50th anniversary of Sri Lanka independence commemorative notes & coins
 

[1998]

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka will issue, for circulation on 5th February 1998, a commemorative polymer bank note in the denomination of Rs. 200, and gold, silver and bimetal commemorative coins in the denominations of Rs.5000, Rs.1000 and Rs.10 respectively. These commemorative issues will mark the 50th anniversary of Sri Lanka regaining independence.

Rs.200 polymer currency note

The special bank note in the denomination of Rs.200 has been produced in polymer, using a unique and patented technology. This novel bank note is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, and also the first commemorative bank note to be issued by the Central Bank, depicting pictorial themes relevant to the history and development of Sri Lanka.

The note measures 146.5 x 73.0 mm. and is predominantly blue in colour. The series will be identified by a serial prefix consisting of the letter N and a number. The serial number appears twice on the obverse in Arabic fonts. One number will be horizontal and the other vertical. Both numbers will have asymmetrical fonts. The note carries a number of new and unusual security features:

- a transparent window
- a translucent shadow image
- an artistic impression of the heraldic Lion of Sri Lanka within a lotus design
- micro printing
- see through feature of the lotus flower in exact registration
- fluorescent features
- intaglio printing and embossing of the denomination '200' in braille, to be recognised by the visually impaired.

The note carries the date 1998.02.04.

The obverse of the note depicts the Independence Memorial Hall at the Independence Square, Colombo as the main feature. A panel below depicts pictorial themes on the economic progress of Sri Lanka since regaining of Independence. The panel begins with a picture of a doctor and a nurse and the University buildings at Peradeniya in the background, depicting free health and education services. The panel continues with the Galoya Development Project, depicting development in hydro power electricity and agricultural development, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, the Mahaweli Development Project, the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake, developments in telecommunications, the Investment Promotion Zone, the new Parliament Complex at Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, the industrial development and development at the Colombo Port and in the city of Colombo since Independence with its high rise skyline. The panel winds up with the pictorial theme 'Unity and Peace', depicting Sri Lankas multi ethnic, multi religious society.

The words 'Central Bank of Sri Lanka' and the denomination in numerals and words appear in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages on the obverse of the note. The note will carry the signatures in facsimile of Her Excellency the President and Minister of Finance, Mrs. Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Mr A S Jayawardena.

The reverse of the note depicts the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy as the main feature. The panel below depict pictorial themes in sequence beginning with the early history of the Island from the arrival of Prince Vijaya to Sri Lanka in the 6th Century BC and the arrival of Arahant Mahinda and introduction of Buddhism during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa. The panel continues depicting the reign of King Dutugemunu and the unification of Sri Lanka and his contribution to architecture especially with the building of Maha Seya and paying homage to the enemy King Elara. The Sigiriya rock fortress with its frescoes, a wonder in Sri Lanka's architecture, built by King Kasyapa in the 6th Century A.D and the sea of Parakrama at Polonnaruwa built by King Parakramabahu the Great is also depicted. The invasion of Sri Lanka by the western powers, the Portugese and the Dutch and the conquest by the British from 16th - l9th century A.D is also depicted, winding up with the picture of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero hauling down the British flag at the Kandyan convention in 1815 AD.

The words Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the denomination in numerals and in words in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages also appear on the reverse of the note.

The note will be legal tender in Sri Lanka and a liability of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

As it is a commemorative note, only a limited number will be issued.

A limited quantity of attractive commemorative note folders will also be issued for numismatic purpose. The commemorative folder with the note will be sold at Rs.400/-.

RS.5000 Gold coin

The commemorative gold coin (916.6 Au) in the denomination of Rs.5000 has been minted in frosted proof condition. It is round in shape with a diameter of 22.05 mm and a milled edge. It weighs 7.98 gms. The coin will be legal tender in Sri Lanka and a liability of the Central Bank.

The obverse of the coin depicts an artist's impression of the gilt bronze sculpture discovered in 1968 at the Veragala Sirisangabo temple at Ellevewa in the Anuradhapura district. This masterpiece of Sri Lankan art, measuring 49.8 cm in height and dated 8-9th century is now in the Colombo Museum. It has been identified as a representation of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, an aspirant Buddha seated in a graceful stance.

The words 'Independence Anniversary' in Sinhala appear at the apex of the coin and in Tamil and English, along the periphery. The figure "50" in numerals is depicted at the bottom centre with the years '1948 - 1998' on either side.

The reverse depicts the National Flag of Sri Lanka and the value Rupees 5000 in numerals and in words, in Sinhala, Tamil and English within a circle of a traditional 'Liyavela' artwork. The words "Sri Lanka" in Sinhala appear at the apex of the coin and in Tamil and English along the periphery. The year "19g8" is depicted at the bottom centre.

The coin is presented in an attractive box and will be sold at Rs.8000.

RS.1000 Silver coin:

The commemorative coin in the denomination of Rs.1000 has been minted in frosted proof condition. The crown size coin, which is minted in silver (925 Ag), is round in shape with a diameter of 38.61 mm. It has a milled edge and weighs 28.28 gms. The coin will be legal tender in Sri Lanka and a liability of the Central Bank.

The obverse of the coin depicts an artist's impression of the famous lion sculpture found at Anuradhapura in the ruins of a structure said to be the Royal Palace near the Abhaya Wewa Reservoir. The lion symbolises the identity of Sri Lanka as a nation.

The words 'Independence Anniversary' in Sinhala appear at the apex of the coin and in Tamil and English on either side along the periphery. The figure 50 in numerals appears at the bottom centre of the coin with the years "1948 - 1998" depicted on either side.

The reverse of the coin depicts the National Flag of Sri Lanka and the value Rupees One Thousand in numerals and in words in Sinhala, Tamil and English within a circle of a traditional 'Liyavela' artwork. The words 'Sri Lanka' in Sinhala appear at the apex of the coin and in Tamil and English along the periphery. The year '1998' is depicted at the bottom centre.

The coin will be issued in an attractive presentation box and will be sold at Rs.1200.

Rs.10 Bimetal coin

The Central Bank will also issue a circulation standard bimetal coin in the denomination of Rs.10. This is the first time a bimetal coin has been issued in Sri Lanka. The coin is composed of a Nickel Brass inner ring and cupro-nickel outer ring. It is round in shape with a diameter of 27.0 mm. The edge of the coin is milled bearing incuse lettering 'CBSL', and weighs 9 gms. The coin will be legal tender in Sri Lanka and a liability of the Central Bank.

The obverse of the coin depicts the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy with the Pattirippowa (Octagon) in the forefront. The figure 50 in numerals and the words 'Independence Anniversary' in Sinhala, Tamil and English against the figure fifty appears beneath the Dalada Maligawa. The years '1948 - 1998' is depicted on top on either side.

The reverse of the coin depicts the words 'Sri Lanka' in Sinhala, Tamil and English at the top centre of the coin. The figure 10 in braille, and in large numerals is depicted below the words 'Sri Lanka', with Rupees Ten in words in Sinhala, Tamil and English on either side of the figure Ten. The year 1998 is depicted at the bottom centre. The periphery of the coin is surrounded by a traditional Sinhala design in motifs.

A limited number of uncirculated coins will be issued in an attractively printed plastic case as collectors items.

The notes and coins will be issued to the general public through the Central Bank cash exchange counters at MICH Building, Bristol Street, Fort and through the two Regional Offices of the Central Bank at Anuradhapura and Matara and also through all Commercial Bank Branches.