‘All of Sri Lanka’ experience for foreigners at Laksala Museum Gallery Café

Wednesday, 30 October 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

“This is my second visit to Laksala. On my previous trip I stopped by at the Laksala outlet in Galle. This showroom is very spacious and has everything. I bought tea and the small elephants for my friends and family back at home. The staff is very friendly. I think this is the ideal place to finish your holiday,” said Philip Gasser from Switzerland, who is visiting Sri Lanka for the third time with his family. Oldest souvenir shop

Laksala, the oldest and most well known gift and souvenir boutique in Sri Lanka opened its landmark store in the Colombo Museum premise on the 1st of August. Positioned as the “Laksala Museum Gallery Café”, the state of the art showroom falls under the Divi Neguma social development scheme under the guidance of Minister for Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa. The plush outlet is designed in a manner that preserves the outlook and national heritage depicted through the National Museum. Commenting on the showroom, Narja, a tourist from Kuwait, who is travelling around Sri Lanka with her husband noted: “This is my very first visit to Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful island. I like handmade items and am glad I was brought to Laksala. They have a vast range of handmade items on display. After going through many of the products I purchased a range of elephants. I am glad Laksala has a coffee shop, since until I finish walking around my husband is able to enjoy a cup of coffee.” Remarkable profits Since the opening of the store in August, Laksala has seen a remarkable sale of Rs. 13 million. With a majority of purchases done in August, the National Museum Gallery Café was largely patronised by tourists from European destinations. Although September has been relatively slow, sales have picked up in the month of October due to the influx of Chinese and Japanese nationals. 30,000 products Complementing the rich heritage of Sri Lanka, Laksala proudly carries over 30,000 products and items, out of which the delicately carved wooden elephants are the fastest moving units. Batiks, hand-looms and tea are the top favorite items among all foreigners. The milestone construction which is surrounded by a well manicured lawn has a lifestyle approach, with a coffee shop, lounge and restaurant for the discerning visitor. “As a first timer to Laksala, I must say that I am very impressed with the collection of traditional items. As foreigners we look for traditional and unique items. What I like most about this outlet is its ambiance and the helpful nature of the staff. I liked the antique guns on display and the silver plated elephants. I will definitely visit this store again when I come to Sri Lanka next year with my friends” mentioned Sri Ranga from Andhra Pradesh, India. Steady journey Sharing his views on the outlet and its developments, Showroom Manager Upendra Angus said: “From the opening of the outlet, it has been one steady journey of serving clients. We have seen a consistent growth in our sales and received positive feedback from our customers. In preparing for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), we will be expanding our gem and jewellery product range.” Laksala, the attractive state owned gift shop has a gamut of Sri Lankan products, ranging from wood craft, brass-ware, leather, ceramics, batiks, hand-looms and many more. The variety of products sold at Laksala is geared to cater to the needs of many local and foreign buyers.