Christmas 2012

Stamp Bulletin No. 809 Commemorative Issue

December 02^nd, 2012

First Day Cover

Miniature Sheet

 

MNH * Date of Issue : 2nd December, 2012 * Denomination : Rs. 5.00, Rs. 25.00 * Stamp Designer : Rs. 5.00- Vojitha Heshan Herath                                   Rs. 25.00- K.G. Morini Anjela Thalis * Stamp Size : 41mm * 30mm * Format : Horizontal * Printing Process : Offset Lithography * Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet * Perforation : 13 3/4 * 14* Color : 4 Process Colors * Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper * Gum : PVA * Quantity Printed : Rs. 5.00 - 1,000,000                                     Rs. 25.00 - 1,000,000 * Souvenir Sheet Designer : Isuru Chaturanga * Quantity Printed : 10,000 * FDC Designer : Isuru Chaturanga * Last Date of Sale : 1st December, 2013 “Bring the purpose of the birth of Jesus Christ to our Families” is the theme of Christmas. Jesus Christ, the son of the Almighty God was born to Mary who engaged with a carpenter called Joseph was born in a poor cattle mart. As the son of the God, Jesus Christ was able to live a luxuries life but to fulfill his desire of salvation people from the sin, he lived insignificant life with Mary and Joseph. At this Christmas, we should set an example to others by living insignificant lives by facing all troubles with confidence through combining the birth and lifestyle of Jesus with ours.

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Sri Lanka Insurance

Stamp Bulletin No. 808 Commemorative Issue

Sri Lanka Insurance

First Day Cover

MNH Block of 4

* Date of Issue : 31st October, 2012 * Denomination : Rs. 5.00 * Stamp Designer : Isuru Chathuranga * Stamp Size : 41mm * 30mm * Format : Horizontal * Printing Process : Offset Lithography * Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet* Perforation : 13 3/4 * 14 * Printers : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka * Color : 4 Process Colors * Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper * Gum : PVA * Quantity Printed : 600,000 * Last Date of Sale : 30th October, 2013 As the largest and strongest State owned insurer in the country, Sri Lanka Insurance has been pioneering the insurance industry for five decades serving the people of this nation with commitment, dedication and trust. We pledge to continue our steadfast commitment to take the nation to the pinnacle of prosperity in the next era. Sri Lanka Insurance is Sri Lanka’s largest and strongest state owned entity: • With an unparalleled Asset Base of over Rs. 107 billion • Largest Insurance Life Fund of Rs. 57 billion • Strong Capitalization of Rs. 6 billion • First and only insurance company in the country to be awarded ISO 9001 -2008 certification for quality management, AAA rating from RAM ratings for claim paying ability and AA (1ka) from Fitch Ratings. • Most experienced technical knowledge base backed by strong re-insurance arrangements. Diversified investments in Banking and Finance, Health Care, Power and Energy, Travel and Leisure and Construction and Engineering.

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World Health Organization(WHO)

Stamp Bulletin No. 807 Commemorative Issue

First Day Cover

MNH Block of 4

* Date of Issue : 16th October, 2012 * Denomination : Rs. 12.00 * Stamp Designer : Ruwan Upasena * Stamp Size : 30mm * 41mm * Format : Horizontal * Printing Process : Offset Lithography * Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet* Perforation : 13 3/4 * 14 * Printers : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka * Color : 4 Process Colors * Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper * Gum : PVA * Quantity Printed : 1,000,000 * Last Date of Sale : 15th October, 2013 On 16th October, 2012 to The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. It was established on 07th April 1948, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Since its creation, WHP has been responsible for playing a leading role in the eradication of smallpox. Its current priorities include communicable diseases, in particular, HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis. Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon became party to the WHO on 28th June 1948. As of 2012, the WHO has 194 member states. The WHO’s constitution states that its objective “is the attainment by all people of the highest possible level of health”. The World Health Organization, being a specialized technical agency of the United Nations, is mandated to provide Sri Lanka with technical and financial support in the sphere of health. WHO began working with the Government of Sri Lanka since 1952, the year when the first WHO office was opened at the Galle Face Hotel. The first WHO Area Representative to Ceylon was Dr. R. L. Tuli (1952 – 1956).

