Sri Lanka - Circulated Commemoratives

1957 - Sri Lanka - 1 & 5 Rupee
Buddha Jayanthi 2500th Anniversary

Two commemorative coins were issued in April 1957 for the 2500th anniversary of the passing away of Buddha and the Birth of the Nation. An one rupee cupro-nickel coin was issued for circulation together with a five rupee crown-sized silver coin.
AlloyCupro-Nickel
Diameter28.50 mm
Thickness2.2 mm
Weight11.31 gms
Issue2,000,000
Proof1,800
1957_Rs1_obverse 1957_Rs1_reverse
KM# 125

AlloySilver(925)
Diameter38.74 mm
Thickness2.6 mm
Weight28.22 gms
Issue242,000
Proof1,800
1957_Rs5__obverse 1957_Rs5__reverse
KM# 126


1968 - Ceylon - 2 Rupee
U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization

A commemorative rwo rupee cupro-nickel coin was issued into circulation for the Second World Food Congress, held in 1968, when the first draft of the Indicative World Plan for Agricultural Development was presented under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
AlloyCupro-Nickel
Diameter31.5 mm
Weight12.35 gms
Thickness2.2 mm
Issue500,000
ProofNil
1968_Rs2_obverse 1968_Rs2_reverse
KM# 134


1976 - Sri Lanka - 2 & 5 Rupee
Non-Aligned Nations Conference

Two commemorative coins were issued in August 1976 for the Fifth Summit Conference of the Non-Aligned Nations held in Colombo. A two rupee cupro-nickel coin was issued together with a five rupee nickel coin into circulation.
AlloyCupro-Nickel
Diameter30.0 mm
Thickness2.4 mm
Weight13.50 gms
Issue2,000,000
Proof 500
1976_2_obverse 1976_2_reverse
KM# 142

AlloyPure nickel
Diameter32.84 mm
Thickness2.4 mm
Weight13.60 gms
Issue1,000,000
Proof 500
1976_Rs5_obverse 1976_Rs5_reverse
KM# 143


1978 - Sri Lanka - 1 Rupee
First Executive President

A commemorative coin was issued on 4th February 1978 on the installation of J. R. Jayewardene as the First Executive President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Alloycupro-nickel
Diameter25.4 mm
Thickness2.0 mm
Weight7.13 gms
Issue1,997,400
Proof20,000
RSS Die2,600
Proof Gold(917)40
1978_Rs1_obverse 1978_Rs1_reverse
KM# 144


1981 - Sri Lanka - 5 Rupee
Universal Adult Franchise - 50th Anniversary

A commemorative five rupee cupro-nickel coin was issued on 7th July 1981 to mark fifty years of Universal Adult Franchise (1931-1981).
Alloycupro-nickel
Diameter29.0/30.3 mm
Thickness1.7 mm
Weight9.60 gms
Issue2,000,000
ProofNil
1981_Rs5_obverse 1981_Rs5_reverse
KM# 146


1981 - Sri Lanka - 2 Rupee
Mahaweli Development Scheme

A commemorative two rupee cupro-nickel coin was issued on 24th July 1981 for the inauguration of the Mahaweli Development Scheme.
Alloycupro-nickel
Diameter28.5 mm
Thickness1.7 mm
Weight8.25 gms
Issue45,000,000
ProofNil
1981_Rs2__obverse 1981_Rs2__reverse
KM# 145


1987 - Sri Lanka - 10 Rupee
International Year of Shelter for the Homeless.

