Commemorative Coins and Notes

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has issued commemorative coins and notes to mark various events since 1957.

These commemorative coins have been issued in two types.

          •    Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins
          •    Un-Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins

Un-Circulation Standard Commemorative Coins have been issued as Frosted Proof, Brilliant Uncirculated, Multicolour & Selective Plated.

Commemorative Coins Issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka

2500th Anniversary of the passing away of Buddha 2500th Anniversary of the passing away of Buddha 2nd World Food Congress 
 
Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 1 Face Value: Rs. 2
Year on Coin: 1957  Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 500,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1957  Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  11.31 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 2,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1968 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 31.50 mm Weight:  12.35 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 500,000 pcs
5th Non - Aligned Summit Conference 5th Non - Aligned Summit Conference 1st Executive Presidency (J R Jayawardhane)  
 
Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 2 Face Value: Rs. 1
Year on Coin: 1976  Metal: Nickel
Diameter/ Size: 32.84 mm Weight:  13.60 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 1,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1976 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 30.00 mm Weight:  13.50 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 2,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1978  Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  7.13 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 2,000,000 pcs
1st Executive Presidency (J R Jayawardhane) 50 Years of Universal Adult Franchise The Mahaweli Development Scheme
 
Face Value: Rs. 1 Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 2
Year on Coin: 1978 Metal: Gold (22 Carat)
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  12.00 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 39 pcs
Year on Coin: 1981   Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 29.00 / 30.28 mm Weight:  9.60 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 2,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1981  Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  8.25 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 45,000,000 pcs
International Year of Shelter for the Homeless International Year of Shelter for the Homeless 40th Anniversary of Central Bank of Sri Lanka 
 
Face Value: Rs. 10 Face Value: Rs. 10 Face Value: Rs. 500
Year on Coin: 1987 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 25.00 - 30.00 mm Weight:  11.70 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 2,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1987 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 25.00 - 30.10 mm Weight:  11.31 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 200 pcs
Year on Coin: 1990 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Brilliant Uncirculated
Mintage: 9,800 pcs
40th Anniversary of Central Bank of Sri Lanka 5th South Asian Federation Games - Colombo 5th South Asian Federation Games - Colombo
 
Face Value: Rs. 500 Face Value: Rs. 500 Face Value: Rs. 100
Year on Coin: 1990 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 200 pcs
Year on Coin: 1991 Metal: Gold (12 Carat)
Diameter/ Size: 14.00 mm Weight:  1.60 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof  Mintage: 8,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1991 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 22.00 - 29.40 mm Weight:  10.20 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 20,000 pcs
3rd Anniversary of Induction of Excective Presidency - R. Premadasa 3rd Anniversary of Induction of Excective Presidency - R. Premadasa 3rd Anniversary of Induction of Excective Presidency - R. Premadasa  
 
Face Value: Rs. 1 Face Value: Rs. 1 Face Value: Rs. 1
Year on Coin: 1992 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  7.13 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 25,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1992 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  7.13 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 2,500 pcs
Year on Coin: 1992 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  7.13 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 2,000 pcs
3rd Anniversary of Induction of Excective Presidency - R. Premadasa 2300 Anubudu Mihindu Jayanthi 50th Anniversary of the Food and Agricultural Organisation
 
Face Value: Rs. 1 Face Value: Rs. 500 Face Value: Rs. 2
Year on Coin: 1992 Metal: Gold (22 Carat)
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  12.00 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 100 pcs
Year on Coin: 1993 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 30,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1995 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  8.25 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 40,000,000 pcs
50th Anniversary of the United Nations Organisation 50th Anniversary of the United Nations Organisation 50th Anniversary of the UNICEF  
 
Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 1
Year on Coin: 1995 Metal: Ni / Br
Diameter/ Size: 23.50 mm Weight:  9.50 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 50,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1995 Metal: Ni / Br
Diameter/ Size: 23.50 mm Weight:  9.50 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 5,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1996 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  7.13 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 5,000,000 pcs
50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka regaining Independence 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka regaining Independence 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka regaining Independence
 