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Flowers of Sri Lanka

Stamp Bulletin No. 806 Commemorative Issue

Flowers of Sri Lanka

Miniature Sheet

First Day Cover

Sheetlet

Booklets

MNH block of 4s

Date of Issue : 7th October, 2012 Denomination : Rs. 5.00 * 4 Stamp Designer : Vasantha Perera Stamp Size : 41mm * 30mm Format : Horizontal Printing Process : Offset Lithography Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet Perforation : 13 3/4 * 14 Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka Colors : 4 Process Colors Paper : 102 gsm security printing paper Gum :PVA Quantity Printed : 2,000,000 * 4 Value of Suvernir Sheet : Rs. 20.00 Designer of Suvenir Sheet : Isuru Chathuranga Quantity Printed : 10,000 Value of Sheetlet : Rs. 100.00 Quantity Printed : 25,000

Shoe flower (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Commonly known as the shoe flower, is widely frown as an ornamental plant throughout the tropic and sub tropics, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (shore flower) is an non endemic species to Sri Lanka the flowers are large and generally red in color in the original varieties, and firm but generally lack and any scent, however numerous verities and hybrids are known with to have many colors ranging from white, yellow, orange, scarlet and shades of pink with both single and double sets of petals.

Frangipani (plumeria rubra)
Commonly known as Araliya Plumeria rubra, (frangipani or Araliya) is native to Central America, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America and as far as south Brazil. Plumeria flowers are most fragrant at night order to lure sphinx moth to pollinate them, the moths inadvertently pollinate them by transferring pollen from flower to flower in fruitless search for nectar.

Binara (Exacum trinervium)
Binara (Exacum trinervium) is a slender herbaceous plant endemic to Sri Lanka. This plant grows to about 1m at an altitude up to 2000m. genus exccum (binara) has five species and it has four sided stem, and the colors vary from white to dark blue or purple. Flowers of binara (exacum) are often offered for worship in Buddhist temples and are also used in traditional medicine.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is a species of annual flowering plant native to the Americas. The common name “Sunflower” applies both to the annual species and the genus Helianthus to which it belongs. It possesses a large inflorescence (flowering head). The sunflower is named after its huge, fiery blooms, whose shape and image is often used to depict the sun. It has a rough, hairy stem, broad, coarsely toothed, rough leaves and circular heads of flowers. The heads consists of may individual flowers which mature into seeds, often in the hundreds, on a receptacle base. From the Americas, sunflower seeds were brought to Europe in the 16th century, where along with sunflower oil, they became a widespread cooking ingredient. Leaves of the sunflower can be used as cattle feed, while the stems contain a fiber which may be used in paper production.

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World Post Day 2012

Stamp Bulletin No. 805 Commemorative Issue

World Post Day 2012

First Day Cover

MNH 4 Stamps

Promotional Pricing - Sri Lanka Latest Stamps

World Children's Day 2012

Stamp Bulletin No. 804 Commemorative Issue

October 1^st, 2012

First Day Cover

MNH 4 Stamps

* Date of Issue : 01^st October, 2012
* Denomination : Rs. 5.00
* Stamp Designer : Isuru Chaturanga
* Stamp Size : 40mm * 40mm
* Format : Square
* Printing Process : Offset Lithography
* Sheet Composition : 80 stamps per sheet* Perforation : 13 1/4 * 13 1/4
* Printers : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
* Color : 4 Process Colors
* Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
* Gum : PVA
* Quantity Printed : 1,000,000
* Last Date of Sale : 30^th September, 2013 

United Nations Organization declared November 20th as the World Children’s Day in order to create a better world for the children in the countries the world over, in which they could live a happy life. The countries in the world got the opportunity of naming a day of their choice as the World Children’s Day and accordingly Sri Lanka has declared the first of October as the World Children’s Day. This day is observed paying special attention to the children of all races that live in Sri Lanka.

