Sri Lanka & Ceylon

Banknotes of Ceylon and Sri Lanka, from the small wartime cent notes of 1942 to the Central Bank of Ceylon rupees and the colourful 1979 wildlife series.

Includes a three-note wildlife set and consecutive 1 rupee notes of 1963.

History and frequently asked questions below ↓

About Sri Lanka & Ceylon banknotes

Ceylon's rupee notes were issued by the government and, from 1951, by the Central Bank of Ceylon. During the Second World War coins ran short and small cent notes were printed. The island became Sri Lanka in 1972, but the central bank kept the name "Central Bank of Ceylon" on its notes until 1985. The 1979 series, with birds, butterflies and reptiles, is one of the most admired wildlife designs ever.

See also: Asian banknotes, India, Maldives and banknotes with animals.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ceylon the same as Sri Lanka?

Yes. Ceylon was renamed Sri Lanka in 1972; the central bank used "Ceylon" on its notes until 1985.

What is on the 1979 Sri Lankan notes?

Native wildlife: birds such as the red-faced malkoha, butterflies, lizards and squirrels.

Who issues Sri Lankan banknotes?

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka, called the Central Bank of Ceylon until 1985.

Are your Sri Lankan and Ceylon banknotes genuine?

Yes. Every Sri Lankan and Ceylon note we sell is a genuine banknote, never a copy or replica. Each listing states the grade, gives the Pick catalogue number where one exists and shows the front and back, and every order ships tracked from Hungary.