When In Colombo: Top 10 Places To Buy Sri Lankan Souvenirs

At the end of your trip in Sri Lanka and looking for last-minute souvenirs for you and your loved ones back home? Fear not, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s a quick list of the best places to get keepsakes to remind you of your time in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean!

1. Dilmah

In case you didn’t already know (we would be shocked if you didn’t!), one of Sri Lanka’s oldest, most famous pride and joy is tea! For over a century and a half, Sri Lanka has been known to produce and export some of the world’s finest tea. Having said all this, it would be almost unforgivable to leave the country without at least one box of tea!

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@dimahceylontea)

So for all things tea, we would highly recommend Dilmah, one of Sri Lanka’s leading tea companies. Founded and run by the most experienced tea maker in the world, Merrill J. Fernando, Dilmah features an immensely extensive range of flavours and types of tea. You can pop by one of their t-Lounge by Dilmah outlets, enjoy an exquisite cuppa while you’re there and pick up a few boxes of tea of your choosing!

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@teatimerocks)

Find it on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/jRNYSPrDB89pMuoAA

2. Laksala

Laksala is a State-owned gift and souvenir shop which has quite a number of outlets around the island. They’ve got everything, from multiple designs of the signature Sri Lankan Devil’s mask, statuettes of colourful elephants, and paintings, to local spices and even batik clothing! Whether you’re searching for a tiny souvenir or a big one, Laksala definitely has it all.

Find it on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/RASMfPTFb3kNLdX4A

3. Lakpahana

Not to be mistaken with the aforementioned Laksala, the Lakpahana stores are best known for their vivid and vast collection of carefully made arts and crafts.

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@lakpahana)

Among the many stunning items for purchase, you can find painstakingly woven decorative pieces, bags, clutches, fans and more! You’ll also come across gorgeous batik prints in the form of table cloths and sarongs, works of hand embroidery and even jewelry featuring distinct Sri Lankan gems.

Find it on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/aKmibijdUEwfRZ9E7

4. Kandygs

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@kandygshandloom)

Kandygs has been around since the 1970s and is one of Sri Lanka’s household names when it comes the handloom industry. Beautifully woven with vividly coloured yarn, handloom is also completely sustainable having minimal impact on the environment. The woven fabric is used to create a plethora of things, for example sarongs, clothing, bags, soft toys, cushion covers and so much more!

Find it on Google Maps here: https://g.page/THIRASARA?share

5. Barefoot

Another well known name in the handloom game in Sri Lanka, especially their handloom clothes and impressive range of sarongs in every possible colour, is Barefoot. Established in 1964 by Barbara Sansoni, Barefoot is a brand that is associated with quality, creativity and a unique blend of true Sri Lankan essence. It is an absolute MUST that you leave Sri Lanka with at least one sarong from Barefoot!

Aside from that, you can also purchase vintage-inspired postcards, countless books of fiction and non-fiction tales about Sri Lanka and/or by Sri Lankan authors, artisanal tea brands, and carefully crafted decorative items.

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@barefootceylon)

You can also make a day of it, and swing by the Barefoot Garden Cafe adjoining the store for a delicious meal while enjoying the peaceful outdoors.

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@barefootgardencafe)

Find it on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/gHSzxGGtTvbuLcQi8

6. Selyn

A brand that strives to be ethical, sustainable and empowering, especially for women, Selyn has also been a long-standing pillar in the weaving community.

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@selynfairtrade)

Not unlike Barefoot and Kandygs, Selyn also features an array of striking handloom products (yes, it’s another spot to buy some irresistible sarongs), including comfortable clothing, bags, homeware like cushion covers and table runners, toys for kids. etc.

Find it on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/koctGPAWsXtyCaTj6

7. Spa Ceylon

Spa Ceylon has reached far and wide across the global as a Sri Lankan brand, but how can one not buy some Spa Ceylon after a vacation is Ceylon itself? Creating a variety of wellness products that smell divine, Spa Ceylon embodies the perfect Sri Lankan Ayurvedic experience with a bit of oomph under one brand. Not only can you buy their products to treat pretty much every inch of your skin and body, but you can even visit some of their outlets with spas for a proper spa session with their well-trained therapists!

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@spaceylonofficial)

Find it on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/kE6G9bjeCcCg3MaM7

8. ODEL

One of Sri Lanka’s first and biggest department stores, ODEL is a one-stop shop for not only a number of renowned international brands, but also quite a few adored local brands. You can find many a colourful ornament and keepsake at the LUV SL section, a generous collection of teas to choose from, and many other local goodies that are bound to remind you of good times in Sri Lanka whenever you glance at them!

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@odel.official)

Find it on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/85cN9Dp3iAokJR826

9. One Galle Face Mall

The relatively new One Galle Face Mall is definitely the largest shopping complex in Colombo by far! Under this massive roof, you’ll find numerous esteemed local brands like ODEL, Spa Ceylon, Siddhalepa Ayurveda and much, much more, which makes this gigantic structure an all-in-one spot to buy pretty much anything you’d like to as memorabilia of your time in Sri Lanka!

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@onegallefaceofficial)

Find it on Google Maps here: https://g.page/one-galle-face-mall?share

10. Colombo City Center

Colombo City Center, also simply known as CCC, is another mall located in Colombo. Like One Galle Face, this mall also houses a number of respected local brands, making it another one-stop hotspot to get your hands on some souvenirs!

Image Courtesy of Instagram (@colombocitycenter)

Find it on Google Maps here: https://goo.gl/maps/1277XVbp8ciFm8HJ6

Happy souvenir shopping!