The Ministry of Child Development and Women’s Affairs has made all arrangements to celebrate the World Children’s Day of this year in a grand way under the theme, “Children’s World is only for Children”. Steps have already been taken to conduct various programs under this theme at Divisional Secretariat Division levels. If the “future” were a painting the colors used to paint it would be the present generation of children. If the world is to enjoy the beauty of it, they should be protected by elders. This day reminds elders that it is their absolute duty to make room for the generation of children who were born in this motherland, which is filled with immense beauty and glory, to enjoy the comfort of it and become a lamp which lights the whole world in the future. It will pave way to bequeath the children the beautiful happy world which they are entitled to and create a generation of children who love the world.

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Colonial Buildings of Sri Lanka

Stamp Bulletin No. 803 Commemorative Issue

Colonial Buildings of Sri Lanka

First Day Cover

Miniature Sheet 1

Miniature Sheet 2

MNH 4 Stamps

58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

Stamp Bulletin No. 802 Commemorative Issue

58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

First Day Cover

Block of 4

• Date of Issue : 11th October, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Ruwan Upasena
• Stamp Size : 41mm * 30mm
• Format : Horizontal
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 13 1/2 * 14
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Colors : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security printing paper
• Gum :PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000

Sri Lanka has been a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) since gaining independence in 1948. Since then the membership of the CPA has provided many Parliamentarians and members of the Parliamentary Staff of Sri Lanka invaluable opportunities for capacity building and skills development, while also enhancing their knowledge of parliamentary practice, procedure and administration.
In fact, the platform provided by the CPA for advocates of democracy all over the world to meet and exchange views and knowledge about Parliamentary Democracy and to form a network of contacts under the aegis of the Association has been instrumental in consolidating our own parliamentary activities from that time to date. As an active member of the CPA, the Sri Lanka Branch has contributed towards its worthy endeavor of promoting the advancement of Parliamentary Democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance, by hosting several major CPA events such as the Annual CPA Conference in 1974 and 1995 as well as several other Conferences and Workshops during the course of the years.
Branches of the CPA are currently grouped into nine geographical regions, namely Africa, Asia, Australia, British Islands and Mediterranean, Canada, Caribbean Americas and Atlantic, India, Pacific and South East Asia. The Asia region of the CPA consists of Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, while Pakistan also has 4 Provincial Assemblies which form four branches belonging to the CPA Asia region. Currently, Sri Lanka has been entrusted with the operating of the Regional Secretariat for the Asia Region and had the honor of hosting the 3rd CPA Asia Regional Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 10th -16th February 2011.
58th CPA Annual Conference – 2012
The CPA Sri Lanka Branch is pleased to have undertaken to host the 58th CPA Annual Conference from 7th to 15th September 2012. This event, which is the apex of all CPA activities held each year, will bring together approximately 800 Parliamentarians and Parliamentary staff from 175 CPA Branches to discuss and resolve matters pertaining to the strengthening of Parliamentary democracy throughout the Commonwealth. This will be the third time that Sri Lanka hosts the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference since 1948. The highlights of the conference will include the Meeting of the General Assembly of the CPA, the Executive Committee Meeting, the Meeting of the CPA working party, the conference of Small Branches, the meeting of the Steering Committee of the Common wealth women parliamentarians (CWP) and society of clerks-at-the-Table (SOCATT) meetings.

XXX Olympics Games London 2012

Stamp Bulletin No. 801 Commemorative Issue

July 23^rd, 2012

First Day Cover

Miniature Sheet

MNH

Presentation Pack

• Date of Issue : 23rd July, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00, Rs. 15.00, Rs. 25.00, Rs. 75.00
• Stamp Designer : Pulasthi Ediriweera
• Stamp Size : 30mm * 41mm
• Format : Vertical
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 14 * 13 3/4
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Colors : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security printing paper
• Gum :PVA
• Quantity Printed : Rs. 5.00 * 500,000, Rs. 15.00 * 500,000, Rs. 25.00 * 500,000, Rs. 75.00 * 500,000

Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts issued four new postage stamps in the denominations of Rs. 5.00, Rs. 15.00, Rs. 25.00, Rs. 75.00 on 23th July, 2012 to commemorate the XXX Olympic Games, London 2012.

The 30th celebration of the Olympic Games is scheduled to be held in London from 27th July to 12th August 2012. Following tradition Sri Lanka will participate in these Games with a contingent of 12 persons (2 Track and Field Athletes, 2 Badminton Players, 2 Swimmers, 1 Shooter and 5 Officials).