Face Value: Rs. 5000 Face Value: Rs. 1000 Face Value: Rs. 10
Year on Coin: 1998 Metal: Gold (22 Carat)
Diameter/ Size: 22.05 mm Weight:  7.98 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 5,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1998 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 25,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1998 Metal:

Bi Metal Outer ring Cu/Ni      Inner dics Ni/Br

Diameter/ Size:

Outer ring 27.0 mm Inner disc 18.0 mm

Weight:  9.00 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 50,000,000 pcs
Wining of the 1996 Cricket World Cup Wining of the 1996 Cricket World Cup 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Army 
 
Face Value: Rs. 1000 Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 1
Year on Coin: 1999  Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 25,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1999 Metal: Ni / Br
Diameter/ Size: 23.50 mm Weight:  9.50 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 50,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 1999  Metal: Ni Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  7.13 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 8,000 pcs
50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary of Central Bank of Sri Lanka 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Navy
 
Face Value: Rs. 1 Face Value: Rs. 1000 Face Value: Rs. 1
Year on Coin: 1999 Metal: Ni Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  7.13 g
Coin Type: Brilliant Uncirculated Mintage: 127,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2000 Metal: Silver 
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 10,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2000  Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  7.13 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 2,000 pcs
50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Navy 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Air Force 50th Anniversary of the Colombo Plan 
 
Face Value: Rs. 1 Face Value: Rs. 1 Face Value: Rs. 2
Year on Coin: 2000 Metal: Ni Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  7.13 g
Coin Type: Brilliant Uncirculated Mintage: 20,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2001 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 25.40 mm Weight:  7.13 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 2,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2001 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  8.25 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 10,000,000 pcs
250th Anniversary of Syamopasampadawa (PHRA Upali Nahimi)

250th Annivesary of Syamopasampadawa (Weliwita Sri Saranankara Sangaraja Mahimi)

2550th Anniversary of the passing away of Buddha 
 
Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 2000
Year on Coin: 2003 Metal: Ni / Br 
Diameter/ Size: 23.50 mm Weight:  9.50 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 4,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2003 Metal: Ni / Br
Diameter/ Size: 23.50 mm Weight:  9.50 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 4,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2006 Metal: Silver (Selective Gold Plated)
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 10,000 pcs
2550th Anniversary of the passing away of Buddha 2550th Anniversary of the passing away of Buddha Cricket World Cup 2007(Runner up) 
 
Face Value: Rs. 1500 Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 1000
Year on Coin: 2006  Metal: Silver ( .925) 
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 20,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2006 Metal: Br Plated Steel 
Diameter/ Size: 23.50 mm Weight:  9.50 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 20,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2007 Metal: Ni Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 32.00 mm Weight:  12.00 g
Coin Type: Brilliant Uncirculated Mintage: 10,000 pcs
Cricket World Cup 2007(Runner up) 50th Anniversary of Employees' Provident Fund 50th Anniversary of Employees' Provident Fund
 
Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 1000 Face Value: Rs. 1000
Year on Coin: 2007  Metal: Brass Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  7.70 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 7,860,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2008 Metal: Ni Plated Steel 
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  7.00 g
Coin Type: Brilliant Uncirculated Mintage: 1,200 pcs
Year on Coin: 2008 Metal: Ni Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  7.00 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 100 pcs
50th Anniversary of Employees' Provident Fund Bicentennial celebrations of Sri Lanka Customs 60th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army 
 
Face Value: Rs. 2 Face Value: Rs. 200 Face Value: Rs. 1000
Year on Coin: 2008  Metal: Ni Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  7.00 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 2,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2009 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  11.90 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 3,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2009 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm mm Weight:  11.90 g
Coin Type: Brilliant Uncirculated Mintage: 10,000 pcs
60th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army 60th Anniversary of Central Bank of Sri Lanka 60th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Air Force 
 
Face Value: Rs. 1000 Face Value: Rs. 5000 Face Value: Rs. 2
Year on Coin: 2009 Metal: Cu / Ni
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  8.25 g
Coin Type: Brilliant Uncirculated Mintage: 200,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2010 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 5,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2011 Metal: Ni Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  7.00 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 3,000,000 pcs
2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi 50th Anniversary of People's Bank
 
