About Us

LAKARCADE – Preserving Heritage of Sri Lanka

LAKARCADE is one of the biggest novelty Gift & Souvenir shopping emporium in Asia located in the heart of Colombo, LAKARCADE offers a wide array of authentic Sri Lankan souvenirs and novelty gift items. The fine range on display includes carefully selected teas, spices, traditional art & craft items, batiks, gems, jewellery, silverware and many more creative products.

Utilizing their traditional skill in Sri Lankan craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations, LAKARCADE creates pristine masterpieces that give this rural folk an opportunity to showcase their talents in the mega markets.

LAKARCADE STORY

Nestling in the heart of the Indian ocean lies the teardrop isle of Ceylon. Ceylon became known as Sri Lanka – “Resplendent Land” in Sanskrit. In so doing, it reverted to its most ancient name, coupled with the honorific prefix, Sri. However long before this, Lanka was the classical name bestowed on the island by the Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. History evolved and the term Lak was derived from Lanka used and further evolved for centuries to come.
This was the inspiration behind the brand name LAKARCADE where we were deeply motivated to incorporate the Historic significance of Sri Lanka to the contemporary world. This brought about the marriage of the words LAK-ARCADE. Further the tear drop nation and its immense significance in world history has inspired LAKARCADE to incorporate the island’s teardrop shape in its logo and motif from historic Ceylon which we believe is unique and is dear to our hearts.

Vision

To become the global representative of authentic Sri Lankan Novelty Gift & Souvenir items by preserving our heritage.

Mission

Become a viable, socially responsible marketing organization by enhancing its market share, delighting customers and empowering Sri Lankan craft entrepreneurs’ cluster and their families to carry out a sustainable entrepreneurship in the sector.

Our Core Values

Provide pleasurable service to our clients.
Assure Finest quality, value for money & reliability.
Mutual trust & respect in our relationships with grass root level craft entrepreneurs.
The highest standards of professional excellence, ethical conduct, integrity and personal responsibility.

Our Memberships

International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Sri Lanka

council for business with britain sri lanka

American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka

The European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Handicrafts Tradition

Sri Lankan handicrafts hold a rich tradition deeply rooted in the country’s history and cultural heritage. These traditional crafts reflect the island’s diversity, creativity, and the skilled craftsmanship of its people. Some notable Sri Lankan handicraft traditions include:

Handloom Weaving:
- Batik: Sri Lanka is renowned for its batik industry, where artisans use wax-resist dyeing techniques to create intricate patterns on fabric. The result is vibrant, colorful textiles often used in clothing, accessories, and home decor.
- Handwoven Fabrics: The country has a long history of handloom weaving, producing textiles such as sarongs, sari cloth, and other traditional garments. Different regions showcase distinct weaving styles and patterns.
Woodcraft:
- Wood Carving: Skilled woodcarvers in Sri Lanka create stunning sculptures, masks, and decorative items. The craft often incorporates intricate designs and is deeply influenced by religious and cultural themes.
- Lacquerware: Lacquerware is a traditional craft where wooden items are coated with layers of lacquer and then intricately painted. This technique results in glossy, vibrant pieces often used for decorative and functional purposes.
Metalwork:
- Brass and Copper Craft: Artisans in Sri Lanka have a long history of crafting items from brass and copper, including traditional utensils, figurines, and religious artifacts.
- Silver and Goldsmithing: Jewelry-making is another thriving craft in Sri Lanka. Skilled artisans create intricate pieces often featuring gemstones, reflecting the country’s prominence in the gem and jewelry industry.
Pottery and Ceramics:
- Traditional Pottery: Sri Lanka has a tradition of producing pottery using both traditional and contemporary techniques. Functional items like pots and bowls, as well as decorative pieces, showcase the diversity of Sri Lankan ceramics.
Basketry and Mat Weaving:
- Palm-Leaf Products: Skilled craftsmen weave palm leaves to create a variety of products, including baskets, hats, and mats. This tradition has been passed down through generations and is an integral part of rural Sri Lankan life.

Sri Lankan handicrafts not only showcase the artistic talents of its people but also contribute significantly to the cultural identity and economic livelihoods of local communities. The unique blend of traditional techniques and contemporary designs makes these handicrafts highly sought after, both locally and internationally.