The most characteristic Sri Lankan souvenirs are brightly painted masks, originally designed to be worn during kolam dances or ceremonies (Low-country dancing) and now found for sale wherever there are tourists.. Masks vary in size from the tiny to the huge; the vast majority depict either the pop-eyed Gara Yaka or the bird demon Gurulu Raksha, though if you hunt around you may find other designs. Some masks are artificially but appealingly aged to look like antiques . a lot easier on the eye than the striking colours in which most are painted. The centre of mask production is at Ambalangoda, where there are a number of large shops selling a big range of designs Second in popularity are elephant carvings.
These range from small wooden creatures painted with bright polka-dot patterns to the elegant stone carvings sold at places like Paradise Road in Colombo. Batiks are also widespread. Designs are often conventional Sigiriya Damsels and naff beach scenes. though a few places produce more unusual and interesting work. More entertaining are the puzzle boxes offered for sale around Sigiriya .Delicately carved little wooden boxes which can only be opened by a series of Rubik-cubelike manoeuvres. Also fun are the wooden models of tuktuks and other vehicles – wonderful souvenirs or children’s toys. They’re most commonly found in Negombo, but are also increasingly available in Colombo and elsewhere on the island.
A number of other traditional crafts struggle on with a little help from the tourist trade. Metalwork has long been produced in the Kandy area, complexly embossed metal objects such as dishes, trays, candlesticks and other objects can be found in all the island’s handicraft towns. Leatherwork can also be good, and you’ll find a range of hats, bags,boots and footrests (the shops at Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage have a particularly good selection).
Finally, if you’ve a day in Colombo, it’s well worth seeking out the modern handicrafts found at a few Colombo boutiques, such as Paradise Road, The Gallery Café or, especially, Barefoot, whose range of vibrantly coloured fabrics have become synonymous with modern Sri Lankan style.
