Central Bank Issues Guidelines on Handling Flood-Damaged Banknotes

 The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has issued a special set of instructions on how to handle banknotes that have become wet or damaged due to flood disasters caused by the prevailing adverse weather conditions. The Central Bank urges the public to follow these procedures to prevent further damage to these banknotes and to handle them properly.

Banknotes that have become wet due to water absorption should be handled with extreme care and gentleness. If the banknotes are in bundles, avoid forcibly pulling them apart all at once. Instead, unbundle the wet banknotes, wrap them in an absorbent material to soak up moisture, and allow them to dry slowly at room temperature.

If it is difficult to separate the banknotes from each other, the bundle of currency can be immersed in clean cold or lukewarm water. Then, gently shake the bundle by holding one end at a time until the notes loosen, attempting to separate them.

The Central Bank emphasizes that the use of hot water, laundry detergents, or other chemical substances should be completely avoided. When drying banknotes, each note should be laid flat on a clean and dry surface, which should not be colored or printed. Soft cloths, paper, or towels can be used for this purpose, and it is best to allow them to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.

To quickly dry banknotes, irons, ovens, or any other high heat sources should not be used.

After the banknotes have been completely dried as instructed, if they are still in a condition unsuitable for transactions, the public has the option to present them to any commercial bank for exchange.