Shopping
Sri Lanka has a rich tradition and heritage of art and craft. Many cities and towns specialize in the creation of various forms of art and craft, where the artisans and craftsmen have been engaging and excelling in their work for generations. Sri Lankan artists use a range of media such as stone, wood, brass, gold, silver, lace, thread and cloth to create their masterpieces. The incredibly detailed woodcarvings and statuettes made out of ebony, mahogany, teak and sandalwood, the hideous yet intriguing traditional masks of Ambalangoda, the intricate Batik craft inherited from the Dutch era, the Portuguese legacy of lace making in Galle, the precious wealth of gems found in Rathnapura the city of gems and the beautiful gold and silver jewellery making and striking metal works of Kandy are noteworthy, for those seeking some authentic and traditional Sri Lankan gifts and souvenirs to take back. Alternatively, spend some time exploring the chic contemporary boutiques in Colombo, which offer a good selection of items with modern takes on traditional art and craft.