The Modern Olympic Games held every four years, are the world’s greatest festival of sporting competition. First held in 1896 they were inspired by ancient Greek Olympics which lasted for thousand years. Thousands of Athletes representing most countries in the world assemble in a selected city to compete in more than 20 different sports. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a French nobleman in credited with the revival of these Games. In 1894 he founded the international Olympic Committee which has now become the governing body of the “Olympic Movement” a broad based social movement which through the activity of sports would enhance human development and make the world a better place.

Sri Lanka became a member of this movement in 1937 and the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka will be celebrating its Diamond Jubilee later this year.

Sri Lanka’s participation in the Olympic Games commenced with the 1948 Olympic Games held in London. It was a dream debut at the Olympic Games for Sri Lanka as Duncan white won a Silver medal in the 400m. Hurdles event. Our perseverance in participation in all the games since 1948, excepting in the 1976 games in Montreal paid dividends when Susanthika Jayasinghe won a Silver medal in the 200m event for women.

The Olympic Games are held in London for the 3rd time in 2012. Earlier they were held in 1908 & 1948. The games this year promises to be the best ever games held so far. Much planning and effort has gone in to the building of new facilities for sports and accommodation for the athletes. There will be competitions in 26 sports and more than 10,000 athletes form 204 countries will be participating.

Department of Agriculture

Stamp Bulletin No. 800 Commemorative Issue

First Day Cover

Block of 4

* Date of Issue : 22^nd July, 2012
* Denomination : Rs. 5.00
* Stamp Designer : Ruwan Upasena
* Stamp Size : 60mm * 30mm
* Format : Horizontal
* Printing Process : Offset Lithography
* Sheet Composition : 50 stamps per sheet
* Perforation : 12 * 13 1/4
* Printers : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
* Color : 4 Process Colors
* Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
* Gum : PVA
* Quantity Printed : 500,000
* Last Date of Sale : 21^st July, 2013

In ancient Sri Lanka; we had highly technical and well developed irrigation system that could irrigate each and every inch of cultivable land in the island. During that period Sri Lanka was identified as the granary of East. Even though it was so, at that time, the foreign invades from time to time being adversely affected and obstructed, had given rise for the degradation of self-sufficient agricultural life-style. During the period of Portuguese and Dutch, i.e.1505-1658 era, the cumulative development in Agriculture was in negligible situation. According to the history, during the period of 1796-1948 in British Colonization era, considerable attention was drawn to uplift the agricultural lifestyle, it was for the plantation sector rather that subsistence agriculture. At the beginning, Royal Botanical Garden had co-ordinate all these agricultural activities, while these responsibilities were later assigned to the Government Agents.

According to the recommendations made by the commission appointed by the Government at that time, Sir. Mc Milan in 1889, Department of Agriculture was established in 1912 with the objective of research and development of the agriculture and to provide necessary information and consultations. When reminding hundred years path, since its’ inception, the contribution made by the Department for the successive, development in agriculture, subjecting to various changes, was immeasurable. Commencement of Agricultural School registering 72 students on 15.01.1916 was huge step taken by the Department for the agricultural development. Hon. D S Senanayake had also been one of the students of this school.

Subsequent to establishment of main administrative building at Peradeniya in 1926, various other sub divisions were set up in support of these activities. Extension and Training Centre, Seed and Planting material Centre, rice Research, Seed and Plant Protection, Horticultural Research and Development, Progress Monitoring unit, Agro engineering, Socio Economic, Information Technology, Legume and oil crops centre, Fruit Crops Development, Administrative and Finance Division are some of the institution that support the Department in performing Agricultural activities. With the dawn of second century, Department of Agriculture has turned its’ path with dignity towards achieving Excellency in agriculture, sustainable economic resurgence and domestic food security in view of the prosperity of the nation. The Commemorative stamp issued to mark centenary of the Department of Agriculture depicted the gateway of the Bata-Atha Agro-Techno Park constructed structuring had in had posture symbolizing national co-operative approach and the altruism of the farmer community. It is the world first Agrarian monument and the handwork is indigenous to Sri Lanka. 

