Handicrafts, Gems & Local Products
Sri Lanka is renowned for its exquisite traditional craftsmanship and natural treasures. From the vibrant batik textile industry to world-class gemstones and fine ceramics, the island offers a rich shopping and cultural experience.
Batik
Sri Lanka is famous for its vibrant and intricate batik industry. Batik is a traditional art form using wax-resistant dyeing techniques to create beautiful designs on fabric. It is one of the island's most cherished crafts and popular souvenirs.
Key Locations
The cultural capital of Sri Lanka has several batik workshops and stores. Visitors can often watch batik artists demonstrating their craft in real time.
The capital city has many shops and boutiques specializing in batik, from high-end fashion stores to souvenir shops.
This historic coastal city has numerous batik shops, especially within the Galle Fort area.
Known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, Hikkaduwa offers a range of batik products from local artisans.
Another coastal town where batik products and workshops can be found.
Reputable Stores
Barefoot
704 Galle Road, Colombo 3
Selyn
102 Fife Road, Colombo 5
Laksala
Multiple locations across Colombo
Jayamali Batiks Studio
196 1/1, Central Market, Kandy
Laksala – Galle
A2, Galle
Gems & Jewelry
Sri Lanka has been famous for its high-quality gemstones since Roman times. The gem trade is widespread across the island, with blue sapphires, yellow sapphires, star sapphires, rubies, cat's eyes, amethysts, topaz, aquamarines, garnets, moonstones, and zircons all available. Shops selling exquisite gold and silver jewelry — both traditional and modern — can be found throughout the country.
Key Locations
Known as the 'City of Gems,' Ratnapura is the heart of Sri Lanka's gem industry. Visitors can tour mines and purchase gems directly from miners and local markets.
Home to several reputable gem and jewelry stores, as well as the National Gem and Jewelry Authority (NGJA) testing laboratory.
The capital hosts many high-end jewelry stores and showrooms, offering a wide range of gems and custom-made jewelry.
These coastal towns have a selection of gem shops and jewelry stores catering to tourists and locals alike.
Reputable Stores
Sri Lanka Gem & Jewelry Exchange
Level 4, East Low Block WTC, Bank of Ceylon Mawatha, Colombo 1
A central marketplace for trading gems and jewelry.
Premadasa & Co.
560 Galle Road, Colombo 3
One of the oldest and most respected jewelers in Sri Lanka, offering high-quality gems and custom jewelry.
Swarnamahal Jewellers
Multiple branches across Colombo, Kandy, and Galle
A well-known and reputable jewelry store with a long history, recognized for quality craftsmanship.
Sifani Jewellers
402 Galle Road, Colombo 3
Known for exquisite designs featuring Sri Lankan gems.
Raja Jewellers
173 Galle Road, Colombo 4
A well-known name in the Sri Lankan jewelry industry, offering traditional and contemporary pieces.
Ceramic & Porcelain Ware
Sri Lanka has a thriving tradition of ceramic and porcelain craftsmanship. Local artisans produce a wide variety of handmade ceramic items, which can be found at stores, galleries, and markets across the island.
Where to Buy
Laksala
The government-owned handicrafts emporium with branches across Sri Lanka, offering a range of locally crafted ceramic items.
Barefoot
704 Galle Road, Colombo 3
A well-known store showcasing a variety of handmade products, including ceramics.
Galle Fort
The historic Galle Fort area is home to several boutique shops and galleries featuring local ceramic and porcelain creations.
Pettah Market, Colombo
Local craft markets in Pettah and other tourist areas often have stalls selling handmade ceramics.