Our banknote this week comes from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia that was formerly known as Ceylon. This island nation is home to diverse cultures, languages, and ethnicities. Sri Lanka has been given two nicknames: Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Teardrop of India. It is said that cinnamon originated in Sri Lanka, and was discovered by the Egyptians in 2000 BC.

This week’s banknote is 100 Rupees P125a B125a1 2010. The 100 Rupees banknote has English, Sinhala and Tamil text. On the front are images of an Autumn leaf butterfly, Laxapana waterfall, Norochcholai coal power plant, and an Orange-billed Babbler bird. The back of the note displays images of Mridangam drummer, Bharatanatyam dancer, Naga guard, and Dvithva liya vela floral motif. The watermark for this paper note is a Babbler bird with electrotype 100.

Laxapana waterfall is the eigth highest waterfall in Sri Lanka at 126 meters. It is formed from the Kelani River, and is used for two hydroelectric power stations. Folklore says that Buddha mended his saffron robe at Laxapana waterfall while visiting Sri Pada. The name Laxapana comes from Sinhala meaning “one hundred thousand rocks.”

Mridangam is a double-sided drum that has an ancient history. It is usually made from a hollowed-out piece of jackfruit wood. Mridangam is played on its side and parallel to the floor. Typically, the drummer is sitting, and resting the hull of the drum on one leg with the other leg slightly extended.

Bharatanatyam is a classic Indian dance from South India. The dance usually expresses spiritual or cultural themes. This dance was performed exclusively in Hindu temples prior to the 19^th century. Bharatanatyam was banned during British colonial rule, but reemerged after independence.

This orange banknote shows Laxapana waterfall, Norochcholai coal power plant, Mridangam drummer, and Bharatanatyam dancer.

To go to the listing for this banknote, click here.