National Archaeology Week

Stamp Bulletin No. 799 Commemorative Issue

National Archaeology Week

First Day Cover

Block of 4

100 Years of The Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind - Ratmalana

Stamp Bulletin No. 798 Commemorative Issue

100 Years of The Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind - Ratmalana

First Day Cover

Block of 4

•  The phrase "I Love You" printed on the stamps in the Braille system.
• Date of Issue : 17th June, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• FDC Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• Stamp Size : 82mm * 30mm
• Format : Horizontal
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 50 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 12 3/4 * 13 1/2
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Colors : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security printing paper
• Gum :PVA
• Quantity Printed : 300,000

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts issued a new commemorative stamp in the denomination of Rs. 5.00 on June 17th, 2012 to commemorate the Centenary of  the Ceylon School for the Deaf and Blind.

The school was founded by Miss Mary Chapman, of the Church of England Zennana Missionary Society. She visited Sri Lanka (Ceylon) in 1910 and realized that there were no educational opportunities for the deaf in this country. With the assistance of other prominent members of the community she set up an Appeal Fund Committee, with the Bishop of Colombo as the Chairman to raise funds to establish a school for both the deaf and blind, and raised Rs. 49,600 to set up the school. Miss Mary Chapman began her work in 1912 with four students in a rented bungalow in Dehiwela.

The Hon. Mr. A. R. de Soysa, Member of the Legislative Council donated the land at Ratmalana, and the school was built on this land, and completed in 1914, The adjacent property, approximately 4 acres in extent, was also donated to the Church of England by Mr. Abdul Gafoor in order to expand the work of the school.

It was after the 2nd World War in 1946 that the school was separated and two schools established, the School for the Deaf and the School for the Blind, under two principals.

Today, the Board of Trustees run three residential schools, two at Ratmalana, and the third, the Nuffield School for the Deaf and Blind at Kaithady, Jaffna, (established in 1956). All three schools care for just a little over six hundred sight and hearing impaired children, providing them education, vocational training, food, lodging, health care, and recreational facilities.

Asgiri Maha Viharaya 700th Anniversary

Stamp Bulletin No. 797 Commemorative Issue

Asgiri Maha Viharaya 700th Anniversary

First Day Cover

Block of 4

• Date of Issue : 12th June, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Ruwan Upasena
• FDC Designer : Ruwan Upasena
• Stamp Size : 41mm * 30mm
• Format : Horizontal
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 13 3/4 * 14
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Colors : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
• Gum :PVA
• Quantity Printed : 300,000

Asgiri means the bear rock. The establishment of the Asgiri Viharaya dates back to 1312 A.D. when it was made the adobe of the monks who had achieved higher elevations through meditation. Six such monks were sent in great procession on the day prior to the Vesak Full Moon Poya day of 1312, made to spent the night at the Ethkanda Raja Maha Viharaya to reach the Kandy Trinity College premises in the afternoon of the
Vesak Full Moon Poya day to commence the Asgiri Raja Maha Viharaya. The founding chief incumbent of the Asgiri Viharaya, Dambadeniye Wanarathana Thero, is reported to be the 142nd leader of the the generation led by Arahath Upali, who lived during the time of the Lord Buddha.

As far as the location of the Asgiri Viharaya is concerned, the Gedige Viharaya, Vijaya Sundararamaya and the temple complex which houses the Chapter house of today can be listed in accordance of priority.

Asgiri Raja Maha Viharaya is the oldest centre of the Siyam Chapter (Nikaya) which is considered to be the oldest chapter of the Buddha Sasana for quite a long time. Asgiri Raja Maha Vihara has had two sectors known as Central temple sector and Lower temple sector. While the Indawalugoda generation of Sangha belongs to the Central temple sector Urulewatta and Pothuhera generations of Sangha belong to the Lower temple sector.

The chief incumbent of the Asgiri Maha Viharaya is the custodian of the golden key of the last casket out of a number of golden caskets which house the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha, in the temple of the tooth relic.

Asgiri Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya
The historic Gedige Raja Maha Viharaya was erected by the great king Wickramabahu the third, who reigned the Gampola Kingdom to perpetuate the memory of his mother princess Chandrawathie. The Bodhi of this temple was planted at the place of her burial. This temple is the oldest mother temple in Kandy today.

