Economic History Museum of Sri Lanka

Description

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Colombo, I discovered a surprisingly enriching experience at the Economic History Museum of Sri Lanka (EHM). Operated by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, this museum isn’t just for economists or history buffs—it’s for anyone curious about how far we’ve come as a nation.

More Details about this Attraction

Walking into the museum, I was instantly captivated by the Currency Museum, which is the highlight of the EHM. It was like flipping through the pages of time—from the ancient Anuradhapura coins that date back to the 3rd Century BC, to the beautifully preserved currency used during the Polonnaruwa, Kotte, and Kandyan Kingdoms, right up to the familiar notes and coins we use today.

One section I found particularly fascinating was the colonial-era collection, especially the British period, with its impressively detailed coins and paper money. It was humbling to see how global events shaped our economic systems and currency designs. There's even a section where you can explore how currency is printed and coins are minted—complete with machines and demonstrations provided by the official mints.

One thing I appreciated as a visitor was the interactive exhibits. There are tools that teach you how to detect security features in currency notes, which I found both fun and surprisingly educational. Short videos and visuals are placed throughout the museum, making it super easy to digest even for school children (yes, tours for students are free!).

There’s also a publication and currency sales counter where you can grab Central Bank publications or even commemorative coins—a unique souvenir idea I wasn’t expecting.

The museum is located at Central Point Building, No. 54 Chatham Street, Colombo 01, right beside the iconic Clock Tower in Fort. This building itself is a piece of living history—it opened in 1914 and was once the tallest in Colombo! Originally the office of the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia Limited, it’s an architectural gem that blends colonial elegance with its new role as a guardian of our economic legacy.