning with condiments such as Curry powder and chili powder; cloves and cinnamon with the former being used as medicine for tooth aches are known to leave a lasting impression of the country on any traveler bold enough to taste the exoticness and flavor.