Central Bank of Sri Lanka–Rs.2000 Commemorative Circulating Banknote

Currency Note Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and De La Rue International

The Rs.2000 Commemorative Currency Note commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, which is an important chapter in the Bank’s and Sri Lanka’s histories. The theme of the design is “Stability for Prosperity”, reflecting the Central Bank’s unwavering dedication to maintaining economic stability as the foundation for national progress.

The design and its celebratory element make the Commemorative Currency Note distinctive and uniquely Sri Lankan. The front of the note depicts both the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s iconic headquarters building and the Colombo skyline, showcasing recent urban developments. The reverse shows a stylised map of Sri Lanka, a water lily and the Central Bank’s vision statement. Sri Lankan design motifs have been selected for the security features, including the Colombo Lighthouse Clock Tower depicted in the security thread on the front of the banknote.

The Central Bank considered the needs of all currency users when designing the banknotes, including blind and partially sighted people. Six bars, with a diamond shape on each, are printed using raised print, as well as the 2000 denomination and Bank’s title. This helps blind and visually impaired people identify the banknote and recognise it as the Rs.2000.

This unique Currency Note celebrates 75 years of steadfast service to the nation, highlighting the Central Bank’s role in fostering economic resilience and sustainable economic growth. The Currency Note also symbolises the sentiments echoed in the Central Bank’s vision and mission, and its continued commitment to the prosperity of Sri Lanka.

This special commemorative currency note was launched on 28^th August 2025 at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s headquarters during a special celebratory event to mark the 75^th year of independence, with Central Bank Governor Dr Weerasinghe giving an oration to mark the auspice occasion.

The security thread in the Rs2000 note is De La Rue’s Ignite® a next generation security thread designed to deliver strong public recognition and high resistance to counterfeiting. It combines dynamic movement, colour shift effects, and precise micro optics to create a feature that is both visually striking and easy for the public to authenticate.

The thread produces a distinctive “igniting” motion when the note is tilted, creating a bright, fluid animation that cannot be replicated with conventional printing or foiling. Its optical behaviour is engineered to remain visible in a wide range of lighting conditions, supporting fast, intuitive verification for the general public.

Ignite® integrates seamlessly into paper substrates and in for the Rs.2000 note the iconic lighthouse is seen in the windows of the thread to help identity it while strengthening security. It is a feature designed not only to protect value, but to enhance the overall aesthetic and storytelling of the note.

The design of the note further seamlessly integrates security and design through use of the central bank’s 75^th anniversary logo depicted using De La Rue’s Enhanced Gemini™ security feature. The bold striking colours revealed under ultraviolet light are not only high secure but further celebrate this important occasion.

The combination of intaglio printing and watermark paper forms one of the most trusted foundations of banknote security. Intaglio gives the note its unmistakable tactile signature — deep, raised lines that the public can feel instantly and counterfeiters struggle to imitate. Watermark paper, created within the very fibres of the substrate, adds a second layer of protection through subtle light and shadow imagery that appears only when the note is held to the light. Together, these features create a powerful blend of touch and transparency, artistry and engineering, giving the banknote both its authenticity and its character.

Designing this note began with a clear strategy, a balance of narrative, security, and usability woven into a single, trusted object. Security is integrated from the very first sketch, not added later, ensuring that visual elements and protection features reinforce one another naturally. The design focused on the 75th Anniversary of the central bank and the people of Sri Lanka.

Key icons from the central bank, the capital Colombo, and across Sri Lanka were carefully selected to ensure that the note reflected not only the central bank’s mission of “Stability for Prosperity” but also all of Sri Lankan society. Elements such as the central bank headquarters, the Colombo skyline, water lily and the lighthouse clocktower were then woven in and throughout the security features protecting the banknote.

Collaboration across disciplines —designers, engravers, security feature developers, substrate specialists, and central bank— shaped the note into something both beautiful and resilient. Prototyping, testing, and refinement ensure durability, machine readability, and intuitive authentication. This note is a small canvas of national identity, craftsmanship, and security that travels through millions of daily moments.

The Rs.2000 Commemorative Currency Note commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, which is an important chapter in the Bank’s and Sri Lanka’s histories. The theme of the design is “Stability for Prosperity”, reflecting the Central Bank’s unwavering dedication to maintaining economic stability as the foundation for national progress.

The launch of the Rs. 2000 commemorative note was marked by a special ceremony attended by the President of Sri Lanka, Mr A K Dissanayake, underscoring the national significance of this milestone. During this ceremony Governor Dr P N Weerasinghe presented the President with the commemorative currency note.

A series of ceremonies took place over 28th and 29th August to commemorate the launch. This included a ceremony at the central bank’s headquarters where Governor Weerasignhe gave an important oration highlighting the importance of central bank independence and the enduring responsibility of central bank’s to safeguard national economic stability and build long-term prosperity. Auspiciously, on the morning of the oration Dr Weerasinghe was awarded an “A Grade” by Global Finance Magazine in their “2025 World’s Best Central Bank Governor Awards” for his prudent monetary policies and leadership.