Monday, 1 July 2019

Evolution of Money



Evolution of cash is maybe one in every of the largest invention in human history. the money was not unreal however it evolved with passage of your time consistent.



Some of the major stages through which money has evolved are as follows: (1)barter system (2) Commodity Money (3) Metallic Money (4) Paper Money (5) Credit Money (6) Plastic Money.

Money has evolved through different stages according to the time, place and circumstances.

(1)    Barter system

A barter system is an old method of exchange. Th is system has been used for centuries and long before money was invented. People exchanged services and goods for other services and goods in return. The value of bartering items can be negotiated with the other party. Bartering doesn't involve money which is one of the advantages. You can buy items by exchanging an item you have but no longer want or need. Generally, trading in this manner is done through Online auctions and swap markets.


Advantages
  •            Flexibility
  •        No money Involved
  •         Networking
  •       Utilizing the idle
Disadvantage
  •    Impossibility of subdivision of goods
  •    Lack of information
  •    Double coincidence
  •    Lack of a standard unit of account


 (2) Commodity Money

Money is a type of asset in an economy that is used to buy goods and services from other people. A commodity is a physical item that is readily interchangeable with another item of the same type. Commodity money is a commodity that has intrinsic value. Intrinsic value means that the commodity has value even if it is not used as money. In times of economic turmoil, such as severe economic depressions or hyperinflation, people sometimes turn to commodity money instead of the money authorized by their governments.

(3)    Metallic Money

Metallic money- is “money made of some metal”. With the drawbacks of commodity money and with economic advancement of the people, metals came to be used as money.

This existed during the town economy stage or during the pre-machine age. In the beginning iron, copper, tin, bronze, nickel, lead, gold, silver etc were used. The final choice however was in favour of gold and silver due to their scarcity. Initially pieces of gold and silver of different sizes and shapes were used.


Therefore metals which served as money were Gold, Silver, and Copper etc. In recent times baser metals like aluminum etc are used.

Advantages of metallic money
  •  It had all the qualities of good money
  •  Durable.
  •  It had ornamental and decorative value.
  •  It could be stored.
  •  Steady demand and supply
  •  Subdivision was possible.
  •  It had a high and stable value.
  •  It was readily acceptable.


Disadvantages of metallic money 
  • Necessary to carry in bulk in case of large transactions.
  • Had to be split up at every stage of exchange.
  • Difficult to assess the value of metals.
  • Not easily potable.
  •  The pieces of metal were not uniform in weight, size, shape, value etc and therefore had to be weighed at every stage of exchange.


(4) Paper Money

Paper money is a country's official, paper currency that is circulated for transaction-related purposes of goods and services. The printing of paper money is typically regulated by a country's central bank or treasury in order to keep the flow of funds in line with monetary policy.





4 Types of Paper Money

Representative Paper Money
Convertible Paper Money
Inconvertible Paper Money
Fiat Money

Advantages of Paper Money
  •    Economical
  •    Elastic     
  •    Stable Price
  •    Non Cyclical
  •    Quickly Usable
  •     Easily Countable
  •     Easily Movable
  •     Storable
  •     Acknowledged

Disadvantages of Paper Money
  •          Inflationary
  •        Unstable Price
  •         Shorter Life
  •         Uncertain
  •          No Automation
  •       Unstable


(5) Credit Money

Emergence of credit money took place almost side by side with that of paper money. People keep a part of their cash as deposits with banks, which they can withdraw at their convenience through cheques. The cheque (known as credit money or bank money), itself, is not money, but it performs the same functions as money.





(6) Electronic  Money

Electronic money refers to money that exists in banking computer systems that may be used to facilitate electronic transactions. Although its value is backed by fiat currency and may, therefore, be exchanged into a physical, tangible form, electronic money is primarily used to transact electronically, due to the sheer convenience of this methodology.