A commemorative ten rupee cupro-nickel coin was issued in April 1987 for the "International Year of Shelter for the Homeless" (I.Y.S.H.) by the United Nations.
Alloycupro-nickel
Diameter25.0/30.0 mm
Thickness2.5 mm
Weight11.70 gms
Issue2,000,000
Proof frosted200
1987_Rs10_obverse 1981_Rs10_reverse
KM# 149


1992 - Sri Lanka - 1 Rupee
Second Executive President

A commemorative one rupee cupro-nickel coin was issued for circulation in January 1992 on the the 3rd Anniversary of the induction of the Ranasinghe Premadasa as the second Executive President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Alloycupro-nickel
Diameter25.4 mm
Thickness1.9 mm
Weight7.128 gms
Issue25,000,000
Proof frosted 2500
Proof Silver(925)2000
Proof Gold(917)100
1992_Rs1_obverse 1992_Rs1_reverse
KM# 151


1995 - Sri Lanka - 5 Rupee
United Nations - 50th Anniversary

A commemorative five rupee nickel-brass coin was issued for circulation in 1995 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations Organisation.
AlloyNickel-Brass
Diameter23.5 mm
Thickness3.0 mm
Weight9.5 gms
Issue50,000,000
Proof5,000
1995_Rs5_obverse 1995_Rs5_reverse
KM# 156


1995 - Sri Lanka - 2 Rupee
F.A.O. - 50th Anniversary

A commemorative two rupee cupro-nickel coin was issued for circulation in July 1995 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
AlloyCupro-Nickel
Diameter28.5 mm
Thickness1.8 mm
Weight8.25 gms
Issue40,000,000
ProofNil
1995_Rs2_obverse 1995_Rs2_reverse
KM# 155


1996 - Sri Lanka - 1 Rupee
UNICEF - 50th Anniversary

A commemorative one rupee cupro-nickel coin was issued in 1997 July for circulation, to mark the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations International Children's Education Fund (UNICEF).
AlloyCupro-Nickel
Diameter25.4 mm
Thickness1.9 mm
Weight7.13 gms
Issue5,000,000
ProofNil
1996_Rs1_obverse 1996_UNICEF_Rs1_reverse
KM# 157


1998 - Sri Lanka - 10 Rupee
Independence - 50th Anniversary

Three commemorative coins and a plastic note were issued on 1998, February, 4th to mark the 50th Anniversary of Sri Lanka regaining Independence. A five thousand rupee gold sovereign proof coin was issued together with a one thousand rupee crown-sized silver proof coin, and a ten rupee bi-metal coin that circulated.
AlloyCupro-Nickel
Nickel-Brass
Diameter27.0/18.0 mm
Thickness2.2 mm
Weight 9.0 gms
Issue50,000,000
ProofNil
1998_Rs10__obverse 1998_Rs10__reverse
KM# 158


1999 - Sri Lanka - 5 Rupee
Cricket World Cup - 1996 Champions

Two commemorative coins were issued on 1999 May 4th to mark the Sri Lanka Victory of the previous Cricket World Cup in 1996. An one thousand rupee crown-sized silver proof coin was issued together with a five rupee nickel-brass coin that circulated.
AlloyNickel-Brass
Diameter23.5 mm
Thickness3.0 mm
Weight9.5 gms
Issue50,000,000
ProofNil
1999_Rs5_obverse 1999_Rs5_reverse
KM# 161

2001 - Sri Lanka - 2 Rupee
Colombo Plan - 50th Anniversary

A commemorative two rupee cupro-nickel coin was issued for circulation in July 2001 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Colombo Plan.
AlloyCupro-Nickel
Diameter28.5 mm
Thickness1.7 mm
Weight8.25 gms
Issue10,000,000
ProofNil
2001_colomboplan50_Rs2_obverse 2001_colomboplan50_Rs2_reverse
KM# 167


2003 - Sri Lanka - Pair of 5 Rupee
Syamopasampada - 250th anniversary

Two Rs 5/- circulation commemorative coins were issued on 2003 July 13th to mark the 250th Syamopasampada anniversary of the Syamopali Maha Nikaya in Sri Lanka.
AlloyNickel-Brass
Diameter23.5 mm
Thickness3.0 mm
Weight9.5 gms
EdgeGrained-incused lettering
Issue4,000,000
ProofNil
2003_walivita_Rs5_obverse 2003_syamopasampada250_Rs5_reverse
KM# 168
Issue 4,000,000
ProofNil
2003_upalinahimi_Rs5_obverse 2003_syamopasampada250_Rs5_reverse
KM# 169


2006 - Sri Lanka - 5
Buddha Jayanthi 2550 B.E.

