Malls Ahoy!

The beautiful bright white Racecourse grounds in Colombo were converted into a shopping mall in 2014, marking a new generation for the colonial building. Today it houses a whole host of shops, cafes and restaurants. It's a pleasant place to relax, and you can walk through the shade of the covered colonnades without much hustle or bustle. The paviliion where spectators used to watch horse racing from is still there, but the grounds are now used for much a more animal-friendly activity - rugby. This field was also used as an airstrip during World War Two. 

Majestic City is one of oldest malls of Sri Lanka and still remains the country’s most sought after shopping destination. It is a seven-storied building with 96 shops. The basement has a kids’ play area and a decent food court. After a major renovation in 2008, MC as it is widely known, got its own cineplex with four cinemas. These are the MC Platinum, Gold, Ultra and Superior cinemas. Platinum is the largest. There are few showrooms of international brands and perhaps MC lacks the glamour of shopping malls elsewhere but by international standards it qualifies as a fine shopping complex. MC has also become “THE” place for a hangout with youngsters strolling its corridors window shopping or lounging on its galleries.

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.

The Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct is one of the most attractive shopping centres in the country. The building was originally a hospital during the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka, and is considered to be the oldest building in the historic Colombo Fort area. It was also used as a police station and an apothocary, before it was finally converted into its current role in 2011. The building is centred around two courtyards, which sometimes host live music. It has a few cafes, restaurants, shops and bars. It's a nice place to stop and enjoy the shade, and with low slung tiled roofs and attractive colonades. 

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.

This is the country’s first shopping complex and dates back to the late 1980s. If Liberty Plaza seems staid, on closer inspection it will delight you with some rarities. It is home to some of the quaintest shops in the city. There are plenty of outlets which offer good deals on mobile phones, electronic goods etc. The “Photo Technica” is the city’s abode for all photographers - it sells the latest variety of digital cams and other electronic accessories. The mall is slightly old fashioned with its timings as it closes at 7pm on weekdays. Also it’s closed on Sundays, making it difficult for weekend shoppers.

A modern mall with great goodies and merchandise An international standard mall, the Liberty Arcade is the new wing of the deep-rooted Liberty Plaza and is situated next to it along R A de Mel Mawatha (Duplication Road). It’s home to a modern array of shops such as Vitawell – Sri Lanka's first specialty neutraceutical store, Town House & Co tea shop, The Parfumerie, Oranga Clothing and Fashionista. Candy Planet – a seller of international and unique sweets, Japanese restaurant and pub Poppy Hana, authentic wood fired pizza place ORO 1889, ice cream hut Alerics and Sri Lankan cuisine restaurant Raja Bojun are also here. A unique The Listening Room retailing designer home audio equipment is also a unique concept store at the mall.  Medical testers Wintston KW Pvt Ltd, Camera Hub, Inspire Travels, Life’s Energy, The Hanger and Foot Comfort International also have outlets at the Liberty Arcade.  The Mall’s faebook page will keep you informed on the latest happenings. 

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.