Advantage
  •          More Practical
  •          More Practical
  •          Global Transaction

 Disadvantage
  •          Consumptive
  •          Low Security
  •          The Left Balance Can’t be Cashed



Saturday, 29 June 2019

Central Bank of Sri Lanka




To accommodate dynamic economic and financial system developments upon gaining independence in 1948, the post-independence Government of Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was then known) established the Central Bank of Ceylon to maintain an active monetary policy regime and a dynamic financial sector to support and promote economic growth.

Vision
“A credible and dynamic central bank contributing to the prosperity of Sri Lanka.”

Mission
"Maintaining economic and price stability and financial system stability to support sustainable growth through policy stimulus, advice, commitment and excellence.”

Values
  • Commitment to inspirational leadership
  • Transparency in what we do
  • Accountability to our key stakeholders - the public, government, financial institutions and employees
  • Integrity - trust, dependability, honesty
  • Commitment to professional competence
  • Commitment to lifelong learning, knowledge sharing and innovation
  • Consistency, accuracy and timeliness of all actions taken by the Bank
  • Managing and ensuring operational autonomy for policy formulation and implementation
  • Urgent and continuous commitment to results and outputs
  • Commitment to collaborative and participatory work practices


Objectives of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL)

Economic and Price Stability

Price stability safeguards the value of the currency in terms of what it will purchase at home and in terms of other currencies. Price stability or stable prices means low inflation. Experience has shown that the economy performs well when inflation is low and is expected to be low. Interest rates are also low in these conditions. Such an environment allows an economy to achieve its growth potential and fosters high employment. Free from the disruptive effects of high and variable inflation, both consumers and producers make economic decisions with confidence. Low inflation or price stability fosters sustainable long-term economic growth and employment. The Central Bank uses monetary policy measures to control inflation.

Financial System Stability

A stable financial system creates a favorable environment for depositors and investors, encourages efficient financial intermediation and the effective functioning of markets, and hence, promotes investment and economic growth. Financial system stability means the effective functioning of the financial system (financial institutions and markets) and the absence of banking, currency and balance of payments crisis. Financial instability is caused by bank failures, excessive asset price volatility, and collapse of market liquidity or a disruption to the payments system. Financial system stability requires a stable macro-economic environment, effective regulatory framework, well organized financial markets, sound financial institutions and safe and robust payments infrastructure. The maintenance of financial stability entails the prevention, detection and reduction of threats to the financial system as a whole, through the surveillance of markets and financial institutions, oversight of the payments system and crisis resolution.

Functions of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL)

Core Functions

  • Conduct of Monetary Policy
  • Conduct of Exchange Rate Policy
  • Management of the Official International Reserves
  • Oversight of the Financial System
  • Licensing, Regulating and Supervising of Banks and Selected Non-Bank Financial Institutions
  • Provision of Settlement Facilities and the Regulation of the Payment System
  • Issue and Distribution of the National Currency
  • Compilation, Dissemination and Analysis of Economic Data and Statistics
  • Banker to the Government and its agencies, and provision of current account facilities to LCBs and non-commercial bank Primary Dealers for Government Securities

Agency Functions

  • In addition, the CBSL also performs the following agency functions on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka:
  • Management of the Public Debt
  • Foreign Exchange Management
  • Fund Management and Custodian of the Employees’ Provident Fund
  • Facilitating Financial Inclusion
  • Financial Intelligence services to prevent, detect, investigate and prosecute Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

Monetary board of Central Bank

 The Central Bank has a unique legal structure in which the Central Bank is not an incorporated body. In terms of the Monetary Law Act, the corporate status is conferred on the Monetary Board, which is vested with all powers, functions and duties. As the governing body, the Monetary Board is responsible for making all policy decisions related to the management, operation and administration of the Central Bank.

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank consists of five (5) members
The Governor
The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance ( ex-officio )
Three (3) non - executive members

Departments

For the smooth functioning of the CBSL, the departments of the Bank are grouped into four key business areas, namely -Economic and Price Stability; Financial System Stability; Currency Issue & Management and Agency Services to Government and three support services areas , namely -Human Resources Development and Management; Corporate Services; and Policy Review and Monitoring.

