The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has issued a new commemorative 2,000-rupee banknote (approximately US$11) to mark its 75th anniversary. The release took place on August 29, 2025, and the note is designated as B131. This event is significant for the country, as plans to issue a new banknote and a 20-rupee coin for the bank’s 70th anniversary in 2020 were postponed due to a financial crisis. The new banknote embodies the anniversary theme, “Stability for Prosperity,” highlighting the Central Bank’s role in fostering economic stability as the foundation for national development.

Design and Features of the Banknote

The banknote features a vibrant design in blue, purple, and green tones and measures 151 x 67 mm. It is made of paper and incorporates several modern security features. The front side displays:

  • The 75th anniversary logo of the Central Bank.

  • A silhouette of the Colombo skyline.

  • The Central Bank headquarters building and the Colombo Lighthouse Clock Tower.

  • A lion holding a sword as a registration device.

The back, designed in a vertical format, includes:

  • A stylized map of Sri Lanka.

  • An image of a water lily.

  • The 75th anniversary logo and the lion holding a sword.

The texts on the banknote are presented in English, Sinhala, and Tamil, reflecting the multicultural nature of the country.

To prevent counterfeiting, the banknote is equipped with a 5-mm wide security thread that shifts from blue to green, featuring a demetalized clock tower and the denomination 2000. The watermark depicts a lion holding a sword, complemented by an electrotype 2000 and “Cornerstones” elements. The note was produced by the renowned company DE LA RUE.

Technical Specifications

  • Denomination: 2,000 rupees.

  • Release Date: August 28, 2025.

  • Signatures: Dissanayake/Weerasinghe.

  • Prefix: CB.

  • Print Run: 50 million units.

  • Printer: DE LA RUE.

Significance of the Release

The issuance of this commemorative banknote is not only a celebration of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s 75th anniversary but also a symbol of the restoration of economic stability following a challenging period of financial crisis. The theme “Stability for Prosperity” reflects the country’s aspirations for sustainable development and economic growth. The banknote also serves as an example of modern design, combining national symbolism, advanced security technologies, and multicultural elements.

This release has attracted the attention of numismatists and collectors due to its unique design and limited print run. It represents an important step in promoting the history and achievements of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, as well as strengthening national pride.

Vitalii Cherniuk (IBNS 13299-R)

CEO World Banknote Store