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Local Handicrafts
All large shops and department stores have fixed prices and do not encourage bargaining. If you are buying from a small local shop market stall etc., bargaining is not only expected, it is encouraged. Colombo and Kandy are known for their antiques, but anything made over 50 years ago cannot be legally exported. Best buys are local handicrafts with the most striking of these being the wonderfully crafted and painted Sri Lankan masks, originally designed to be worn during 'kolam' ceremonies (exorcism ceremonies!). Masks vary in size from small to huge and also vary greatly in quality. The best place to acquire good masks is at Ambalangoda on the Southwest coast, where many shops sell masks, some of extremely good heirloom quality.
Wooden handicrafts are also popular with elephant carvings being the most sought after. Religious carvings such as Buddha and Hindu carvings are also quite popular. These, as with all carvings and souvenirs vary greatly in quality so chose very carefully. Metalwork is also very popular in the Kandy area with intricate metal objects such as dishes, trays and candlesticks being most sought after. Leather work and Lacquer ware is also a good choice with some striking examples available. Some boutiques in Colombo have truly beautiful examples of all of the above with the Gallery Cafe, Paradise Road and Barefoot also having some beautiful examples of locally made and very striking fabrics. The attractive basket ware made from coir (coconut fibre) can be useful for carrying home all your other buys as well: dolls, casual clothing and beautiful saris. Tea from the highlands also provides a refreshing reminder of your stay. Whatever your choice of souvenir, practise your bargaining skills.
Antiques
It is also possible to pick up some great antiques particularly in some of the more hidden antique shops in Colombo as well as smaller antique shops dotted around the tourist areas. Galle, Kandy Ambalangoda and Colombo are the main areas for antiques. Best buys are old Dutch colonial period furniture, cupboards, chests, object d'art, ornaments, Moorish porcelain, brass lamps and old pottery. If you are serious and can arrange shipping home there are some wonderful old 17th & 18th century colonial window frames and doors from demolished old Colonial houses.
Gemstones
Sri Lanka is also famous for its gems, however be VERY careful with gem buying and only buy from reputable sources. 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. Ratnapura is the most prolific of the gem mining centres ( gem shops are also all over Sri Lanka, particularly Colombo, Negombo & Galle) where gems can be purchased on the street, however extreme care is required to avoid being scammed. Buy instead from an authorised and reputable dealer who will guarantee the quality of the stone(s)
Clothing
Sri Lanka does not have the rich assortment of fabrics such as India, however as one of the major world centres for manufacturing high street brand western style clothing you can buy a lot of fashionable western style clothes at incredibly cheap prices. Famous clothing brands are common. In Colombo the best stores are the Odel department store, House of Fashions or the more downmarket (but good) Cotton Collection. Saris and 'shalwar kameez' (silk pyjama suits) are also a good buy at the smaller local speciality clothing shops.
Dutyfree
Airports only. Don't bother to buy electronics outside of duty free shops as they are way to oexpensive and they will not be under warranty for UK or other international destinations. Perfumes, electronics, foodstuffs, liquor, clothing are best buys but check the prices first as most are not much cheaper (electronics especially) than duty free ex UK.
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