 Economic Policy Advisory Cluster
  • Economic Research Department
  • Statistics Department
  • Macroprudential Surveillance Department
  • International Operations Department
  • Domestic Operations Department
  • Information Technology Department
  • Department of Foreign Exchange
  • Currency Department
  • Communications Department

Financial Sector Regulation & Supervision Cluster
  • Bank Supervision Department
  • Supervision of Non-Bank Financial Institutions
  • Public Debt Department
  • Resolution & Enforcement Department





Friday, 28 June 2019

Bankig System of Sri Lanka



Sri Lanka has a fairly well-diversified banking system, which includes the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), two large state-owned commercial banks (Ceylon Bank and People’s Bank), eleven private domestic commercial banks, thirteen foreign banks, a national savings bank, a regional development bank, two housing banks, and three licensed specialized banks.  Citibank N.A. is the only U.S. bank operating in Sri Lanka.  The domestic commercial banks operate branches throughout the island.  All commercial banks operate foreign currency banking units and conduct offshore business and finance projects approved by the BOI.  The Central Bank is responsible for regulation and supervision of Sri Lanka's banking system.  The legal framework consists of the Monetary Law Act and the Banking Act.  The Central Bank is empowered to issue detailed directives to the commercial banks.  In 1993, Sri Lanka adopted the Basel Accord capital guidelines for commercial banks.  Sri Lanka adopted Basel III capital standards in 2017 and capital requirements for Sri Lankan banks have increased.  According to the Central Bank the banking sector maintained capital ratios at a comfortable level in 2017.   However, rating agencies estimate that some large banks will require substantial fresh capital to meet full Basel III compliance by 2019.  The Central Bank has requested banks to enhance minimum capital requirements by 31 December 2020.

Financial Sector in Sri Lanka includes;

  • banking sector
  • Non- Bank Finance and leasing Sector
  • Insurance Sector 
  • Primary Dealers
  • Money brokering Industry
  • payment and settlement System 
  • Micro Finance Sector  

Banking sector

The banking sector in Sri Lanka, which comprises Licensed Commercial Banks (LCBs) and Licenced Specialised banks (LSBs), dominates the financial system and accounts for the highest share of the total assets in the financial system. Banks play a critical role within the Sri Lankan financial system, as they are engaged in provision of liquidity to the entire economy, while transforming the risk characteristics of assets.
The banking sector in Sri Lanka accounts for almost 60% of the assets in financial sector.

The Central Bank issues banking licenses for two categories of banks


  1. Licensed Commercial banks(LCB)(26)
  2. Licensed Specialised Bank (LSB) (7) which are saving, housing, and development banks.
Structure of the banking sector in sri lanka

Cenral bank (1)


 Licensed Commercial Banks(26)
  • Amana Bank PLC 
  • Axis Bank Ltd
  • Bank of Ceylon
  • Bank of China Ltd
  • Cargills Bank Ltd
  • Citibank, N.A.
  • Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC
  • Deutsche Bank AG
  • DFCC Bank PLC
  • Habib Bank Ltd
  • Hatton National Bank PLC
  • ICICI Bank Ltd
  • Indian Bank
  • Indian Overseas Bank
  • MCB Bank Ltd
  • National Development Bank PLC
  • Nations Trust Bank PLC
  • Pan Asia Banking Corporation PLC
  • People's Bank
  • Public Bank Berhad
  • Sampath Bank PLC
  • Seylan Bank PLC.
  • Standard Chartered Bank
  • State Bank of India
  • The Hongkong & Shanghai Banking
  • Corporation Ltd (HSBC)
  • Union Bank of Colombo PLC

