2015 Sri Lanka 20 Rupees Banknote – P‑123b / P‑123c
A Modern Trilingual Issue Featuring Colombo Port, the Serendib Scops Owl & Kandyan Dance Heritage
The 2015 Sri Lanka 20 Rupees banknote (Pick 123b or 123c, depending on signature) continues the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s vibrant 2010 “Development, Prosperity & Sri Lanka Dancers” series. According to Kate’s Paper Money, this note features the Port of Colombo with ships and cranes, the Serendib Scops Owl, and the Baronet butterfly on the obverse.
RealBanknotes confirms the 2015 issue is printed in maroon and multicolour, with the reverse showing a Ves Netuma dancer and Geta Bera drummer in a striking vertical layout. The note was printed by De La Rue, maintaining the high production quality associated with Sri Lankan currency.
Key Features & Catalogue Details
Attribute Details
Country Sri Lanka
Issuer Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Denomination 20 Rupees
Year of Issue 2015
Pick Number P‑123b / P‑123c
Series 2010–2016 Issue
Material Paper
Dimensions 128 × 67 mm
Watermark Serendib Scops Owl + “20”
Security Features Solid security thread with printed “CBSL RS 20”
Printer De La Rue, London
Theme National development, wildlife & traditional dance
Design Overview
Obverse – Port of Colombo, Owl & Butterfly
Port of Colombo with ships, cranes, and harbour activity — a symbol of Sri Lanka’s economic growth.
Serendib Scops Owl, one of the country’s rarest endemic birds.
Baronet butterfly at lower left.
Text appears in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, reflecting Sri Lanka’s trilingual identity.
This side blends modern development with natural heritage.
Reverse – Ves Dancer & Geta Bera Drummer
Features a Ves Netuma dancer and Geta Bera drummer, iconic figures in Kandyan dance tradition.
Includes traditional motifs such as the guard stone and Punkalasa (pot of plenty).
Vertical orientation gives the note a dynamic, contemporary feel.
This design celebrates Sri Lanka’s performing arts and cultural identity.
Historical Context
The 2015 20 Rupees note is part of Sri Lanka’s major 2010 currency redesign, which introduced:
Modernised layouts
Vertical reverse designs
Cultural and developmental themes
Enhanced security features
As the smallest denomination in the series, the 20 Rupees note is widely circulated and instantly recognisable.
Collectors value this note for:
Its vivid colour palette
Endemic wildlife imagery
Traditional dance motifs
High-quality De La Rue printing
Its role in a major modern currency overhaul
