Publication by Central Bank on 70-year journey of currency issue and management

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 retired director communications of CBSL, Shellomi H Gunawardena and retired senior manager of CBSL,W M K Weerakoon.

The authors have utilized 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 7 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 CBSLand Chapter 4 discusses currency notes issued by the Central Bank. Chapter 5 comprises commemorative notes and coins issued by the CBSL. 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.