Licensed specialized Banks(07)
  •  Housing Development Finance Corporation Bank of Sri Lanka(HDFC) 
  •  Lankaputhra Development Bank Ltd
  •   National Savings Bank "Savings House"
  •  Pradeshiya Sanwardhana Bank
  •   Sanasa Development Bank PLC
  •    Sri Lanka Savings Bank Ltd
  •   State Mortgage & Investment Bank


Licensed Finance Companies(43)
  • Abans Finance PLC
  • Alliance Finance Co. PLC
  • AMW Capital Leasing and Finance PLC
  • Arpico Finance Co.PLC
  • Asia Asset Finance PLC
  • Associated Motor Finance Co. PLC
  • Bimputh Finance PLC
  • Central Finance Co.PLC
  • Citizens Development Business Finance PLC
  • Commercial Credit & Finance PLC
  • Commercial Leasing & Finance PLC
  • Dialog Finance PLC
  • ETI Finance Ltd
  • HNB Finance Ltd
  • Ideal Finance Ltd.
  • Kanrich Finance Ltd
  • Lanka Credit and Business Finance Ltd.
  • L B Finance PLC
  • LOLC Development Finance PLC
  • LOLC Finance PLC
  • Melsta Regal Finance Ltd
  • Mercantile Investments & Finance PLC
  • Merchant Bank of Sri Lanka & Finance PLC
  • Multi Finance PLC
  • Nation Lanka Finance PLC
  • Orient Finance PLC
  • People's Leasing & Finance PLC
  • People's Merchant Finance PLC
  • Prime Finance PLC
  • Richard Pieris Finance Ltd.
  • Sarvodaya Development Finance Ltd.
  • Senkadagala Finance PLC
  • Serendib Finance Ltd
  • Singer Finance (Lanka) PLC
  • Sinhaputhra Finance PLC
  • Siyapatha Finance PLC
  • Softlogic Finance PLC
  • Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC
  • The Finance Co PLC
  • TKS Finance Ltd
  • Trade Finance & Investments PLC
  • U B Finance Co. Ltd
  • Vallibel Finance PLC

 Specialised Leasing Companies(5)
  • Assetline Leasing Co Ltd
  • Co-operative Leasing Co Ltd
  • SMB Leasing PLC
  • Unisons Capital Leasing Ltd
  • Newest capital Ltd

More Details

products of Sampath Bank




Sampath Bank

Public Limited Liability Company, incorporated in Sri Lanka on 10th March 1986. Incorporated under Companies Act No. 17 of 1982 and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. Certificate to Commence business received on 2 April 1986.A licensed Commercial Bank under the Banking Act No.30 of 1988 and supervised by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

Product of sampath bank

Savings Accounts

Regular Savings
·         Sampath double s
           Sampath Double S is ‘the savings account’ in the savings category and offers up to 50% bonus on interest monthly, together with an array of other benefits.Invest in the “Sampath Double S” scheme and watch your money grow in no time.
The savings account’ gives you monthly bonus on interest.
Interest is calculated on the daily balance and credited monthly.
Even if your balance is less than Rs. 15,000/- you will enjoy loads of unmatched privileges from Sampath Bank.

 To qualify for bonus: An average balance of Rs. 15,000/- per month should be maintained in your account.
The bonus can be enjoyed even with a monthly withdrawal.

·         Sampath Hit saver
 Sampath Hit Saver Account is a unique savings account that offers much more than just high interest.
 An account can be activated with an initial deposit of Rs. 50,000/- and it is designed to ensure that you enjoy the highest interest along with numerous other benefits.
   