This is where the tooth relic was first placed upon being taken to Kandy. It was only later that the tooth relic was taken to the temple of the tooth. Even today, on the last day of the Kandy Perahera the casket is taken to this temple and kept there to be taken to the temple of the tooth relic on the following day in procession. The rituals performed at the temple of the tooth relic are performed in this temple as well. The Gedige Viharaya is also known as the “Dalada Gaman Maligawa” because of the above significance.

The Upali Thera who came from Thailand to establish Thai higher ordination in 1753 had performed higher ordination in this Gedige Viharaya. The limits of the chapter house of that higher ordination is seen even today. A monument in memory of Upali Thero has been erected in this temple.

Kusuma Gunawardena Birth Centenary

Stamp Bulletin No. 796 Commemorative Issue

Kusuma Gunawardena Birth Centenary

First Day Cover

Block of 4

• Date of Issue : 28th May, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• FDC Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• Stamp Size : 30mm * 41mm
• Format : Vertical
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 14 * 13 3/4
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Colors : 4 Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
• Gum :PVA

Kusumsiri Amarasinha who was fondly called Kusuma, was born on 26th May 1912 in Medaketiya, Tangalla. She was the youngest in the family of 6 boys and 2 girls. Her father Don Davith Amarasinha was a person of standing and a devout Buddhist Worker and philanthropist and a member of the Buddhist Theosophical Society, who was engaged in social work in the area. The mother was Sopinona Amarasnha who hailed from Kachchciyawatte, Galle. Kusuma received her education at Sri Rahula Vidyalaya Tangalle, St. Mary’s Convent at Matara and later at Museus College, Colombo. Having joined the SooriyamalMovement in the mid 1930’s Kusuma engaged herself as an activist of the left movement.

She married Philip Gunawardena, the son of Boralugoda Ralahamy in 1939 who by then had founded the Socialist Movement in Sri Lanka and was by then the Member of the State Assembly for Awissawella. With her marriage, she became more closely engaged with the anti colonial struggles waged by the left movement in Sri Lanka. When in 1940 Mr. Philip Gunawardena and leftist leaders, were illegally apprehended by the British rulers and jailed, Kusuma fought relentlessly for their release. She played a key role by surreptitiously securing the imprint of the prison keys for their famous “Jail Break “ on 07th April 1942. With Philip and other leaders having escaped to India and joined the political underground there to continue struggle against the British Occupation, Kusuma joined her husband there by traveling incognito, dresses as a school girl.

The contributions made to society by her 5 children speaks for Kusuma’s loving care and devotion in bringing them up and shaping their values. They all have had a sound education. Her only daughter is a sensitive writer who has amongst others bestowed to society separate volumes of well researched biographies of her illustrious parents, her four sons have with trust and confidence bestowed upon them by the people served in political office three in Ministerial Office and the other at the Mayoralty of Colombo.

Mrs. Kusuma Gunawardena is quoted is quoted as having said on many an occasions that she is immensely overjoyed and lucky to have lived long enough to see her son Dinesh elected as the Member of Parliament for Maharagama in 1983. Kusuma with Philip Gunawardena is outstanding in that, they were selfless. She passed away peacefully on May Day 1985.

St. Philip Neri's Church, Udammita South, Ja-Ela

Stamp Bulletin No. 795 Commemorative Issue

St. Philip Neri's Church, Udammita South, Ja-Ela

First Day Cover

Block of 4

• Date of Issue : 26th May, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Mewan Fonseka
• FDC Designer : Mewan Fonseka
• Stamp Size : 30mm * 41mm
• Format : Vertical
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 14 * 13 3/4
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Colors : 4 Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
• Gum :PVA
• Quantity Printed : 300,000

This Church which is over 250 years old is located in the midst of a Buddhist surrounding about one kilometer towards the East of the Dandugam Oya in the Dehiyagatha Parish which a under the purview of the Colombo Diocese.

This church was first built in 1762 by a foreign priest by the name of Nicholas Rodrigo of Orithorian Seat as guided in a dream. It was a small hut of Wattle and daub and thatched with cadjans. Later in 1826 a person known as Jawasiya with the help of the other villager built the church in bricks, guided by Priest Julien Fernando.

