The Significance of Currency as a Heritage Transmission Media: with reference to Sri Lankan Rupees

Abstract

Currency has significance of economical, archaeological, historical, natural and cultural aspects. The main objective of this research paper is to explicate the significance of the currency as a media which transmit the Sri Lankan heritage. The research is based on data collected through field research and library survey methods. Currency is generally defined as a system of money in common use, especially in a country. Sri Lanka has long and rich historical background on currency reign from ancient period. Punched coins, Swastika coins, Lakshmi coins, Ran kahawanuwa and its pieces, Medieval copper Massa coin, Sethu coins of Jaffna, Panama and Angutumassa / Hook coin are some of the local coins used in the ancient period. Apart from that, some of the foreign coins were used in Sri Lanka in the ancient time. Sri Lankan Rupee is the currency of Sri Lanka at present. Coins and Banknotes were frequently introduced to Sri Lankan currency. Moreover, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has issued commemorative coins and banknotes on several occasions. Those coins and banknotes illustrated several aspects of Sri Lankan heritage such as traditional dance, traditional events, heritage sites, landscapes, industries, achievements, fauna and flora. Both cultural and natural aspects of heritage in Sri Lanka are transmitted through currency. Hence, there are several benefits in promoting this function as tourist attraction through museums, cultural events, culture based tours, nature based tours and heritage tours. Among these, currency museums are vital as an establishment of heritage. This research will propose cultural events as well as culture and nature based heritage tours focusing on the illustrated aspects of Sri Lankan coins and banknotes. Cultural and natural aspects of heritage in Sri Lanka, the significance of Sri Lankan currency, historical background of currency and heritage of Sri Lanka are also be discussed through this research