Children saving

These accounts support your children with the right association, experience and exposure that will allow them to be more knowledgeable and standout amongst peers, while receiving better returns on savings for their future.Two accounts are available to select from:

  1. Sampath Pubudu (5.0% per annum)                                                                                               
  2. Sampath Sapiri (6.50% per annum)

Initial Deposit - Rs. 500/-

Teenage saving
·         Sampath X-set 
         Sampath X-SET Account is exclusively for teenagers.it interest rate is 3.5 % per annum

Ladies saving
·         Ladies 1st
           Ladies 1st is a unique savings account from Sampath Bank for the modern Sri Lankan women with a promise of more financial freedom, convenience, and advantages.
Rates-
  •      4.00 % per annum
  •         3.50 % per annum Till  Account
  •        5.50 % per annum Sampath Ladies 1st Investment Plan Account (SLIPA)

Sampath citizens  saving
  •     Sapath sanhida saving
      Sampath Sanhinda Saver Account brings amazing offers for senior citizens of Sri Lanka. it offers unparalleled benefits and facilities with a higher rate of interest .interest rate is   6.50% per annum. An additional 0.25% for Sanhinda Saver (For USD)

Money market account

Money Market Account is specially designed savings accounts which offers higher interest rate for corporate bodies and high net worth individuals. Interest rate will be revised on every week.

LOANS

Housing loan     
  •  Sevana housing loan - hassle free housing loans with speedy, efficient and tailor made service. Payment period up 25 years.
  • Sevana dayada housing loan _ This is a unique option that permits you to obtain a housing loan even at the age of 55, together with your children.
  • Foreign currency housing loan _ A housing loan scheme especially designed for sri lankans working abroad.

Business loans
  • Sampath BIZCASH- Take your Gold to Sampath Bank, and  receive your loan (minimum loan value is Rs. 250,000) instantly.
  • Sampath  Saviya _ Scheme to help and support women entrepreneurs.


Term deposit

Regular Deposits
  • Fixed deposit- A minimum deposit of Rs. 25,000/- is all what you need to open a fixed deposit account. Maximum interest rate -  Interest Paid at Maturity (11.33 %) and Interest paid Monthly (9.00 %).
  • Certificate of deposit - Certificate of Deposit Accounts are offered for different time durations – 06 months(8.33%), 12, months(9.83%), 24 months(10.33%), 36 months(10.83%) and 60 months(11.33%) – for your convenience.
  • Sampath ODFD - The moment you open a new Fixed Deposit with Sampath Bank, an automatic overdraft facility of up to 90% of the FD value is offered. 

Flexible deposit
  •  Sampath kalin cash -(Eligibility)  Sri Lankan citizen over 18 years of age,Valid identification document (National Identity Card (NIC), Passport), Minimum initial deposit - Rs. 50,000/-
  • Easy FD - Sampath Easy FD is a unique fixed deposit account through which you can withdraw your funds as required WITHOUT incurring penal interest.( 4.00 %If compounded on daily basis - 4.08 %) Minimum initial deposit - Rs. 25,000/-
Senior Citizen FD
  •  Sampath sanhida FD -  High interest rates and the simplicity of operation help further to make a senior citizen’s life unperturbed.  Can take all Senior Citizens above 55 years of age and Minimum deposit – Rs.100,000/-

E-remittances

An internet-based Instant Money Transfer Facility called ‘Sampath E-remittance’ enables Sampath Bank Customers and non-Customers to receive money within seconds from any of our agents abroad.

Corporate banking

  • Corporate credit Division
Sampath Bank understands the growing demand of your business and is geared to provide you with products and services to move ahead with the challenges and to become a winner in the corporate world. Sampath Corporate Credit Division offers a range of financial products and services both long and short term,

   Term Loan, Leasing Facilities, Money Market Loans

    IV

  • Commercial credit division
Services and products offered by Sampath Commercial Credit Division,
Export Financing
§  Packing Credit
§  Export Bills Purchasing Facility Link to Trade Services
Import Financing
§  Documentary Credit
§  Acceptance
§  Import Short Term Loans – Revolving
§  Import Hypothecation Loans/Trust Receipt Loans Pledge Facilities Link to Trade Services
 Working Capital Financing
§  Overdraft Facilities
§  Term Loans
 Leasing Facilities
§  Vehicles, Machinery, Equipment etc.



