2010 - Sri Lanka - 50 Rupee note
Development, Prosperity and Sri Lanka Dancers

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) issued, for circulation, a new series of currency notes on the theme "Development, Prosperity and Sri Lanka Dancers" on 2011 February 4th, dated 2010-01-01.

Front: Landscape An artist's impression of newly constructed bridge at Manampitiya alongside the old bridge common to both road vehicles and trains. and an early view of railway arch bridge to upper left. Illustrated are the Sri Lanka bird Dull Blue Flycatcher to the right, and the butterfly, Blue Oakleaf to the lower left. Back: Portrait A drawing of Vadiga Patuna and a Yak Bera. A guard stone with a Punkalasa is on the upper right, on a vertical Band with a stylized floral motif, Liya Vela. A map of Sri Lanka appears in the background centered to the left of this band.

The security thread is a thin polyester thread embedded in to the note with the letters CBSL RS50
The notes carry the facsimile signatures of the Hon. Minister of Finance, HE President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Governor of the Central Bank, Mr. Ajith Nivard Cabraal.

Predominant Color	: Blue	|	Size	: 133 x 67 mm
Serial Prefix	: V	|	Replacement Prefix	: Z/3
Floresent Fiber	: Yellow	|	Braile	: Two Dots

Manampitiya Bridge
The new Manampitiya Bridge, which is one of the longest bridges in Sri Lanka, is 302m in length, 10.4m wide and it is located at Manampitiya in the Polonnaruwa district. The old Manampitiya Bridge was used both as a railway and highway crossing over the Mahaweli River. The new bridge was constructed in order to overcome the traffic congestion on the old bridge.

Ancient Nine Arch Bridge
Demodara nine arch bridge is considered to be one of the most spectacular bridges in Sri Lanka. It is located at Gotuwela between Ella and Demodara railway stations. This bridge was built during the British period, entirely of solid rocks, bricks and cement without using steel.

Sri Lanka Dull-blue Flycatcher - Eumyias sordida
Sri Lanka Anu-mesimara (Sinhala)
llangai Neela Vettivatr Kuruvi (Thamil)
The Sri Lanka Dull Blue Flycatcher is an endemic resident confined mainly to the central hill country of Sri Lanka. This species is categorized as vulnerable by the IUCN. It is not a shy bird and has a sweet soft song.

The Blue Oakleaf - Kallima philarchus
Pita nil Kolaya (Sinhala)
This amazing butterfly is one of nature's wonders, has brilliant blue forewings with large black triangular area near the tip and has a little white on the midst the forewing. The underside, in contrast is dull brown with black and grey pickles, patterned and shaped completely resembling a dried up leaf. It's amazing camouflage serves it to protect itself from the predators. This large butterfly is endemic to the wet zone forests of Sri Lanka.

Punkalasa Guard stone
Guardstones (doratupala figures or muragal) are one of the finest creations of ancient Sinhalese artwork. Guard stone carved with pot of plenty is an expression of prosperity and it is associated with the belief of ushering prosperity to the building throughout the year. The best example of a guard stone with a pot of plenty is seen at the Abhayagiri archeological complex.

Liya Vela
Liya vela is a commonly used design technique in Sinhala art. It is a decorative art form using the leaves and flowers of a creeper.

Vadiga Patuna
Vadiga Patuna dance is a performances of the Low Country dance tradition. It narrates the arrival of some Brahmins from Vadige Land to relieve a queen of a serious ailment. The verse and dialogue are in Palli Sanskrit and Tamil languages.

Yak Beraya
Yak Beraya (Ruhunu Beraya, Devol Beraya or Pahatharata Beraya) is the traditional drum which accompanies Sri Lanka Low Country dances. This instrument is a long cylindrical drum and is played with both hands.

Text edited from Press Releases of the CBSL. Images as in full page colour advertisements published in local newspapers.