Three commemorative were issued on 2006 May 11thto mark the 2550 Buddha Jayanthi year. A Two thusand rupee Gold embossed sterling silver coin and a similer Thousand Five Hundred rupee sterling silver coin both crown size frosted Proof NCLT; together with a Brass plated steel Five rupee coin that circulated.
AlloyBrass plated Steel
Diameter23.5 mm
Thickness2.7 mm
Weight7.7 gms
EdgeMilled + incuse CBSL
Issue20,000,000
ProofNil
2006_bj2550_r05_obverse 2006_bj2550_r05_reverse
KM #16?


2007 - Sri Lanka - 5 Rupee
Cricket World Cup - 2007 Runners Up

Two commemorative coins were issued on 2008 August 18th to mark the Sri Lanka being Runners Up at Cricket World Cup in 2007. An one thousand rupee Nickel plated Steel Brillient Uncirculated coin was issued together with a five rupee Brass plated Steel coin that circulated.
AlloyBrass Plated Steel
Diameter23.5 mm
Thickness2.7 mm
Weight7.7 gms
EdgeMilled
Issue?,000,000
ProofNil
2007_Rs5_obverse 2007_Rs5_reverse
KM#


2008 - Sri Lanka - 2 Rupee
Employees Provident Fund - 50th Anniversary

Two commemorative coins were issued on 2008 to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). An one thousand rupee Nickel plated Steel Brilliant Uncirculated coin was issued on 2008 November 14th. A two rupee Nickel plated Steel coin was also issued into circulation.
AlloyNickel Plated Steel
Diameter28.5 mm
Thickness1.8 mm
Weight7.0 gms
EdgeMilled
Issue2,000,000
ProofNil
2008_Rs2_obverse 2008_Rs2_reverse
KM#


2011 - Sri Lanka - 2 Rupee
Sri Lanka Air Force - 60th Anniversary

A commemorative two rupee Nickel plated steel circulation coin was issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on 2011 March 2nd to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

DenominationRupees 2/-
AlloyNickel Plated Steel
Diameter28.5 mm
Thickness1.5 mm
Weight7.0 gms
ShapeRound
EdgeMilled
Issue 3,000,000
Issue in box500
ProofNil
2011_Rs2_obverse 2011_Rs2_reverse
KM# 184


2011 - Sri Lanka - 10 Rupee
Sambuddhatva Jayanti 2600

At the request of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, a commemorative Rs 1000/- sterling silver crown size frosted Proof NCLT; was issued by Central Bank of Sri Lanka together with a Nickel plated steel Rs10 circulation coin to mark the 2600 SamBuddhatva Jayanti year.

DenominationRupees 10/-
AlloyNi plated Steel
Diameter26.4 mm
Thickness2.1 mm
Weight8.36 gms
Shape11 sided
EdgePlain
Issue1,500,000?
ProofNil
2011_sbj2600_10r_obverse 2011_sbj2600_10r_reverse
KM# 186


2012 - Sri Lanka - 2 Rupee
Sri Lanka Scout Centenary

A commemorative two rupee Nickel plated steel circulation coin was issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on 2012 April 1st to mark the Centenary of the Sri Lanka Scout Movement. It was issued into circulation on 2012 May 18.

DenominationRupees Two
AlloyNickel Plated Steel
Diameter28.5 mm
Thickness1.5 mm
Weight7.0 gms
EdgeMilled
Issue 2,000,000
Issue in box100
ProofNil
2012_scout100_Rs2_obverse 2011_scout100_Rs2_reverse
KM# 189


2014 - Sri Lanka - 5 Rupee
Bank of Ceylon 75th Anniversary

A five rupee Brass plated Steel commemorative coin was issued on 2015 July 9th to mark the Bank of Ceylon 75th Anniversary on 2014 August 1st.