  • Corporate finance Division
Bank offers a range of Investment Banking Services tailor-made to suit individual client requirements, complemented by its large network and state of the art IT platform.
They facilitates,

·         Debt Financing – Arranging and Investing (Loan Syndications, Securitizations, Debentures, Commercial papers)
·         Investments in Corporate Debt Instruments
·         Equity Capital Markets ( Private Placements, Initial Public Offerings, Rights Issues, Listed Equity Placements)
·         Underwriting of Share / Debt Issues
·         Corporate Advisory Services (Mergers and acquisitions, Valuations of companies, Corporate Restructuring)
·         Custodian Services
·         Escrow accounts
·         New Project Development (Project Financing, Project Appraisals, Feasibility Studies)


  • Development banking
The Development Banking Department focuses on business start up and expansion financing, mainly utilizing the credit lines available to the banking industry as well as concessionary funds sourced from our own funding base & the Investment Fund Account (IFA).

Products and services    
  •  Start –Up Projects
  •  Expansions, Relocations & Diversifications
  •  Working Capital financing
  •  Bridging Finance
  •  Bridging Finance


  • Foreign currency banking unit (FCBU)
They provide a total banking solution to carryout transactions in designated foreign currency for following entities.
  •          Exchange houses
  •         Offshores companies
  •      Non- resident individuals
  •      Deposit product
  •         Trade services
  •         Forex products
  •       Forex transact
  •          Business solution

Wednesday, 19 June 2019

Financial Intermediary


What is a Financial Intermediary?

The process performed by banks of taking in funds from a depositor and then lending them out to borrower. The banking business thrives on the financial intermediation abilities of financial institutions that allow them to lend out money at relatively high rates of interest while receiving money on deposit at relatively low rates of interest.

For example, say you want to start a textile business and you happen to need $20,000 in startup costs. You could go around asking everyone you know to loan you the money , but there are probably few people in your life who would be willing to fork over such a sum.plus, the process of randomly looking for a loan is consuming both your time and energy.Most likely, you will go to a lender to access the funds you need to get your business going.This is why lenders exit to help connect those who have money with those who need it.

Functions of Financial Intermediaries

As said before, the biggest function of these intermediaries is to convert savings into investments.Intermediaries like commercial banks provide storage facilities for cash and other liquid assets, like precious metals.

Giving short and long term loans is a primary function of the financial intermediaries.These intermediaries accept deposits from the entities with surplus cash and then loan them to entities in need of funds.Intermediaries give the  loan at interest, part of which is given to the depositors,while the balance is retained as profits.

Another major function of these  intermediaries is to assist clients to grow their money via investment.Intermediaries like mutual funds and investment banks use their experience to offer investment products to help their client maximize returns and reduce risks.

Example of Financial intermediaries

Several different types of financial intermediaries serve different function in the economy. These are a few of the most popular examples of financial intermediaries.

Commercial banks.
Investment banks.
Insurance companies.
Credit unions.
Financial advisors.
Pension funds.
Mutual funds.

Financial intermediaries are an important part of the economy.They are used by nearly everyone, from consumers to business to government entities.

Advantage of Financial Intermediaries


  1. They help in lowering the risk of an individual with surplus cash by spreading the risk via lending to several people.Also,they thoroughly screen the borrower,thus,lowering the default risk.
  2. They help in saving time and cost.Since these intermediaries deal with a large number of customers, they enjoy economies of scale.
  3. They accumulate and process information, thus lowering the problem of asymmetric information.
Disadvantage of Financial Intermediaries

  1. Low Returns on Investment:The ultimate aim of the financial intermediaries is to earn a profit and therefore they usually provide a low rate of interest on the investment made by the depositors.
  2. Opposing Goals:The goals of the investors and the financial intermediaries may not complement each other, and therefor the objective of one may not be achieved.
  3. Fees and Commissions:These intermediaries impose charge, fees and commission on the financial assistance they provide to their customers.
  4. High Interest on loan:These financial intermediaries charge  a high rate of interest on the loan provided to the borrowers to earn a  profit.