Face Value: Rs. 1000 Face Value: Rs. 10 Face Value: Rs. 1000
Year on Coin: 2011 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 2,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2011 Metal: Ni Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 26.4 mm Weight:  8.35 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 1,500,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2011 Metal: Gold Plated Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 2,300 pcs
125th Anniversary of Ananda College, Colombo  100 Years of Scouting in Sri Lanka 60th Anniversary of Sri Lanka - Japan Diplomatic Relations
 
Face Value: Rs. 2000 Face Value: Rs. 2 Face Value: Rs. 1000
Year on Coin: 2011 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 1,500 pcs
Year on Coin: 2012 Metal: Ni Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 28.50 mm Weight:  7.00 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 2,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2012 Metal: Ni Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 35.00 mm Weight:  20.00 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof (one side color print) Mintage: 20,000 pcs
150th Birth Anniversary of Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala  75th Anniversary of Bank of Ceylon  150th Anniversary of Colombo Municipal Council 
Face Value: Rs. 500 Face Value: Rs. 5 Face Value: Rs. 500
Year on Coin: 2014 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 1,500 pcs
Year on Coin: 2014 Metal: Brass Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 23.50 mm Weight:  7.70 g
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 2,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2015 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 1,000 pcs
Visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to Sri Lanka 100th Anniversary of Visaka Vidyalaya, Colombo 05 150th Anniversary of Ceylon Tea
 
Face Value: Rs. 500 Face Value: Rs. 2000  Face Value: Rs. 10
Year on Coin: 2015 Metal: Silver
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 1,500 pcs
Year on Coin: 2017 Metal: Silver, lamp is gold plated
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof Mintage: 1,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2017 Metal: Stainless Steel
Diameter/ Size: 26.4 mm Weight:   
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 5,000,000 pcs
75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Signal Corps 70th Anniversary of Central Bank of Sri Lanka 70th Anniversary of Central Bank of Sri Lanka
     
Face Value: Rs. 10
Face Value: Rs. 20 Face Value: Rs. 20
Year on Coin: 2018 Metal: Stainless Steel
Diameter/ Size: 26.4 mm Weight:   
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 5,000,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2020 Metal: Aluminium Bronze
Diameter/ Size: 28 mm Weight:   
Coin Type: Brilliant Uncirculated Mintage: 3,000 pcs
 
Year on Coin: 2020 Metal: Nikel Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 28 mm Weight:   
Coin Type: Circulation Mintage: 5,000,000 pcs
65th Anniversary of Sri Lanka - China Diplomatic Relations and 100th Anniversary of Communist Party of China 65th Anniversary of Sri Lanka - China Diplomatic Relations and 100th Anniversary of Communist Party of China 150th Anniversary of Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
Face Value: Rs. 1000 Face Value: Rs. 1000 Face Value: Rs. 20
Year on Coin: 2022 Metal: Gold (22k)
Diameter/ Size: 25.4 mm Weight:  12.0 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof
Mintage: 500 pcs
Year on Coin: 2022 Metal: Silver (0.925)
Diameter/ Size: 38.61 mm Weight:  28.28 g
Coin Type: Frosted Proof
Mintage: 2,000 pcs
Year on Coin: 2020 Metal: Nickle Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 28 mm Weight:  -
Coin Type: Circulation
Mintage: 500,000 pcs
150th Anniversary of Census of Population and Housing in Sri Lanka    
     
Face Value: Rs. 20    
Year on Coin: 2021 Metal: Nickle Plated Steel
Diameter/ Size: 28 mm Weight:  -
Coin Type: Circulation
Mintage: 2,000,000 pcs
   

Commemorative Notes Issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka

Commemorative Polymer Note to mark the 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka regaining Independence

Face Value    : Rs. 200             Dimensions   : 146.5 x 73 mm              Year on Note: 1998                   Number of Notes Printed:  20,000,000                

 

Front of the note

The obverse of the note depict Free Education & Health Services, Gal Oya Development Project, Electricity Development, Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, Mahaweli Development Project, Bandaranaike International Airport, Telecommunications Development, Investment Promotion Zone, New Parliament Complex of Sri Jayawardenepura, Kotte, Industrial Development, Development of the Colombo City and the Port, Unity & Peace under the theme of “Progress During 50 Years of Independence”.

