Top 6 Local Souvenirs to Buy on Your Trip to Sri Lanka – Take home a piece of Ceylon!

Ceylon tea is one of the main exports of Sri Lanka, renowned for its rich quality and distinct flavour. The history of Ceylon Tea goes back almost 150 years and was introduced by the British. It is widely drunk across the country and makes up an important part of Sri Lankan culture. Tea is one of the best souvenirs to take back with you. You’ll find luxury varieties such as Golden Tips, and Flowery Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning which come packaged either loose or as tea bags. There is also a range of flavoured teas, infused with ingredients such as cinnamon, fruits, herbs, and spices. Some of the best tea brands are Dilmah and Steuart’s.  

Sri Lanka has been famous for its beautiful gemstones since ancient times and was known as the “Gem Island”. Ratnapura is one of the main gem mining towns, with an array of precious stones that are exported to all corners of the world. Some of the most sought-after stones can be found here, from rubies, topazes, amethysts, and moonstones, to the iconic blue sapphire. Gems are sold in most cities around Sri Lanka, and sellers tend to be quite knowledgeable about their properties.

Traditional masks are a significant part of Sri Lanka’s culture and folklore and are widely produced in the southern coastal areas. The masks were originally used in traditional folk dances and rituals and were thought to ward off evil spirits and diseases. In addition, they were also considered to be a symbol of protection. Today, they are mainly used for decoration. Intricately carved from wood and colourfully painted, they come in two types: Raksha masks and Sanni masks. If you don’t want to buy an actual mask, pick up a key chain or fridge magnet, which are just as unique.  

Batik is the craft of dying and waxing fabric to create colourful designs and patterns on clothing. It is a traditional craft introduced to Sri Lanka from Java but has now become an integral part of local culture. Both men and women in Sri Lanka wear clothing with batik designs, from sarongs to eye-catching saris. This, too, is a handcraft that uses sustainable materials to achieve the final effect. Buyers can find a variety of lovely batik products ranging from clothing to paintings in different hues and patterns.

Though they are not the national animal of Sri Lanka, elephants are a popular symbol of the country’s heritage. Elephant motifs appear everywhere, on T-shirts, bags, postcards, and more. Visitors will find elephant figurines sold widely in gift shops across the island. Materials used to make the figurines include wood, ebony, and stone. There are hand-crafted specimens sold in artisan villages, and if you go shopping in Galle, you can also pick up some beautiful figurines from the KK Collection.

Sri Lanka’s spices are highly sought-after, especially cinnamon, which has been a major export of the island since ancient times. While cinnamon tends to be more popular with tourists, other spices available include turmeric, pepper and cardamom. Sri Lankan spices are pungent and can be added to various types of dishes and cuisine. They also come in plastic packets that will be easy to carry. Some of the best places to go shopping for spices are Pettah in Colombo and the Kandy Municipal Market.