Sri Lanka Shopping – Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips

Shopping in Sri Lanka

If you are visiting Sri Lanka, you might be going for warm beaches or exploring its scenic palaces and Buddhist ruins. It is a metropolitan island with many opportunities for shopping, whether you are looking for keepsakes, crafts, jewelry or just a quick snack while exploring. We’ve collected some of the best shopping tips for your visit to Sri Lanka.

Jewels and Jewelry

Shopping for gems is a popular pastime for visitors to Sri Lanka. While you can find finished pieces, gem stones are sold at very reasonable prices in several locations. Make sure you are versed in the real value of the market to protect against over eager salesmen looking to fleece tourists. The best gems can be found at Jewel Qudsi,  Farhan Gem & Jewellery in Unawatuna, and on Columbo Street in Kandy.

Groceries and Sundries

You’ll want to know where to pick up some snacks and sodas without paying the mini-bar price at your hotel. Cargills and Keels can be found in multiple locations and you’ll pay what the locals do for freshly packed spices and other Indian cuisine. Remember to bring local currency when you shop.

Keepsakes and Wood Sculpture

Make sure you go home with a unique piece of Batik or Teak wood sculpture. While shops that sell local crafts are just about everywhere, you can the best variety at Laksala, which is a government supported store for local artists. C-Mart in Kandy and the New Sunflower shop are two other wonderful options with a wide variety and great prices. If you fall in love with a larger item, most shops will ship internationally.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about shopping in Sri Lanka.