Do you want to take home a piece of paradise that stands out in a crowded room? Traditional souvenirs from Sri Lanka embody the island’s iconic culture, history, artistic heritage and geology. Each item tells a story, whether it’s the intricate patterns on handlooms, the spiritual significance of wooden masks, the superiority of its gemstones, or the centuries-old tradition of tea cultivation. These mementoes are a tangible connection to Sri Lanka’s past and present, allowing visitors to carry a piece of its deep-rooted identity home. Here’s a guide to the best mementoes to collect from your trip.
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Ceylon Sapphires and Other Gemstones
From Logan Sapphire, one of the world’s largest faceted blue sapphires displayed at the Smithsonian Institute, to the 12-carate sapphire set in Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, the world’s finest sapphires come from Sri Lanka.
Ceylon sapphires are among the most sought-after gemstones in the world due to their exceptional quality, clarity and rich, velvety blue hue. Unlike sapphires from other regions, Ceylon sapphires are known for their high brilliance and unique cornflower blue colour, making them a favourite among collectors and jewellers.
Sri Lanka has been famous for its gemstones for millennia, with records of gem trade dating back to the 2nd century. The island is also renowned for its rubies, topaz, beryl, tourmaline and garnet. 25% of the total land mass of Sri Lanka is said to be gem-bearing, giving it one of the highest densities of gem deposits per landmass. The southern city of Ratnapura, known as the “City of Gems,” has the most deposits. The largest star sapphire in the world was discovered here in 2015.
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in Asia to buy gemstones and semi-precious stones. Just make sure to buy from a reputable jeweller who can guarantee authenticity.
Handloom Fabrics
According to folklore, handloom practice in Sri Lanka dates back to the 6th century BC – the beginning of the Sinhala Kingdom. It is one of the oldest traditional crafts on the island, preserved to this day. The yarns, mostly cotton and silk, are spun into yards of colourful fabric. Handloom textiles include sarees, sarongs, shawls, upholstery, tapestry, table runners and sleeves. Hill country villages like Thalagune, Uda Dumbara and Wellassa are famous for their handlooms. Motifs and designs on these fabrics are nature-inspired, featuring flowers, leaves and animals. The craft is environmentally sustainable, with raw materials largely natural. So, if you fancy taking home a saree, sarong or shawl, choose a handloom product.
Batik Products
At the beginning of the 19th century, the Indonesian art of batik-making arrived in Sri Lanka via the Dutch. By the late 20th century, it became an established industry on the island. Batik is a unique wax-resist dyeing technique, where intricate patterns and motifs are drawn onto fabric using hot wax before being dyed in vivid colours. This process, repeated multiple times, creates detailed, multi-layered designs. Sri Lankan batik incorporates traditional motifs, designs and colours to produce sarongs, shirts, sarees, scarfs and more. Southern coastal towns and hill country towns are famous for this craft, with skilled artisans producing one-of-a-kind pieces.
Dumbara Mats
Dumbara mats, also known as Dumbara rata kalala, are a unique and ancient handwoven craft from Sri Lanka, traditionally made by the indigenous artisans of the Dumbara Valley in the Kandy region. These mats are renowned for their natural material, intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colours. Made from the fibres of the hana plant and decorated using natural dyes, Dumbara mats are an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, inscribed by UNESCO. Prized by Kandyan kings and the ruling elite, who gave their patronage to the craft, these decorative mats were continuously supplied to the royal palaces by the Kinnara community of Kandy. Today, it is an artisanal craft that has branched out to include wall hangings, tapestries, bags and cushion covers.
Devil Masks
These wooden masks are an iconic part of the island’s folk traditions. There are three distinctive types of wooden masks – Raksha, Sanni and Kolam. Intricately carved from balsa wood and brightly painted with elaborate designs, they are used in performances and rituals to ward off evil spirits, bring good fortune, and tell stories from Sri Lankan folklore. Southern coastal towns, especially Amabalangoda, are famous for this craft. Hang one of these masks in a room, and it will instantly stand out and become a fascinating topic of conversation when you have guests over.
Wooden Laquerwork
The traditional art of lacquerwork in Sri Lanka is millennia old. It is called Laaksha due to the original use of wax deposited as resin on trees by the Lac beetle. This handcraft produces vibrant wooden objects, from walking sticks to bowls. Kandy and Matale of the central province and places on the south coast are famous for their lacquerwork. The art involves applying layers of brightly coloured lacquer to wooden objects, which are then polished to a glossy finish. The process requires precision and skill, with artisans using a traditional lathe to create detailed patterns and designs.
