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
