The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has published a special publication on the history of currency used in Sri Lanka, titled ‘The 70-year journey of currency issue and management’ co-authored by CBSL Retired Director Communications Shellomi H. Gunawardena and CBSL Retired Senior Manager W.M.K. Weerakoon.
The authors have utilised their years of experience at the Currency Department of CBSL, in compiling this publication, to be used as a reference for bankers, students, numismatists, and others who would be interested in the history pertaining to currency in Sri Lanka. The book carries attractive colour illustrations of currency notes and coins used in Sri Lanka from ancient times with historical narratives, which also provide a glimpse of the political, economic and cultural background of the country over the past 70 years.
The publication consists of seven chapters. Chapter 1 provides a historical account of the formation of the CBSL and its role in currency issue and management. Chapter 2 describes the currency notes and coins that were in circulation at around the time the CBSL was established. Chapter 3 discusses currency coins issued by CBSL and Chapter 4 discusses currency notes issued by the Central Bank. Chapter 5 comprises commemorative notes and coins issued by the CBSL, which also includes a special section on the coin series issued to represent the 25 Administrative Districts of Sri Lanka. Security features of currency notes are discussed in Chapter 6 while Chapter 7 covers the legal framework within which currency is issued and managed in Sri Lanka.
The publication, in English, is available for purchase by individuals and bookshops at Rs. 1,000 per copy, at the Publication Sales Counter of the Economic History Museum (EHM), located at the Central Point Building, Chatham Street, Colombo 1.
For more information, please contact the Publication Sales Counter of the EHM on 0112444502 or the Communications Department of CBSL on 0112477214.
The Publication Sales Counter at EHM is open on weekdays except on bank holidays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(FT)