2020-03-04 Wed

On 4th February 1998, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka celebrated 50 years of independence from Great Britain. A Rs 200 commemorative polymer note, a special one year issue, marked the occasion. It is the only note of that denomination issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The artwork of this note was done by Mr. Ananda Somathilake and Mr. Gamini Mendis under the direction of Mr. Albert Dharmasiri attached to the Institute of Aesthetic Studies, University Kelaniya. This is an exceptionally busy note with scenes illustrating Sri Lanka's history, culture, religion, and economic development.

Images representative of Sri Lanka's development during its 50 years of independence are featured along the bottom on the front of the note. They include free education and health services, agriculture, electricity generation, telecommunications development, industrial development, development of Colombo city and port and symbols of unity and peace. The major building on the front of this note is the Independence Monument on Independence Square, Colombo.

Images on the back of the note reflect the country's national heritage. They include the advent of Prince Vijaya (6th Century BC), arrival of Arahant Mahinda and the introduction of Buddhism (308 BC), King Parakramabahu the Great constructs the sea of Parakrama (12th Century AD), invasion of Sri Lanka by the Portuguese and the Dutch (16th-17thCentury AD) and conquest by the British (19th Century AD). The famous Temple of the Tooth at Kandy is the centerpiece on the back.

Image Courtesy: notes.lakdiva.org