Sri Lankan Writing & Art
Signs in Sri Lanka often have 3 types of writing on them: Singhalese, Tamil and English.
There are is a rich artistic heritage in Sri Lanka. The temples are decorated with beautiful paintings and statues.
Beautiful silk items are produced in Sri Lanka.
There are lots of beautiful items made out of wood. Different types of wood are used for different items. You very often see items decorated with elephants as they have always been considered very important in Sri Lanka. During the reign of the Sinhalese kings elephants could not be harmed in any way without the permission of the king. Here are some beautiful examples of carved elephants:
Kolam masks are worn during traditional dances. The different designs signify different things, e.g. the peacock is for wealth, good luck and happiness and the cobra is for protection. Other masks are hung outside your home to keep evil at bay.
Here are examples of other items which can be bought:
Batik is also very popular.
Sri Lanka is famous for its precious and semi-precious stones. Beautiful jewellery is made and can be bought in Sri Lanka for those that can afford it. The most popular stones are moonstones, amethyst, blue and white saphires, rubies and garnets, blue topaz, aquamarine and cat's eyes.
Tourists often buy local tea to bring home from one of the many tea plantations. The tea leaves are not in bags but are loose like these tea leaves below.