Currency Rate
Sri Lanka Rupee to USD
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Buying rate
LKR 0.002673
Selling rate
LKR0.004452
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The Sri Lankan rupee (symbol: රු or ரூ; code: LKR) is the official currency of Sri Lanka.
Currency Details
- Country code LK
- Symbol LKR
- ISO Code LKR
- Subunits 1 Rupee = 100 Cents
Coins
- 1 cent
- 2 cents
- 5 cents
- 10 cents
- 25 cents
- 50 cents
- 1 rupee
- 2 rupees
- 5 rupees
- 10 rupees
Banknotes
- 20 rupees
- 50 rupees
- 100 rupees
- 500 rupees
- 1000 rupees
- 2000 rupees
- 5000 rupees
The Sri Lankan Rupee, abbreviated as LKR and symbolized as "රු" or "Rs.", is the official currency of Sri Lanka. Divided into 100 cents, it reflects the island nation's rich history and economic journey. First introduced in 1872 during British colonial rule, the rupee replaced the British pound at a rate of 1 rupee = 2 shillings 3 pence, establishing a distinct monetary identity for Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was then known).
History and Background
The rupee's history mirrors Sri Lanka's colonial past - initially influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British systems before gaining independence in 1948. Post-independence banknotes featured iconic national symbols like the Temple of the Tooth and Sigiriya Rock. The 1971 decimalization (100 cents = 1 rupee) modernized the system. Today's colorful notes showcase Sri Lanka's biodiversity, from the blue whale (Rs. 5000) to the endemic fowl (Rs. 1000), while coins feature traditional drums and stupas.
The rupee's history mirrors Sri Lanka's colonial past - initially influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British systems before gaining independence in 1948. Post-independence banknotes featured iconic national symbols like the Temple of the Tooth and Sigiriya Rock. The 1971 decimalization (100 cents = 1 rupee) modernized the system. Today's colorful notes showcase Sri Lanka's biodiversity, from the blue whale (Rs. 5000) to the endemic fowl (Rs. 1000), while coins feature traditional drums and stupas.
Economic Significance
Managed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the rupee has faced challenges including civil war impacts and the 2022 economic crisis when inflation peaked at 70%. The currency operates under a managed float, with value influenced by: • Tea, rubber, and textile exports • Remittances from overseas workers • Tourism revenue (particularly post-pandemic recovery) Recent IMF support has stabilized the rupee, though it remains sensitive to global commodity prices, especially oil.
Managed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the rupee has faced challenges including civil war impacts and the 2022 economic crisis when inflation peaked at 70%. The currency operates under a managed float, with value influenced by: • Tea, rubber, and textile exports • Remittances from overseas workers • Tourism revenue (particularly post-pandemic recovery) Recent IMF support has stabilized the rupee, though it remains sensitive to global commodity prices, especially oil.
Usage and Exchange
The rupee is indispensable for daily transactions, though US dollars were widely used during the crisis. Practical tips: • Exchange money at Colombo banks (better rates than airports) • Small denominations (Rs. 20-1000) are essential for tuk-tuks and local markets • Damaged notes may be refused - handle carefully • ATMs in tourist areas (Kandy, Galle, Negombo) dispense rupees Unique features include: • Vertical-format Rs. 50 commemorative note • Bilingual Sinhala/Tamil text on all currency • Newer polymer notes to combat counterfeiting
Conclusion The Sri Lankan rupee tells a story of resilience - from ancient trade currencies to colonial systems, through independence struggles to modern challenges. For visitors, handling rupees means engaging with Sri Lanka's vibrant culture, whether buying Ceylon tea in Nuwara Eliya or offering donations at Anuradhapura's temples. As the island rebuilds its economy, the rupee remains both a practical tool and a symbol of Sri Lanka's enduring spirit.
The rupee is indispensable for daily transactions, though US dollars were widely used during the crisis. Practical tips: • Exchange money at Colombo banks (better rates than airports) • Small denominations (Rs. 20-1000) are essential for tuk-tuks and local markets • Damaged notes may be refused - handle carefully • ATMs in tourist areas (Kandy, Galle, Negombo) dispense rupees Unique features include: • Vertical-format Rs. 50 commemorative note • Bilingual Sinhala/Tamil text on all currency • Newer polymer notes to combat counterfeiting
Conclusion The Sri Lankan rupee tells a story of resilience - from ancient trade currencies to colonial systems, through independence struggles to modern challenges. For visitors, handling rupees means engaging with Sri Lanka's vibrant culture, whether buying Ceylon tea in Nuwara Eliya or offering donations at Anuradhapura's temples. As the island rebuilds its economy, the rupee remains both a practical tool and a symbol of Sri Lanka's enduring spirit.