DenominationRupees 5/-
AlloyBrass Plated Steel
Diameter23.5 mm
Thickness2.7 mm
Weight7.7 gms
EdgeMilled
Mintage2,000,000
MintRoyal,Wales
2014_boc75_Rs5_obverse 2014_boc75_Rs5_reverse
KM# 2??


2017 - SRI LANKA - 10 Rupee
Ceylon Tea 150th Anniversary

At the request of the Sri Lanka Tea Board, a commemorative steel Rs10 coin with the Ceylon Tea 150th Anniversary logo, was issued into circulation on 2017 July 12th in an event organised with the Colombo Tea Traders' Association @ Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

DenominationTen Rupee
AlloyChromium Steel
Diameter26.4 mm
Thickness2.1 mm
Weight8.36 gms
Shape11 sided
EdgePlain
Issue5,000,000
MintKremnica
2017_tea150_r10_obverse 2017_tea150_r10_reverse
KM#


2018 - SRI LANKA - 10 Rupee
Sri Lanka Signal Corps 75th Anniversary

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued a circulation standard commemorative Rs 10 coin to mark the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Signal Corps and to give due recognition for its service to the country over a period of 75 years. The limited number of coins were sold to public on 2018 November 28th and 29th at ICT exhibition at SBMEC, Colombo.

DenominationTen Rupee
AlloyChromium Steel AISI 430
Diameter26.4 mm
Thickness1.8 mm
Weight6.44 gms
Shape11 sided
EdgePlain
Issue5,000,000
MintKremnica
2018_slsc75_r10_obverse 2018_slsc75_r10_reverse
KM#


2020 - Sri Lanka - 20 Rupees
Colombo Medical Faculty - 150th Anniversary

A twenty rupees Nickel Plated Steel circulation coin was issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on 2022 March 21 to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Faculty of Medicine. University of Colombo, Sri Lanka on 2020 June 1st.

DenominationRupees Twenty
AlloyNickel-plated Steel
Diameter28. mm
Thickness2.0 mm
Weight8.59 gms
ShapeSeven lobed
EdgePlain
Issue500,000?
MintCBPM, China.
2020_cmf150_Rs20_obverse 2020_cmf150_Rs20_reverse
KM# 2??


2020 - Sri Lanka - 20 Rupees
Central Bank - 70th Anniversary

A commemorative twenty rupees Aluminium Bronze NCLT coin was issued by the Central Bank on 2020 December 31st to mark the 70th Anniversary of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

DenominationRupees Twenty
AlloyNickel plated Steel
Diameter28. mm
Thickness2.0 mm
Weight8.51 gms
ShapeSeven lobed
EdgePlain
Issue5,000,000
MintCBPM, China.
2020_cbsl70_Rs20_obverse 2020_cbsl70_Rs20_reverse
KM# 2??


2021 - Sri Lanka - 20 Rupees
Census of Population and Housing - 150th Anniversary

A twenty rupees Nickel Plated Steel circulation coin was issued by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on 2022 March 21 to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Census of Population and Housing (CPH) in Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) Sri Lanka.

DenominationRupees Twenty
AlloyNickel-plated Steel
Diameter28. mm
Thickness2.0 mm
Weight8.5 gms
ShapeSeven lobed
EdgePlain
Issue2,000,000?
MintCBPM, China.
2021_cph150_Rs20_obverse 2021_cph150_Rs20_reverse
KM# 2??


For more information on these coins and other Lankan coins minted during over Two Millenniums of Numismatic history please visit the free online website

http://coins.lakdiva.org.lk/

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Last edited 2023-03-09 LakdivcCoins Collection website.