Commemorative banknotes of the Sri Lankan rupee

Significant events of national importance have been occasions for the issue of commemorative notes in Sri Lanka. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has issued two commemorative notes. In 1998 a 200 rupees note was issued on Independence day to commemorate the 50th Independence Anniversary of the country. The note was issued along with three commemorative coins; a five thousand rupees gold coin, a one thousand rupees silver coin, and a ten rupees bi-metallic coin. The 200 rupees commemorative note was the first time a Sri Lankan note had been issued in polymer plastic produced by Note Printing Australia. The artwork was done by Ananda Somathilake and Gamini Mendis. Only a limited number of notes were issued. The note is being removed from circulation, and is rarely seen. Currently about 3% of the ~20.5 million notes issued are in circulation or with collectors.

In 2009 the 1000 rupees note commemorating the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War and the Ushering of Peace and Prosperity note was issued. The note is dated two days after the end of the war as 2009-05-20. The note is the first time since 1954, that an image of a living person has been used on Sri Lankan currency notes. It is a paper note, with a limited number issued.

List of notes Note Image Commemorative subject Obverse Description Reverse Description Colour Material Dimensions (mm) No. printed Year issued Watermark Ref 200 rupee (1998) 50th Independence Anniversary Independence Memorial Hall A collage of development projects (New Parliament Complex, Mahaweli Development programme, Gal Oya Development programme, Bandaranaike International Airport and BMICH) Sri Dalada Maligawa and the Pattirippuwa A panel illustrating key historical events/sites (Advent of Prince Vijaya, Arrival of Ven. Mahinda, Dutugamunu uniting Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, Parakramabahu I, Ven. Wariyapola Sri Sumangala pulling down the Union Jack)BluePolymer146.5 x 7320.559 million (20,559,000)1998A lion holding a sword 1000 rupee (2009) The Ushering of Peace and Prosperity Portrait of Mahinda Rajapaksa Map of Sri Lanka with the rising sun The "Punkalasa" with ears of paddy Hoisting the Flag of Sri Lanka Military Assets Mavil Aru dam and Thoppigala rockBluePaper157 x 78.525 million (25,000,000)2009A lion holding a sword 500 rupee (2013)Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2013 held in Sri Lanka World Trade Center and BOC Headquarters Lankathilaka Viharaya

CHOGM 2013 logo Thelme dancer and Yak Bera drummer "Padmanidhi" guard stone Stylized "Dvithva Liya Vela" floral motif Map of Sri LankaPurplePaper143 x 675 million (5,000,000)2013Emerald-collared parakeet 1000 rupee (2018)70th Anniversary of Independence 70th Anniversary of Independence logo A Vihara, a Church, a Kovil and a Mosque Sri Lanka hanging parrot (Loriculus beryllinus) "Rathnaprasadaya" guard stone Stylized "Dvithva Liya Vela" floral motif Map of Sri LankaGreenPaper148 x 675 million (5,000,000)2018Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot2000 rupee (2025)75th Anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka CBSL Head Office Building CBSL 75th Anniversary logo Stylized Colombo Skyline Colombo Lighthouse Clock Tower Stylized Map of Sri Lanka Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea nouchali)BluePaper151 x 6750 million (50,000,000)2025A lion holding a sword

Commemorative banknotes of the Sri Lankan rupee

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