Sri Lanka shopping
This region was hit by the tsunami of December 26, 2004, and some of
the sites and resorts mentioned below will be closed until
further notice. Consequently the following text does not necessarily
correspond to the current situation. This information will be updated
once we know the full extent of the damage in the area.Kandy is known for its antiques, but anything made earlier than this century cannot be legally exported.
Be careful with gem buying. The State Gem Corporation will examine, free of charge, gems purchased elsewhere, but if they prove to be fakes the Corporation can do nothing to help you get your money back. Sri Lanka mines sapphires, rubies, garnets, aquamarines, zircons and alexandrites, but has no diamonds or emeralds. Ratnapura is the country's gem centre, with several museums where you can watch polishing and buy unset stones.
The best masks come from Ambalangoda, on the southwest coast. Fierce-looking, they stand up well as trophies when you get home. The attractive basketware made from coir (coconut fibre) can be useful for carrying home all your other buys: lacquerware, dolls, casual clothing and beautiful saris. Tea from the highlands provides a refreshing reminder of your stay. Whatever your choice of souvenir, practise your bargaining skills.
