Sri Lanka 20 Rupees 1995, P-109a, UNC

A fierce ritual mask faces a quieter coastal scene, joining performance, fishing and island tradition in purple and red engraving.

Design & Symbolism

Obverse

A traditional ves muhunu, or devil mask, fills the right panel with enlarged eyes, curved features and radiating ornament. Purple linework and red underprint carry the mask into the surrounding trilingual inscriptions, while the date and signatures remain low in the central field. The latent image near the bottom adds another concealed layer to an object already associated with disguise and ritual performance.

Reverse

Two boys wearing hats fish from poles above the water, accompanied by fish and conch shells in a vertical coastal composition. Their poised figures bring everyday movement to the reverse after the concentrated stare of the mask. Curved shells and aquatic forms extend the maritime setting into the border ornament, turning a working practice into cultural memory.

Collector’s Insight

For collectors, P-109a is the opening variety of the revised 20-rupee type, dated 15 November 1995 and signed by Chandrika Kumaranatunga and Amarananda Somasiri Jayawardena. It establishes the reference point for the later signature changes of the same mask-and-fishing design. The newly added latent image also places it firmly within Sri Lanka's broader 1995-2006 revision.

Shipping & Guarantee

Each banknote is carefully handled and securely packed to ensure safe delivery. Authenticity is guaranteed.

Serial number and prefix may vary from the reference image.