Sri Lanka’s Rs2,000 Commemorative Banknote: “Stability for Prosperity,” finally in your wallet
Planned for the 70th, delayed by crisis, and now—on the 75th—the Central Bank delivers a blue, decidedly confident Rs2,000 that looks like it means business.
On 29 August 2025, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka issued a circulated commemorative Rs2,000 banknote for its 75th anniversary, themed “Stability for Prosperity.” Front: the CBSL Head Office, the Colombo Lighthouse Clock Tower, and a stylised city skyline; back: a map of Sri Lanka, water lily, and the Bank’s vision statement. It’s legal tender, released via Licensed Commercial Banks, with a limited issue of 50 million pieces. Full particulars in the Bank’s official notice and press PDF, with context confirmed by MRI Guide and local media.
Background: five years late, right on time
The note was originally pencilled in for the 70th anniversary, but the plan was parked during the financial crisis. The Bank kept the idea, sharpened the brief, and—five years later—rolled out a design that reads as both commemorative and resolutely circulating. Inaugural formalities included presenting the first note to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake by Governor P. Nandalal Weerasinghe at the Presidential Secretariat, a small ceremony for a big milestone.
Design you can spot across a counter
The front plants the CBSL Head Office beside the Colombo Lighthouse Clock Tower, with a stylised skyline that nods to recent redevelopment. The reverse is pure national shorthand: Sri Lanka map, water lily, and the Bank’s vision statement. Predominant colour? Blue—crisp, modern, and hard to miss.
Security & accessibility: tougher, clearer, kinder
Printed on 100% cotton paper with the classic lion-with-sword watermark, the note adds a 5 mm colour-shifting security thread (blue→green) with micro-images of the Colombo Lighthouse Clock Tower and the numeral 2000. There’s post-print varnish for durability, and—crucially—six raised tactile bars (diamond-shaped) along both edges so the denomination can be identified by touch.
Tech Specs (at a glance)
- Denomination
- Rs 2,000 (circulated commemorative)
- Theme
- “Stability for Prosperity” (75th anniversary)
- Predominant colour
- Blue
- Size
- 151 × 67 mm
- Substrate
- 100% cotton; watermark: lion holding a sword
- Security thread
- 5 mm windowed, blue→green tilt; shows Colombo Lighthouse Clock Tower + “2000”
- Tactile marks
- Six raised bars with diamond shape (both edges)
- Durability
- Post-print varnish
- Date on note
- 2025.08.28
- Serial prefix
- CB
- Issue volume50,000,000 notes (gradual release)
- Distribution
- Via Licensed Commercial Banks; legal tender for any amount
Why it matters (beyond the press shot)
It’s the first circulated commemorative from Sri Lanka in years, pitched to survive actual tills—not just albums. For collectors: a standout denomination with a clean design lineage. For everyone else: a timely, blue reminder that institutions can wobble and still steady the ship.
Quick Answers
When was it issued?
Is it legal tender or just for collectors?
How many were made?
Main security features?
Why wasn’t it issued at the 70th?
Further reading & official mentions
Facts & Curiosities · Collector Tips · Did You Know?
Facts & Curiosities
- The new Sri Lanka banknote is worth 2,000 rupees.
- It commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
- 50 million pieces will be issued for general circulation.
Collector Tips
- Inspect the watermark to verify authenticity.
- Keep the banknote in a cool, dry place to preserve its condition.
- Consider adding this banknote to your collection for its historical significance.
Did You Know?
- The Central Bank of Sri Lanka was established in 1950.
- The banknote features a color-shifting security strip.
- The lion holding a sword is a national symbol of Sri Lanka.
Find all Sri Lanka’s Banknotes in Globenote
