In 1951, the Central Bank of Ceylon took over the issuance of paper money, introducing 1 and 10 rupee notes.
The fronts of the new notes bear artistic impressions of selected development projects in Sri Lanka and native birds and butterflies.
[2] The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has issued three commemorative notes in recognition of significant events of national importance.
In 2009 a 1000 rupee note was issued commemorating the end of the Sri Lankan Civil War and the Ushering of Peace and Prosperity.
In 2013 a 500 rupee note was issued for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2013 held in Sri Lanka.