For shoppers, the duty free shop of the Colombo international Airport is a paradise, While the major shopping complexes, such as Liberty Plaza, Majestic City and Crescat City, offer a wide range of consumer items. When it comes to clothing and accessories, major department stores in Colombo offer many international designer labels, which are locally manufactured, at bargain prices.

Furthermore, most hotels feature shopping arcades where exotic Sri Lanka Gems certified by the National Gem Authority, as well as gold jewellery, could be purchased. In addition, the many jewellery shop and gem dealers in the island offer exquisite jewellery in modern or traditional designs. Outlets specializing in ethnic artifacts, handloom garments and gift items are abundant throughout the island. For the best bargains in town however, one only has to step in to the streets, where pavement hawkers offer a wide range of items and artifacts at law prices. There are boundless options for dining out in Colombo and the key resort areas, ranging from fine dining at theme restaurants in the hotels and a variety of international cuisine in specialty restaurants, to food courts in shopping complexes and theme parks. For a quick bite, international fast-food franchises, such as McDonald’s, KFC, domino’s, Pizza and Pizza hut, have branches around the Colombo metropolis and Kandy. In addition, specialty dessert and coffee franchises such as ll Gelato, Movenpick, Delifrance, Quicky’s and Barista coffee are also available. One could even sample the spicy local favorites in any of the wayside ‘eating houses’ which serve steaming meals throughout the day.

Colombo comes alive at night through to the wee hours with its many pool parlours, karaoke bars, casinos, pubs, and clubs. Other than the cinema, Colombo boats an active theater scene, with performances of symphony orchestras, musicals as well as experimental theater. Likewise, rock events and jazz afternoons are also popular during the weekends.