 More Details







Sunday, 24 March 2019

History of Central Bank and currency

Introduction




When Sri Lanka or then known as Ceylon was under the reign of the Sinhalese Kings and even the Portuguese (1505-1656) and Dutch (1656-1796), banks and banking were still alien to the Sri Lankan culture. It was only during the British colony (1802-1948) that Banking was introduced to Sri Lanka with mainly branches of foreign banks being set up.

The CBSL was established in 1950 under the MLA No.58 of 1949 which was a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s economic history. Today, the Central Bank is the governing body of commercial banks.

Banks which come under the service sector in Sri Lanka play a crucial role in its economy contributing to about 60% of the GDP and employing about 40% of the total workforce. The banking sector also holds about 55% of financial sector assets while the others are held by Insurance and Real Estate companies.

The banking sector in Sri Lanka is monitored by the Bank Supervision Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka under the Banking Act, Monetary Law Act and the Exchange Control Act.
Three types of financial institutions are permitted under Banking Act and the Finance Companies Act to operate in Sri Lanka by the Central Bank Of Sri Lanka.They are
  1. Licensed Commercial Banks
  2. Registered Finance Companies
  3. Licensed Specialized Banks
These institutions can accept deposits from the public. The number of licensed specialized banks reduced from 14 to 9 and the number of registered financial institutions increased from 31 to 36 during the period of 2007 to 2010.The current list of banks in Sri Lanka is published by Central Bank of Sri Lanka periodically.

 The objectives of the Central Bank as specified in the MLA in 1949 were;
     (a)  The stabilisation of domestic monetary values         (maintenance of price stability).
     (b)  The preservation of the par value or the stability of the exchange rate of the Sri Lankan Rupee (maintenance of exchange rate stability).
     (c)  The promotion and maintenance of a high level of production, employment and real income in Sri Lanka.
     (d)  The encouragement and promotion of the full development of the productive resources of Sri Lanka

However, in keeping with the worldwide trends in central banking and the rapid changes in international financial markets, consequent to the economic liberalisation and the significant advancement in information technology, the Central Bank embarked on a modernisation programme in 2000 and the objectives were adjusted accordingly, bringing them down to two core objectives:
  •   The maintaining of economic and price stability
  •   The maintaining of financial system stability 

Currency of Sri Lanka

What is the currency of Sri Lanka
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee which has a sign of Rs and a currency code LKR. One Sri Lankan Rupee is comprised of 100 cents. Sometimes, 'Rp' and 'SLR' are used as currency symbol and abbreviation.

Historical Currency

Sri Lanka is a country with a long history and a similarly long and rich economic history. A study of that history will doubtlessly prove fruitful not only for economists but for everyone in the society. Coins used through different time periods of a country play an important role when studying the history of that country
Some of the ancient coins and notes prevalent in Sri Lanka were Kahapana (punch marked coins), Lakshmi Plaques, Mane less Lion coins, Kahavanu or Lankeshvara coin, Swastika coins, and Massa coins. Foreign coins mostly of Greek, Roman, Chinese, Arabic, and Indian origin found presence in Sri Lanka during the ancient times. During the colonial period, Portuguese, Dutch, and British all brought their coins and currencies to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s currency-use can be divided into following periods.
1.    Anuradhapura Era
2.    Polonnaruwa to Kotte Era
3.    Kandy Era
4.  Colonial Era
5. Post-Independence Period since Establishment of the Central Bank of Ceylon

   
Coins used in Anuradhapura Era
  • Kahapana
  • Swasthika coins
  • Maneless Lion coins
  • Lakshmi Plaques
  • Kahavanu or Lankeshvara coin
  • Foreign coins 


   Kahapana




The earliest unit of currency known in the island is referred to as a Kahapana.They are called puranas in Sanskrit and eldings in English. They are commonly known as punch marked coins, due to the marks or symbols that had been struct either on one side or both sides of the coin. Kahapanas are reckoned to have been produced by cutting strips of metal from hammered sheets.


