Shopping in Colombo: recommended malls and retail complexes

Crescat Boulevard is a three floor, modestly-sized shopping centre along the busy Galle Road in Colombo 3. It stocks a wide range of products, from shoes and clothes to stationary and books. The third floor has a cafe, fashion shops, a purfumery, an accessories shop, a spa products shop, shoe shops, and stationers. The second floor also has a cafe, with a nearby bookshop, a body shop, and a few clothing stores. The basement floor is split between a food court and a large supermarket. The precinct is close to Crescat Residences and Cinnamon Grand Hotel.

The complex is an ultra modern commercial and shopping complex that exudes the architectural legacy of old Kandy. The building houses more than 60 businesses that include boutiques selling leading global brands, top banks, supermarkets, restaurants, leading retail clothing and accessory stores and more. Patrons will be spoilt for choice at the many clothing stores that include well-known names such as Aditi, Embark, Cotton Collection, Kelly Felder, Ranjanas, Hameedia and the store of NIKE, Levis and Giordano. Mallika Hemachandra Jewellers, Colombo Jewellery Stores, and Stone ‘N’ String are familiar names of repute for elegant jewellery. There are many shops selling home appliances, phones and tabs including the best brands in the world. Bata and DSI offer a stylish array of footwear for all ages. The list is endless with furniture stores, perfumeries, cosmetic products and accessories, telecommunication centres, book stores, ice cream parlours, cafes and food outlets. There is also a super market for patrons to get all their shopping done in a modern mall setting. Adding to convenience, shoppers can head to some of the leading banks, at the centre's financial precinct, operating beyond usual banking hours. A food loft with a breathtaking view of the Kandy Lake and the air-conditioned interiors with escalators and elevators make shopping in this vast mall a pleasurable pastime. 

A complex of colonial style buildings housing a host of outlets and facilities for shopping, dining and entertainment. It’s the latest prominent landmark in the city with outdoor sitting areas, promenades, fountains and flowerbeds while inside are 24 retail stores ranging from clothing to electronics. Both local and international brands are represented here, including Nike, Levis, Giordano, Samsung, TITAN, Parfumerie, Kookaburra, Stone ‘N’ String and Amante. Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai, Japanese and fast food restaurants are among the dining options and there is a Cineplex for 3D movies.

Located in Galle, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct as the name would suggest is a shopping mall located in a beautifully restored colonial building originally built during the Dutch occupation. It has a constantly growing selection of places to eat, drink or shop. Sugar Bistro has an outlet there as does The Hammock Restaurant and The Tuna and the Crab.