Exchanging Damaged Notes

The Central Bank of Sri Lanka daily receives a large number of currency notes that are mutilated not only as a result of unavoidable circumstances but also as a result of wilfull mutilation/damage, from various regions of the country. It is a responsibility of the society to handle currency notes in circulation with great care without damaging and mutilating them, when considering the high cost involved in printing these notes with the inclusion of the maximum possible security mechanisms. The central Bank of Sri Lanka takes an enormous effort to issue clean currency notes for transactions. It is our duty as citizens to handle currency notes and coins in such a manner so as to protect and keep them clean.

How to exchange unfit, damaged and mutilated notes to new notes?

The general public can exchange damaged or mutilated notes which are damaged or mutilated during normal usage or accidents at branches of any Licensed Commercial Bank country-wide. Alternatively, the general public can forward mutilated notes by registered post to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka or hand them over in person to the damaged notes exchange counters at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka,  No. 30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, between 9.30 hours and 12.30 hours, Monday through Friday, except on Bank holidays. Payment procedures for mutilated or damaged notes are specified in the Regulation “E” and redemption of value will be made in terms of the instructions contained in this Act.

How to exchange wilfully mutilated notes to new notes?

The general public can exchange wilfully mutilated notes by personally handing them to the damaged notes exchage counters at the Central Bank head office during the period specified above or by personally handing them to the nearest Regional Office of the Central Bank or mailing via Registered Post to the Central Bank head office with the duly completed application form available in this website. Payment procedures for wilfully mutilated notes are specified in the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Act No.16 of 2023 and redemption of value will be made in terms of the instructions contained in this Act.