Shopping · 22 of the best in Sri Lanka
Paradise Road
Designer Shanth Fernando, since 1987
About Paradise Road
Shanth Fernando’s design house is a by-word for Sri Lankan style, with its black-and-white homeware, tableware and gifts. Here is its story.
A designer’s vision
Paradise Road was founded in 1987 by the Sri Lankan designer Udayshanth Fernando, known as Shanth, who was born in Colombo in 1949. It began as a shop, and grew with a café in 1994, a restaurant and art gallery in 1998 (The Gallery Café, in Geoffrey Bawa’s former offices) and a boutique hotel, Tintagel Colombo, in 2007.
The style
The signature is monochrome: black-and-white batik designs since 1987, blending a contemporary look with Sri Lankan craft. Everything is curated and designed by Fernando, and the locally made pieces come from independent craftspeople across the island.
Monochrome batik, cement and wrought iron: since 1987, Paradise Road has given Sri Lankan design its own black-and-white signature.
What to buy
The flagship stores sell homeware, tableware and serveware, décor, bed and bath linen, kitchenware, gifts and fashion. Good souvenirs are the tableware and table linen, candles and small decorative pieces, all easy to pack.
Who it suits
It suits design lovers and anyone looking for gifts that feel Sri Lankan without being clichéd. Prices are higher than at the markets, reflecting the design and finish.
Practical tips
There are flagship stores in Colombo 3 and Colombo 7, open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. The Gallery Café is next to the Colombo 3 shop, so you can shop and then have lunch. Ask the shop about shipping larger pieces home.
Our advice: visit the Colombo 3 shop in the late morning, then take lunch at The Gallery Café next door and look round the exhibition.
Why it's on our list
- A Sri Lankan design house since 1987
- Homeware made with local craftspeople
- Signature monochrome style
- Next to The Gallery Café
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Paradise Road before you go.
Plan your visit
- Where Flagship stores in Colombo 3 (Alfred House Road) and Colombo 7.
- Hours Daily 10:00–19:00.
- Buy Tableware, table linen, candles, décor.
- Pair with Lunch at The Gallery Café.