Looking for the best things to buy in Sri Lanka? Well, your suitcase deserves better than hotel slippers! Every time I visit Sri Lanka, I promise myself to buy only a “few” things. But guess what? I end up bribing my cousin at the end, to carry a few extra tea tins for me. What can I do when shopping in Sri Lanka is so irresistible?!
The island offers a unique mix of culture, craft, and curry powder. And that’s why tourists keep flooding it year after year. Did you know that Sri Lanka welcomed 2.05 million visitors in 2024? And many of them leave with more than just memories.
So if you’re wondering what’s worth your rupees (and carry-on space), here’s your ultimate insider guide to the 12 must-buy souvenirs from Sri Lanka.
Your Ultimate Guide To Buying The Best Things In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for not just its places but also the stories woven in every corner. The misty mountain air, the centuries-old traditions preserved in remote villages, the warmth of the people, and the flavors that dance on your tongue long after you leave.
If you want to bring home something authentic, local, and just a little quirky, this guide is for you. Dive in, shopping here is half the adventure.
1. Hand‑woven Dumbara Mats & Cane Boxes
The first in the list of remarkable souvenirs to bring back from Sri Lanka are these mats that reflect the cultural heritage of Dumbara weavers. The Dumbara Valley (also known as the “Knuckles Range” of central Sri Lanka) is actually a beautiful region steeped in tradition and natural beauty.
If you want to give a picnic mat to your best friend, made of cotton and cane fibres, go for these! Artisans create really intricate geometric patterns, inspired by the region’s flora and fauna. The precision of the designs reveal both a deep knowledge of the craft and a meditative attention to detail.
Where to Buy:
- Kandygs Handlooms (near Kandy): Offers high-quality Dumbara mats with consistent craftsmanship and transparent pricing.
- Village Handloom Stalls (Matale / Ududumbara region): Buying directly from local weaving centres helps support artisan communities—and may reward you with rare, one-of-a-kind designs.
Price Guide:
- Table-mat size (13×19 inches): ~LKR 1,200
- Larger floor mats: LKR 2,000–3,000, depending on dimensions and complexity.
2. Sri Lankan Tea
Did you know that the world famous Ceylon tea is actually Sri Lankan? What makes it so unique is not just its floral/citrusy notes but also the artisanal processing methods used. A top pick among food items to buy in Sri Lanka, this is lightweight and long-lasting. You can sip it plain or even with a splash of milk…
Where to Buy:
- Tea Factory Outlets – Nuwara Eliya / Kandy: Buy fresh, factory-sealed packs straight from the source. These outlets allow tasting before purchase.
- House of Tea (Flower Road, Colombo): Curated premium blends and elegant packaging ideal for gifts.
- Colombo shopping malls (e.g., Odel, Barefoot, Laksala): Convenient access to well-known brands like Dilmah, Mlesna, and Mackwoods.
Price Guide:
- Standard loose-leaf tea (250–500 g tins): LKR 700–1,500 (~USD 2.5–5), depending on quality and brand.
- Gift-ready boxes and speciality blends: LKR 2,000–3,000+, especially for presentation tins or rare regional varieties like Uva or Dimbula.
3. Gemstones
From dazzling sapphires to shimmering moonstones and fiery rubies, the island is actually world famous for its gemstones, undoubtedly among the best things to buy in Sri Lanka. Always request a duty-free receipt, authenticity certificate. Fun Fact: Sri Lanka is called “Ratna Dweepa”, or “Gem Island,” thanks to its 2,000+ years of gem mining history.
According to Guinness World Records, the 392.52-carat Blue Belle of Asia sold for US $17,575,700 (16,965,000 Swiss francs) at Christie’s in Geneva on 11 November, 2014, setting the world record price for any sapphire sold at auction. The Blue Belle sapphire was discovered in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), in 1926.
Where to Buy:
- Factory outlet gem stores in Ratnapura—the “City of Gems”.
- Colombo gem shops along Galle Face or Fort.
Price Guide:
- Moonstone pendant: LKR 2000–5000.
- Entry-Level Sapphire Ring: Starting from USD 50+ (~LKR 15,000+).
4. Sri Lankan Sarees
If you’re diving into clothes shopping in Sri Lanka, sarees are an absolute must. Celebrated for their bold prints, bright colors and craftsmanship, they perfectly celebrate the grace, vibrance and heritage of the island. Ranging from minimalist cotton weaves to opulent silks with zari work, you can find a saree for every occasion, be it weddings or formal events.
Where to Buy:
- Columbo: Pettah Market, Majestic City & Liberty Plaza, Odel, Barefoot Gallery, and Lakpahana.
- Kandy & Matale region
Price Guide:
- Cotton saree: LKR 3000–6000.
- Silk/high-end: LKR 10,000–25,000+.
5. Ayurvedic Spices & Herbal Mixes
From anti-inflammatory turmeric and soothing coriander to immunity-boosting black pepper and cinnamon, these natural medicines reflect centuries of healing tradition. For me, they started as it started as a post-travel detox.
But now, brewing ginger and turmeric into my tea has become a daily ritual. So, if you’re looking for cheap things to buy in Sri Lanka that are fragrant and functional, go for these Ayurvedic spices.
Where to Buy:
- Markets in Kandy & Colombo (Pettah), Ayurvedic pharmacies, or health food corners in malls.
Price Guide:
- 100 g spice mix: LKR 500–1000.
