The 1962 Ceylon 2 Rupees Banknote – A Portrait of Transition

When collectors think of Ceylonese currency, the 1962 2 Rupees note stands out as a fascinating piece of history. Catalogued as Pick #62a and Numista N#208012, this issue captures a moment of political and cultural transition in the island nation that would later become Sri Lanka.

A Portrait of Leadership

The obverse of the note features a finely engraved portrait of Prime Minister Solomon West Ridgeway Dias Bandaranaike, who served as one of the most influential leaders in Ceylon’s post‑independence era. His image symbolised the country’s new political identity, moving away from colonial rule and towards self‑governance.

The portrait is framed by intricate guilloche patterns and bilingual inscriptions in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, reflecting the linguistic diversity of the nation.

Cultural Heritage on Display

The reverse design depicts a pavilion scene, a motif that highlights Ceylon’s architectural and cultural heritage. Combined with floral embellishments and traditional ornamentation, the imagery reinforces the sense of national pride that characterised this period.

Technical Details

Issuer: Central Bank of Ceylon

Denomination: Two Rupees (Rs.2)

Year of Issue: 1962

Pick Number: P#62a

Numista Reference: N#208012

Printer: Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.

Dimensions: Approx. 114 × 59 mm

Watermark: Chinze head

Collector Appeal

For numismatists, the 1962 2 Rupees note offers several points of interest:

Political Significance: One of the few banknotes worldwide to feature a Prime Minister rather than a monarch or allegorical figure.

Transitional Currency: Issued before the country officially adopted the name Sri Lanka in 1972.

Affordable Collectible: With values ranging from £7–£20 depending on condition, it provides an accessible entry point for collectors of Asian and Commonwealth currency.

Why It Matters

This note is more than just paper money — it’s a snapshot of Ceylon’s identity in the early 1960s. The combination of political portraiture, cultural motifs, and multilingual inscriptions makes it a richly symbolic artifact that continues to attract collectors worldwide.