Buddha Statues and Religious Sculpture
Sri Lanka has a long tradition of Buddhist artistry and sculpture. The country has numerous ancient temples and iconic Buddha statues, such as the Aukana and Samadhi Buddha, inspiring modern sculptors. Sri Lankan Buddha statues are distinctive and known for serene expressions and intricate details. Traditional sculptors often follow ancient guidelines, ensuring the statues embody Buddhist iconography and symbolic postures (mudras). You may find Buddha statues made from stone, sandstone, bronze, brass, terracotta and clay. Being a multi-religious nation, Sri Lanka is also a great place to buy Hindu and Christian sculptures.
Spices & Ayurveda Products
Recreate the island’s exotic flavours in your kitchen. Take home aromatic Ceylon cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, black pepper, tamarind and Goraka. Local markets and spice gardens offer a sensational selection of fresh spices that evoke tasteful memories.
Sri Lankan culture is inherently associated with Ayurveda, the 5000-year-old healing science. Ayurvedic healing and wellness are part of life here. Ayurvedic oils, herbal balms, medicinal teas and skincare products made from natural ingredients are available for you to experience holistic rejuvenation. Ingredients include spices, rice, aloe, sandalwood, neem, turmeric, jasmine, lotus, virgin coconut oil, moringa and a wealth of medicinal plants. Brands like Spa Ceylon are internationally popular brands offering a variety of high-quality items ranging from massage oils and herbal soaps to face masks and body scrubs.
You can also buy incense sticks and powder made from natural ingredients to achieve moments of zen. Incense plays a starring role in the island’s Buddhist and Hindu cultures.
Arrack
It is Sri Lanka’s very own age-old alcoholic drink, made from the sap of unopened coconut flowers. Arrack is one of the oldest distilled alcoholic beverages in the world. It is known for its smooth, slightly sweet taste with hints of coconut and caramel, making it a unique alternative to rum or whiskey. Sri Lankan arrack can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks or mixed with tropical ingredients like lime, ginger beer or passion fruit juice for a refreshing cocktail experience. Premium labels such as Ceylon Arrack, Old Reserve, Old Cask and Ultima offer vintage arrack. Take home a taste of Sri Lanka to share with friends and family or as a collector’s item.
Tea
No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without experiencing its world-renowned Ceylon tea. The country is one of the largest producers of high-quality tea, and you can find a wide range of flavours, from bold black teas to delicate white teas. The taste and strength of the tea vary depending on whether it is high-grown or low-grown. Visiting a tea plantation in the hill country and beyond allows you to witness the process firsthand and select premium, fragrant blends to take home. You can also purchase beautifully packaged tea from speciality tea boutiques like Dilmah, Mlesna and Tea Tang.
Elephant-themed Souvenirs
Elephants are a significant part of Sri Lanka’s culture and heritage, often depicted in art and religion. You can find beautifully crafted elephant figurines hand-carved from wood, brass or stone.
Additionally, hand-painted or printed elephant-themed textiles such as t-shirts, cushion covers, wall hangings and tote bags make unique souvenirs that celebrate these majestic creatures. Visitors can also purchase elephant-inspired jewellery, including bracelets and pendants featuring elephant motifs crafted from silver, brass or locally sourced gemstones. These artistic representations of Sri Lanka’s beloved elephants serve as meaningful gifts and treasured reminders of the island’s wildlife and cultural heritage.
Elephant Dung Paper
An adult elephant can eat more than 300 pounds of food daily. Most of it is fruit, grass, twigs, foliage and tree bark. It may also defecate 16 to 18 times, producing over 200 pounds of dung. Pioneering Sri Lanka stationery manufacturers are using this dung to manufacture fancy paper. They have a unique aesthetic appeal and are eco-friendly. You can buy elephant dung stationery from Eco Maximus outlets in Colombo, BIA, Sigiriya and other places on the island.
Unforgettable Sri Lankan Travel with Blue Lanka Tours
Sri Lanka offers an incredible range of souvenirs that capture the essence of its culture, history and natural beauty. Whether it is a thoughtful gift, a keepsake or something for a special occasion, these will allow you to cherish your memories of Sri Lanka long after travel. It could be an aromatic tin of Ceylon tea, a colourful handloom fabric or a handcrafted wooden elephant. So, explore the bustling markets and charming craft shops and bring home a piece of this tropical paradise.
Travel with Blue Lanka Tours for wholesome experiences that enrich journeys from beginning to end. Our curated tailormade tours take you into the heart of Sri Lankan culture, history and wilderness. Travel comfortably in our fleet of luxury vehicles, enjoy perfect attention to detail, stay at some of the most remarkable hotels on the island and experience unmatched customer support throughout your journey. Book a responsible Sri Lankan holiday crafted mindfully.