- Value-packed gift sets: LKR 1500–3000.
6. Raksha Masks
Shopping in Sri Lanka is incomplete without these spooky, bold and cool raksha masks that are meant to ward off evil and act as instant conversation starters. I hung one in my hall and guests couldn’t resist! Painted with striking colours and wild, these devil masks have exaggerated features like flames, fangs, serpent tongues and bulging eyes.
Where to Buy:
- Mask factories & shops in Ambalangoda (southern coast): You can watch carvings live.
Price Guide:
- Small decorative mask: LKR 800–1500.
- Large wall-hanging: LKR 3000–8000.
7. Crockery
The next in the list of famous things to buy in Colombo is high-quality ceramic and porcelain ware. Since they are colorful and bold prints, they are perfect for dinner guests. The set I bought makes dinner feel festive every night! You can also go for vibrant hand-painted mugs, sleek teapots, and elegant serving platters—a true speciality of Colombo.
Where to Buy:
- Crockery shopping in Colombo: House of Pottery (Colpetty), Barefoot, JF Ford.
Price Guide:
- Single plate: LKR 400–800.
- 4-piece set: LKR 2000–5000.
8. Mirissa Souvenirs
If you’re looking for distinctly bohemian gifts and souvenirs, Mirissa is just the right place for you! Think handwoven beach throws, ocean-inspired jewellery, driftwood art, and chilled-out lifestyle pieces that capture the barefoot elegance of Sri Lanka’s south coast. I picked up a shell chime and trust me, it’s like a sonic postcard from the Indian Ocean!
Where to Buy:
- Beach stalls in Mirissa or Weligama.
Price Guide:
- Bracelets: LKR 100–300.
- Shell decor: LKR 200–600.
9. Spicy Food Items
Still wondering what to buy from Sri Lanka? Well, these flavor bombs are so much better than those generic fridge magnets! From crunchy chilli bites to fiery pol sambol mixes (a dry coconut-chilli relish with lime, onion, and salt that tastes like sunshine), to roasted gram dhal and spiced jackfruit chips—Sri Lanka is a paradise for spice lovers.
I once packed a few sambol kits and a bag of jaggery-dusted peanuts from One Galle Face Mall (one of the best shopping malls in Colombo) to give to friends back home. Days later, I got a text: “These are gone. Got more?” That’s the thing—they disappear fast and leave people wanting more.
Where to Buy:
- Colombo supermarkets (Arpico, Keells), souvenir gift shops.
Price Guide:
- Spice jar: LKR 250–500.
- Pol sambol mix (250g): LKR 150–300.
10. Luxury Items
Yes, you cannot miss out on luxury shopping! For travellers wondering about things to buy at Sri Lankan airport, this is your final chance to snag perfumes, liquor, chocolate, Ceylon tea and local beauty products…And the best part? Many of these goods are cheaper than city prices and tax-free. So go on, grab a bottle of Arrack or a Sri Lankan spice box!
Where to Buy:
- Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo Terminal.
Price Guide:
- Local snacks (spiced cashews, jaggery sweets, dried mango): LKR 800–2,000
- Premium dark chocolate: LKR 1500–2500.
- Ayurvedic wellness oils, sandalwood balms: LKR 1,500–4,000
11. Handcrafted Jewelry
The next in the list of cheap and best things to buy in Sri Lanka are unique, handmade accessories. From dainty silver filigree rings to bold statement necklaces made of coconut shell, beads, or semi-precious stones, Sri Lankan jewelry reflects the country’s rich design heritage and artisanal pride.
Each piece tells a story, whether it’s inspired by Kandyan temple motifs, colonial-era Dutch lacework, or natural elements like coral, cinnamon wood, or ocean waves. I once picked up a moonstone-and-brass bangle from a market in Galle Fort. Trust me, gifts and souvenirs like these cost less than dinner and draw compliments everywhere!
Where to Buy:
- Markets/Stores: Pettah Market, Arpico mart, craft shops in Galle Fort, Paradise Road boutique stores.
Price Guide:
- Beaded bracelet: LKR 200–500.
- Silver-plated earrings: LKR 700–1500.
12. Batik Textiles
A vibrant slice of heritage, and a must on your list of what to buy from Sri Lanka, these textiles are too light, breathable and eye-catching. The centuries-old wax-resist dyeing technique has become a living art form here, reimagined in modern silhouettes and home décor.
Each batik piece (whether it’s a breezy kaftan, hand-dyed wall hanging, or cushion cover) is painstakingly made by hand using traditional tools and natural dyes. You’ll even find motifs inspired by Sri Lanka’s flora, peacocks, elephants, and temple murals.
Where to Buy:
- Kandy: Laksala & Lakpahana, Kandygs Handlooms.
- Village Workshops: Matale, Kalutara, Hikkaduwa.
Price Guide:
- Scarves & stoles: LKR 1,500–3,500.
- Batik sarongs / dresses / kaftans: LKR 3,000–8,000.
Finally, what makes souvenirs from Sri Lanka special is not their craftsmanship; it’s the story they carry. Every spice blend, every batik cloth, every tea tin is a souvenir infused with tradition, pride, and the rhythm of island life. Your purchases here can be more than gifts or keepsakes—they’re connections to culture, memory, and meaning.
So if you’re wondering about the best things to buy in Sri Lanka, follow your senses. Shop with curiosity. Ask questions. And don’t be afraid to pack a little extra.
