Clients will have plenty of opportunities to buy but are always advised to take some local guidance and visit reputable dealers.
The Travel Advocates on famil last week with Aitken Spence Travel visited Ranweli Spice Garden in Kandy and learned not only about the various plants but also their applications in traditional medical and wellness practices (Ayurveda).
Herbalist Dhanushka Dalapokuna gave some hands on demonstrations – ‘this should fix your headache,’ he announced as he rubbed a mix into one agent’s scalp – and gave an informative tour of the garden.
Clients should take the opportunity for a quick massage (about 10 minutes). There is no formal charge but a donation of 500-1000 rupees (a few New Zealand dollars) is appreciated. The Ranweli tour ends at a shop – you don’t have to enter it to get out of the gardens – and most people seem keen to pick up some goodies.
At a higher end of the scale, the group visited Tiesh by Lakmini, also in Kandy, for a glimpse into gem mining (sapphire is the particular star here) in Sri Lanka. This is not massive open mine territory but rather shallow mining sieving though loose gravel.
General manager Asoka Lokugamage says the gem factory and showroom opened in 1997 (when he started) and has 89 employees – a number of whom the Travel Advocates group saw in action.
He points out that tourists may be encouraged to buy gems in markets but purchasing at an established premise like Tiesh ensures goods are guaranteed, buyers are presented with certification, and a a VAT refund of 14.5% can be obtained on exiting the country. There is no pressure in the showroom – some of the agents purchased, some didn’t.