The Central Bank of Sri Lanka, established in 1950, holds the exclusive authority to issue the nation’s currency, as mandated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act No. 16 of 2023. Throughout its history, the bank has released eleven distinct banknote series, each reflecting unique aspects of Sri Lankan identity and progress. This article delves into the details of the eleventh and current series, providing a comprehensive overview of “Lanka Money” in circulation today.
Lanka Money: Exploring the Denominations
Sri Lanka’s eleventh banknote series, launched in 2010, revolves around the theme of “Development, Prosperity, and Sri Lankan Dancers.” This series showcases the nation’s advancements across various sectors while celebrating its rich cultural heritage. Let’s explore each denomination of “lanka money” within this series:
Rs. 20 Note: Lanka Money Showcasing Colombo’s Heritage
Predominant Colour : Maroon Dimensions : 128 x 67 mm
Front of the note
The front of this maroon-colored “lanka money” note vividly portrays the Port of Colombo, a crucial hub for trade and connectivity, both in its historical and modern context. This imagery emphasizes Sri Lanka’s enduring maritime significance and its role in global commerce. Adding to the natural beauty of the note, the Sri Lanka Serendib Scops Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni), a bird endemic to the island, is featured on the right. In the lower-left corner, the Baronet butterfly (Symphaedra nais) adds a touch of delicate artistry.
Back of the note
Turning to the back of this “lanka money” denomination, we are introduced to the vibrant world of Sri Lankan dance. A traditional Ves Netuma dancer takes center stage, gracefully moving to the rhythm of the Geta Bera drummer beside him. Ves Netuma is an elaborate Kandyan dance form, showcasing the rich artistic traditions of the highlands. Above, on the top right, the Punkalasa, or “pot of plenty,” symbolizes prosperity and abundance, reflecting optimistic economic aspirations. The Liya Vela, a stylized floral motif, graces the right side, adding an elegant decorative element.
Rs. 50 Note: Lanka Money Bridges Past and Present
Predominant Colour : Blue Dimensions : 133 x 67 mm
Front of the note
The blue Rs. 50 “lanka money” note highlights infrastructure development with the depiction of the Manampitiya Bridge. The design cleverly incorporates the newly constructed bridge alongside the older bridge it replaced, which once served both road and rail traffic. A faint image of a historical railway arch bridge further connects the past and present of Sri Lanka’s transportation network. The Sri Lankan Dull Blue Flycatcher (Eumyias sordida) perches on the right, while the Blue Oakleaf butterfly (Kallima philarchus) is displayed on the left, adding natural elements to the technological theme.
Back of the note
The reverse of the 50 Rupee “lanka money” note showcases the ‘low country’ dance tradition of Sri Lanka. A Vadiga Patuna dancer, known for its energetic and often ritualistic movements, is depicted dancing to the beat of the Yakbera drum, played by the drummer on the left. This dance form represents another distinct facet of Sri Lankan cultural expression. The guard-stone Punkalasa, again symbolizing prosperity, is placed on the top right, and a Liya Vela motif adorns the right side, maintaining design consistency across denominations of “lanka money.”
Rs. 100 Note: Lanka Money Powering the Nation
Predominant Colour : Orange Dimensions : 138 x 67 mm
Front of the note
The orange Rs. 100 “lanka money” note turns its focus to energy and power generation. The Norochcholai Coal Power Plant Project, a significant contributor to Sri Lanka’s energy infrastructure, is prominently featured. Above it, the Laxapana waterfall, along with transmission cables, represents hydro-power, showcasing diverse energy sources. The Sri Lankan Orange Billed Babbler (Turdoides rufescens) and the Autumn Leaf butterfly (Doleschallia bisaltidae) are the featured fauna, continuing the series’ natural motif.
Back of the note
On the back of the 100 Rupee “lanka money”, a shift in dance form is presented with a Bharatanatyam dancer and a Mridangam drummer. Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, highlights the cultural connections between Sri Lanka and India. The Mridangam is a South Indian percussion instrument, emphasizing the musical aspect of this cultural representation. The Naga (seven-headed cobra) guard-stone is positioned at the top right, and the “Dvithva Liya Vela,” a double floral design, decorates the right side.
Rs. 500 Note: Lanka Money Reflecting Economic Hubs and Heritage
Predominant Colour : Purple Dimensions : 143 x 67 mm
Front of the note
The purple Rs. 500 “lanka money” note illustrates Sri Lanka’s economic significance by depicting the World Trade Center twin towers and the Bank of Ceylon head office in Colombo, representing the country’s modern financial landscape. To the right, the ancient Lankathilake Viharaya temple in Kandy adds a historical and spiritual dimension. The Sri Lankan Emerald Collared Parakeet (Layard’s Parakeet – Psittacula calthropae) and the Ceylon Indigo Royal butterfly (Tajuria arida) are the chosen wildlife for this denomination of “lanka money.”
Back of the note
The back of the 500 Rupee “lanka money” note features the Thelme Netuma dancer, another form of Sri Lankan dance, accompanied by a Yak Bera drummer. Thelme Netuma is characterized by its rhythmic and processional nature. The Padmanidhi guard-stone is located on the top right, and the Dvithva Liya Vela motif continues down the right side, maintaining design consistency across the “lanka money” series.
Rs. 1000 Note: Lanka Money Tunneling Through Progress
Predominant Colour : Green Dimensions : 148 x 67 mm
Front of the note
The green Rs. 1000 “lanka money” note celebrates infrastructural achievements with the Ramboda Tunnel. The design shows both the newly constructed tunnel and the rock wall it replaced, symbolizing overcoming obstacles and progress in transportation. The Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus) and the White Four Ring butterfly (Ypthima ceylonica) are featured, maintaining the natural element within the “lanka money” series.
Back of the note
The reverse of the 1000 Rupee “lanka money” note presents a Daul Bera drummer and a Malpadaya Netuma dancer. Malpadaya Netuma is a Kandyan dance form known for its acrobatic and vigorous movements. A guard-stone with guardian deities is depicted at the top right, and the Dvithva Liya Vela design continues on the right side.
Rs. 5000 Note: Lanka Money Damming Towards Prosperity
Predominant Colour : Gold Dimensions : 153 x 67 mm
Front of the note
The gold Rs. 5000 “lanka money” note focuses on water management and irrigation, featuring the Weheragala dam and the Canyon dam. These dams are vital for agriculture and water supply in Sri Lanka, representing prosperity through resource management. The Sri Lankan Yellow Eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus penicllatus) and the Lemon Migrant butterfly (Catopsilia Pomona) are the final animal representations in this “lanka money” series.
Back of the note
The back of the highest denomination “lanka money” note, the 5000 Rupee, showcases Nagaraksha and Guruluraksha dancers. These are mythological characters often featured in Sri Lankan rituals and dances, representing protection and warding off evil. The Rathnaprasadaya guard-stone is at the top right, and the “Kalpavrksha” floral design, symbolizing a wish-fulfilling tree, adorns the right side, completing the visual narrative of this banknote series.
Conclusion: Lanka Money – A Reflection of Sri Lanka
The eleventh banknote series of Sri Lanka’s “lanka money” is a vibrant testament to the nation’s progress and cultural richness. Through its detailed depictions of infrastructure, energy, economy, and diverse dance traditions, coupled with endemic wildlife and symbolic motifs, each denomination offers a glimpse into the heart of Sri Lanka. These notes are not just currency; they are miniature canvases portraying the story of a developing and culturally rich nation.
