Sri Lankan Shopping Haul

Dineish and I were in Sri Lanka early Feb to visit family and celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. It was a fantastic trip, filled with so much fun, food and shopping of course!

The last time I went to SL was when I was a little over a year old on my way to New Zealand, so obviously I have no memories. I had no expectations of this trip (well maybe my benchmark was India where I have gone several times), but I was pleasantly surprised in so many ways and encourage everyone to visit when they get a chance :)

Anyway, like every trip I told Dineish I wasn't going to buy anything much. After all it's SL and how much more different is it to India (where we were only last Aug)?! But in true Shyamala fashion, I picked up a few things :P besides I need to keep up with my Mum!

This is going to be a quick blog mainly with pictures, but if you are interested to find out more drop me a message and I will be happy to reply (prices are in LKR).

In all our trips around Asia, Dineish and I pick up things that remind us of the place and some clothing if we like anything. We also got a few things for friends...

All the goodies we picked up - it was Christmas all over again!

The shops we visited (recommended by Dineish's Aunt who was my shopping parter in crime) are:

1. Odel (department store along the likes of Myers, David Jones) www.odel.lk
2. Laksala (home decor store selling authentic SL pieces) www.laksala.lk
3. Dankotuwa (SL's finest manufacturers of high quality Chinaware) www.dankotuwa.com

Odel

Both of us purchased clothing. I got some ethnic tops, beach kaftans and long skirts, whilst Dineish got SL t-shirts, cotton tunics and business shirts

Can't remember the prices, but it was so affordable!

There are a huge selection of picture frames. The sizes were limited, but so many colourful designs and finishes.
I picked random ones for around the house.
Prices ranging from LKR750 to 1,425.

Metal candle stands. I am going through a candle phase and picked these up.
Many designs and sizes available (these are 15 - 20 cm high).
Prices range from LKR1300 to 2,6500.

You can't go to SL and not buy Katta Sambal!! Love this stuff so much :-)
Price LKR680.

I had to pick up these candles, how economical are they set inside coconut shells? No mess :)
So many scented candles, shapes and sizes to choose from. And FYI they smell really really good, my comparison is Yankee Candles.
Price LKR450 each.

We always pick up a magnet where ever we go.
Traditional SL dancer (Ves dance).
Price LKR400.

So many cushions to choose from!! Cheap and great quiality
These were my favourite.
Prices range from LKR850 to 1,000.

Laksala

Highly recommend stopping by this shop if you want to pick up things for the house. If you are taking things overseas, let them know and they will package everything securely for you.

For work friends I bought handicrafts, the famous SL elephant ornaments and tea for tea lovers.
Elephant price range LKR 740 to 1,350 (inc. tusks).
Tea LKR750 (individual) to 1,800 (5 pack).

Handmade brass bowl on elephant stand.
Price LKR6,900.

Bell for our praying room.
Make sure to test the sound out before buying.
Price LKR1,450

Traditional SL masks, placed at the entrance of houses to ward off bad spirits/evil eye.
This one represents peace, harmony and happiness.
Many sizes and designs to choose from depending on what you want to signify.
Price LKR 6,900

Typical SL fisherman carving, 80cm tall.
Different sizes and wood colours to choose from. This one is the darkest and of medium height.
Price LKR17,500.

Dankotuwa

I have been looking for high quality porcelain/China tea cup and saucer set for a while now. SL is one of the manufacturers of these and very cheap purchasing from the showrooms there rather than buying it overseas.
I got a 17 piece set in the new Gold Plus range (24k gold finish) in a unique design: 6 tea cups, 6 saucers, 1 creamer, 1 sugar bowl with lid and 1 teapot with lid. I also purchased 2 more tea cups and saucers as a back up, just in case someone breaks it (hopefully the design will eliminate that).

I haven't opened the packaging, but here is a picture of the additional tea cup and saucer I got:

17 piece set cost LKR 21,925.
Additional cup and saucer set costs LRK1,422.
Many designs and combinations to choose from.

I hope this blog helped you out in case you are undecided about what to shop for in SL. They have some very unique things there and I will certainly be going back for more in my next trip!

(exchange rate 1SGD = 102LKR)

xS