Back of the note

The reverse of the note depicts the theme of “The National Heritage” though images of Advent Prince Vijaya, Arrival of Arahant Mahinda & introduction of Buddhism during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, King Dutugamunu unites Sri Lanka and pays respect to the enemy King Elara and builds the Maha Seya, King Kasyapa builds his palace at the Sigiriya rock fortress and decorates it with frescoes, King Parakramabahu the Great constructs the Sea of Parakrama, Invasion of Sri Lanka by the Portuguese and the Dutch and conquest by the British, Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero hauling down the British Flag at the Kandyan convention.

Commemorative Note to mark ushering of peace and prosperity in Sri Lanka

Face Value    : Rs. 1000             Dimensions   : 157 x 78.5 mm              Year on Note: 2009                   Number of Notes Printed:  25,000,000

Front of the note

The theme on the obverse of the note is one country and one nation in harmony, progressing towards prosperity under the leadership of His Excellency President, Mahinda Rajapaksa. The obverse depicts the image of His Excellency President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, which is to the right of the note. A map of Sri Lanka with the rising sun in the background and a “Punkalasa” with ears of paddy at center left depicts territorial integrity and prosperity respectively that are results of national harmony and peace. 

Back of the note

The valiant contribution made by the nation’s victorious sons and daughters of the security forces and the police is the theme on the reverse of the note. The design at the center depicts the hoisting of the national flag by members of the security forces. Images of the Mavil Aru annicut and Thoppigala rock (Baron’s Cap) that were turning points of humanitarian operations of the security forces appear in the background.

Commemorative Note to mark the Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting - Sri Lanka

Face Value    : Rs. 500             Dimensions   : 143 x 67 mm              Year on Note: 2013                Number of Notes Printed: 5,000,000

Front of the note

The Commemorative note is the same as the currently circulating note but features the CHOGM 2013 logo is in place of the butterfly on the obverse of the existing note and the date on the note has changed to 2013.11.15 from 2010.01.01. It also includes an enhanced watermark by adding a design around the vertical numerals for the CHOGM 2013 note. At the center of the front of the note, the World Trade Center twin towers and the Bank of Ceylon head office building situated in Colombo are depicted. To the right of this image is the ancient Buddhist temple called the “Lankathilake Viharaya” in Kandy. The bird to the right of the note is the Sri Lankan Emerald Collared Parakeet (Layard’s Parakeet – Psittacula calthropae).

 

Back of the note

When the back of the note is viewed vertically, is the Thelme Netuma dancer with a Yak Bera drummer to his left. The Padmanidhi guard-stone is to the top right. The double floral design called the “Dvithva Liya Vela” appears from top to bottom of the right side.

Circulation Standard Commemorative Currency Note to mark the 70th Independence Celebration of Sri Lanka

Face Value    : Rs. 1000             Dimensions   : 148 x 67 mm              Year on Note: 2018                Number of Notes Printed: 5,000,000

Front of the note

The commemorative note is same as the current circulating Rs. 1000 note in 11th currency note series with the following changes only,

  1. Celebrating Diversity logo is appearing at the lower left corner of the note replacing the butterfly in the current circulating Rs. 1000 currency note in 11th currency note series;
  2. Images of a Temple, Mosque, Tamil Kovil and a Church are appearing at the center of the note replacing the image of Ramboda Tunnel in the current circulating Rs. 1000 currency note in 11th currency note series; and
  3. Prefix of the note appears as S70 replacing the prefix S.

The bird that appears to the right of the note is the Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus).

 

Back of the note

On the back of the note, a Daul Bera drummer and a Malpadaya Netuma dancer are depicted. At the top right of the tone, a drawing of a guard-stone with guardian dieties appears. Along the right side of the note, double floral design called the “Dvithva Liya Vela” appears.