Swasthika coins


Apart from the ‘Kahapana’ coin with its many markings, other types of coins were also used during the Anuradhapura era. The tusker and swastika coin is one such type. It is a small Copper coin. A chosen few markings that occasionally appeared on the ‘Kahapana’ were added in the making of this particular coin. 






Maneless Lion Coins


This is a Copper coin. On one side, there is an image of a lion. On the other side, there are three or sometimes four dots. It is likely that these dots indicate the value of the coin. The diameter of this coin is between ½ - ¾ inches and it weighs between 15-40 grains.

Lakshmi Plaques

Coins with a female figure carved into the face were first circulated in Sri Lanka as early as 3 B.C - 8 A.D. It is believed that the woman on the coin is the goddess Lakshmi. Because of this, the coin is known as the ‘Lakshmi Thahadu (metal sheet)’.

Kahavanu or Lankeshvara coins

A Sinhalese gold coinage known as the 'Kahavanu" had been in circulation in the island from about the 7th to 8th centuries AD. These coins were either gold or gold-plated. They were distinguishable in terms of value as ‘Kahawanu’, ‘Ada Kahawanu’, ‘De Aka’ and ‘Aka’. On the face of the coin there is a human figure standing on a lotus stem. There is a conch and Lotus flower on the flipside of the coin.

Foreign coins to Anuradhapura
Clear proof that Sri Lanka was a functioning naval base in the past comes from the foreign coins used during the Anuradhapura era. A great number of Greek, Roman, Chinese, Arabic and Indian coins used in international trade were found in Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Sigiriya, Kurunegala, Matara, Akurugoda and Badulla.
  • Roman Coins

Several types of Copper Roman coins were used in Sri Lanka. These coins were minted in Rome. The fact that these coins were found all over Sri Lanka indicates that they were widely in use at the time. Majority of these coins belong to the 4th and 5th centuries A.D. This implies that a great deal of trading occurred between the Roman Empire and Sri Lanka. Additionally, due to high circulation and consequent ware and tare, these coins havea tattered appearance.
  •  Chinese coins

These coins are made of Copper or Copper-rich alloys. Coins minted in different eras are different in size as well. The coins are circular with a squareshaped hole in the center. The Chinese Emperor’s name is engraved in Chinese calligraphy along the four sides of the square. There are no markings or images on the flipside of the coin.


The First Bank Note

Up until the last half of Dutch Sri Lanka, only coins were used in transactions. But in the final years of the 1700s, Dutch security expenditure increased exponentially. The expenditure vastly surpassed income and almost emptied the treasury. The birth of the banknote took place against this backdrop.



So on March 19, 1785 banknotes equivalent to 25,000 Pathaga were authorized for printing. Accordingly, Sri Lanka’s first series of banknotes was issued on the 10th of May, 1785. The first notes had values equivalent to 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Pathaga. Afterwards, notes of 1,2,3,4,5,10 Pathaga were also printed. These notes contained the signatures of three government officials.




Eleven series of currency notes issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka since 1950 are as follows;


Theme
Denomination (Rs)
Year
1
King George VI series
1 and 10
1951
 2
Queen Elizabeth II series
1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100
1952
3
Armorial Ensign of Ceylon series
1, 2, 5, 10, 50 and 100
1956
4
S W R D Bandaranaike Portrait series
2, 5, 10 ,50 and 100
1962
5
King Parakramabahu the Great series
2, 5, 10 ,50 and 100
1965
6
Armorial Ensign of Sri Lanka series
50 and 100
1975
7
Fauna and Flora Series
2, 5, 10, 20 ,50 and 100
1979
8
Historical and Archaeological series
5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000
1981
9
Historical and Development series
500 and 1000
1987
10
Sri Lanka Heritage series
10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000
1991
2000
2005
11
Development , prosperity and Sri Lankan Dancers series
20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 5000
2011



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