First Anniversary of Independence | Stamps of Lanka

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, was ruled by the Portuguese (1505–1658), the Dutch (1658–1796), and the British (1796–1948) at different times in its history. After many years of struggle, Ceylon gained independence from the British in 1948. Every year on February 4, Sri Lanka celebrates its National Day, also known as Independence Day, to honour all who made various sacrifices to gain independence.

1st Anniversary of Independence (1st issue) 

On February 4, 1949, two new postage stamps in the denominations of five cents and four cents were issued to mark the country's first anniversary of independence from the British Empire.

Issue Date              04 | FEB | 1949

The Lion Flag. A lion holding a sword by its right paw is said to have been the banner of the last Ceylonese king.

  

Denomination LKR 0.04

Dimension        28.5mm x 23.5mm                 

Format              Horizontal                          SG Number      406

Perforations     12 1/2 x 12                            SC Number      300

Watermark      Multiple Script CA

The Hon. Mr D S Senananyake is the first Prime Minister of the Dominion of Ceylon. Ceylon gained its freedom through constitutional and peaceful means, especially thanks to Mr Senanayake.

Denomination LKR 0.05

Dimension        23.5mm x 28.5mm                 

Format              Vertical                               SG Number      407

Perforations     12 x 12 1/2                             SC Number      301

Watermark      Multiple Script CA

First Day Cover

70th Anniversary of Independence | Stamps of Lanka

70th Anniversary of Independence

On February 4, 2018, National Independence Day, the Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts issued a new postage stamp to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Sri Lanka's independence from the British Empire.

Issue Date              04 | Feb | 2018

Denomination       LKR 15.00

Dimension              40mm x 40mm

Perforation             13

Format                    Horizontal

SG Number            2495

CS Number            2130

The stamp depicts a sketch of the Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo, built in 1948 to commemorate the Independence from British rule. The building is considered a national monument in Sri Lanka. 

Asia-Pacific Postal Union Executive Council meeting - Sri Lanka 2014 | Stamps of Lanka

Asia-Pacific Postal Union Executive Council meeting - Sri Lanka 2014

In 2014 September, the Asian Pacific Postal Union (APPU) Executive Council Meeting (ECM) was held in Colombo at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel. To mark the event, the Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts of Sri Lanka issued four new postage stamps in denominations of Rs. 7.00, Rs. 10.00, Rs. 35.00 and Rs. 50.00, as well as a souvenir sheet.

Issue Date              15 | SEP | 2014
Dimension              41mm x 30mm
Format                    Horizontal
Perforations           13 1/2 x 14

Denomination       LKR 7.00
SG Number            2274
SC Number            1944

Denomination       LKR 10.00
SG Number            2275
SC Number            1945

Denomination       LKR 35.00
SG Number            2276
SC Number            1946

Denomination       LKR 50.00
SG Number            2277
SC Number            1947

Souvenir sheet

Archaeological Society of Sri Lanka Golden Jubilee | Stamps of Lanka

Archaeological Society of Sri Lanka – Golden Jubilee (1966 – 2016)

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts of Sri Lanka issued a new postage stamp to mark the 50th anniversary of the Archaeological Society of Sri Lanka, which was established in 1966.

Issue Date              08 | SEP | 2016

Denomination       LKR 15.00

Dimension              30mm x 41mm

Perforation             13 1/4 x 12 1/2

Format                    Vertical

SG Number            2385

CS Number            2036

The stamp depicts the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva statue discovered in 1968 from the premises of Siri Sangabo Vihara in Veragala. This solid cast gilt bronze statue is 49.8 cm in height.

For more information about the Archaeological Society of Sri Lanka