LKr

LKR is the ISO 4217 currency code for the Sri Lankan rupee, the official monetary unit of Sri Lanka. The rupee has been in circulation since 1973, when it replaced the Sri Lankan pound at a conversion rate of 2:1. The symbol for the currency varies; the internationally recognised code LKR is commonly seen on banknotes and financial documents, while the local symbol is Rs or රු. The rupiah is issued and regulated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, which maintains monetary policy, manages foreign reserves, and issues currency notes and coins.

Banknotes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2,000 rupees, each featuring national leaders, wildlife, and cultural motifs. Coins are available in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 rupee denominations, with designs that incorporate traditional and modern Sri Lankan imagery. The banknote design has undergone several revisions, often incorporating advanced security features such as watermarks, holograms and microprinting.

The Sri Lankan rupee is pegged to the foreign exchange market, and its value fluctuates against major currencies such as the US dollar, euro, and British pound. Historically the rupee has experienced periods of high inflation following a 1987 devaluation, but subsequent stabilization policies and a 2002 monetary reform have helped bring inflation down. As of 2025, the average exchange rate stands around 200 LKR to 1 US dollar, though rates vary daily.

The LKR code features in international trading, finance and tourism contexts, enabling online commerce and foreign investment. Regulated by the Central Bank, the currency supports both domestic consumption and external transactions, and its stability contributes to Sri Lanka’s economic strategy and development goals.