2010 Sri Lanka 20 Rupees Banknote – P‑123a
A Modern, Vibrant Issue Celebrating Colombo Port, Sri Lankan Wildlife & Traditional Kandyan Dance
The 2010 Sri Lanka 20 Rupees banknote (Pick 123a) is part of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s “Development, Prosperity and Sri Lanka Dancers” series, officially issued on 1 January 2010. According to RealBanknotes, the note is printed in maroon and multicolour, featuring a detailed view of the Port of Colombo at centre and the Serendib Scops Owl at right.
Numizon confirms that this type is catalogued as Pick 123, with a vertical reverse design showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dance culture. The note was printed by De La Rue, London, known for high‑quality security printing.
This issue is admired for its vibrant colour palette, modern security features, and its blend of economic, cultural, and natural themes.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Attribute Details
Country Sri Lanka
Issuer Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL)
Denomination 20 Rupees
Year of Issue 2010
Pick Number P‑123a
Series 2010 “Development, Prosperity & Sri Lanka Dancers”
Material Paper
Dimensions 128 × 67 mm
Watermark Serendib Scops Owl + “20”
Printer De La Rue, London
Theme National development, wildlife & traditional dance
Design Overview
Obverse – Port of Colombo, Owl & Butterfly
Artist’s impression of the Port of Colombo, showing both modern and early views of the harbour.
Serendib Scops Owl at right — one of Sri Lanka’s rarest endemic birds.
Baronet butterfly at lower left, adding a naturalistic touch.
Text appears in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, reflecting Sri Lanka’s trilingual identity.
This side symbolises Sri Lanka’s economic growth, biodiversity, and cultural inclusivity.
Reverse – Ves Dancer & Geta Bera Drummer
Features a Ves Netuma dancer and a Geta Bera drummer, iconic figures in Kandyan dance tradition.
Includes a guard stone with a Punkalasa (pot of plenty) and Liya Vela floral motifs.
Vertical orientation gives the note a modern, dynamic aesthetic.
This design celebrates Sri Lanka’s performing arts and ancient symbolism.
Historical Context
The 2010 series marked a major redesign of Sri Lankan currency, aligning with themes of:
National development
Cultural heritage
Environmental conservation
The 20 Rupees note is the smallest denomination of the series, making it widely circulated and instantly recognisable.
Collectors value this note for:
Its vivid colour scheme
High‑quality De La Rue printing
Endemic wildlife imagery
Traditional dance motifs
Its role in a major modern currency overhaul
