Gems and Jewelry
Sri Lanka’s wealth of precious stones originates in the ancient rocks of the hill country, from where they are washed down from the mountains in the waters of fast-flowing rivers mixed up with tons of coarse water-borne gravel called illam. A variety of gems are often found together in river bed gem pits including spinels, corundums (sapphire and ruby) and star stones. Aquamarines, tourmalines, topaz, garnets, amethysts, cats’ eyes and zircons are also found. But most outstanding of all are the glistening rubies and sapphires for which Sri Lanka has been one of the oldest sources in the world.
Caution is required, however, if you want to buy gems yourself. Beware a friendly Sri Lankan with a handful of glinting 'gems' which may turn out to be pieces of cut glass.
Saris and Sarongs
The most commonly worn saree styles in Sri Lanka are the Osaria or Kandyan and the Indian-style. The Kandyan style (Osaria in Sinhalese) is more popular in the hill country region of Kandy from which the style gets its name. You will find a saris shop almost everywhere in Sri Lanka. Right from the street shops of Pettah market to the upscale shops in Kandy and Colombo. You can choose as per your budgets and bargain hard to get the utmost value for your choices. The fun part would be to ask a local to teach you to wear the Kandyan style saris.
Raksha Masks
Every souvenir shop a visitor enters will have Raksha masks on display. From tiny magnets and keychains to huge wall hanging, there is a Raksha mask for everyone. Raksha masks are part of traditional Sri Lankan dances but not all are used on a regular basis. They are mostly used as decorative pieces and depict the ancient Raksha people. They were the court of King Ravana from the Ramayana legend. There are several types of Rakshas, mainly nagas, and garudas. Raksha masks are available everywhere.
Porcelain Tableware
Sri Lanka is blessed with excellent quality raw materials like quartz, feldspar, dolomite, and China clay, owing to which the island delivers best quality porcelain and ceramic cutlery to the world. This attracted the world-famous Japanese brand Noritake to invest in this industry in 1972. You can get these exquisite porcelain beauties at a very reasonable price at their factory outlets and showrooms here on the island.
Cinnamon Sticks
Spices are a staple in Sri Lanka and they use it in everything, right from food to sweets and tea. The most famous of all the spices here is Cinnamon. The island produces great quality cinnamon and hence is also the largest exporter of this spice. While buying your supply, make sure to pick the tender, well-rolled bark as opposed to the mature and darker bark as the former lasts longer.
Ceylon Tea
Owing to a large number of tea plantations in central Sri Lanka, the island is home to some of the finest tea produce. Ceylon tea gets the name as that’s what Sri Lanka was known before it got Independence in 1947. You can visit the tea gardens, tea factories, and shop for the different tea flavors to carry back home. The traditional tea of Sri Lanka is Black tea. However, you can now find different varieties like English Breakfast, Earl Grey, Chocolate Mint, Peach & Mint, Broken Peko, Orange Broken Peko, and many other exotic varieties. The most famous brands are Dilmah, Macwoods, and Teale.