In 1826 Ref. Priest Roland Fernando replaced the cadjan roof with tiles along with the creation of a façade. On the top of the roof is a statue of St. Philipanary which weighs nearly 5 hundred weights.

It was built  by a villager known as Benadikku.

The services rendered by Rev. Priests 2. Dabarera, E. Poron Lawrance Perera, DominiqueZuza, Ernest Poruthota, Stantly Wedasinghe respectively from 1944 are highly commendable.

Rev. Edwin Perera who felt that the decaying church needed quick face-lift did the ground work to effect repairs which was commenced with Right Ref. Bishop Nicholos Marcus laying the foundation stone on 3rd June 1978. However, the repair work came to a standstill within a year. All efforts taken by Ref. Priest Godfrey to resume repair work did not see any result.

Rev. Priest John Nanayakkara who succeeded Rev. Godfrey completed the repair works and invited Right Rev. Bishop Nicholas Marcus to involve his blessings on the newly completed church.

The Priests who succeeded Rev. John Nanayakkara Namely Rev. Ruban Lesley, Rev. Merl Shantha, Rev. Basil Wickramasinghe and Rev. Merl Shantha, Rev. Basil Wickramasinghe and Rev.Darshanan Jayamanna did a Yoeman service.

Rev. Terrance Bodia Baduge who understood that the Church was not spacious enough took steps to enlarge it in 2009. Now the church is spacious and georgeous. 2012 has been declared the 225th Anniversary year.

Venerable Aggamahapanditha, Pro. Walpola Sri Rahula Thero

Stamp Bulletin No. 794 Commemorative Issue

Venerable Aggamahapanditha, Pro. Walpola Sri Rahula Thero

MNH block of 4

First Day Cover

• Date of Issue : 15th May, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer :Pulasthi Edriweera
• FDC Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• Stamp Size : 30mm * 41mm
• Format : Vertical
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 14 * 13 3/4
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Colors : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
• Gum :PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000

65 Years of Sinhala Cinema

Stamp Bulletin No. 783 Commemorative Issue

Legends of 65 Years of Sinhala Cinema 

 Miniature Sheet with Perforation Holes

 

 

Miniature Sheet without Perforation Holes

2 First Day Covers

6 Stamps

Sheetlet

• Date of Issue : 21st January, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00*3, Rs. 10.00, Rs. 15.00 & Rs. 20.00
• Designer : Pulasthi Ediriweera, Indranatha Thenuara
• Stamp Size : 30mm * 41mm
• Format : Vertical
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 13 1/24*14
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Color : 3 Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
• Gum : PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000
• Sheetlets :100,000
• Souvenirs : 5,000
• (Perforate) : 5,000
• (Imperforate) : 5,000

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts issued new Six postage stamp in the denomination of Rs. 5.00x3,  10.00, 15.00 n ad 20.00 on January 21st , 2012 to commemorate the legends of Sixty Five Years of Sinhala Cinema.

Eddie Jayemanna
Don victor Edward Wanni Arachchi Yayemanna, the youngest member of a family of seven was born in Periyamulla in Negombo on the 15th February 1915. He had his basic education at Kurusmed Vidyalaya and later studied in St. Peters college and Maristella College in Negombo. All members of the Yayemanna family had a knack for dancing B.A.W. Yayemanna, the eldest member of the family, made a revolution on the stage and later in the Silver Screen.

Gamini Fonseka
Sembune Gamini Fonseka, the greatest actor and the super star in the Silver screen was born in Dehiwala in 1936. Gamini who received his education at Presbyterian Girl’s Schoold and St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia entered the world of cinema through a drama (Mayuri) while still in school.

Joe Abeywickrama
Gamman Patabendige Don Joe Abeywickrama, the most excellent actor of the Sinhala Silver Screen was born in Lellopitiya in Ratnapura in 1927. He received his education at Dippitigala mixed school and Seevali Vidyalaya, Ratnapura. Joe once worked in the Nawajeewana Studio that belonged to Sirisena Wimalaweera  .

Titus Thotawatta
Don Mannel Titus de Silva Thotawatta, a renowned film director, editor, painter, script writer and a prolific journalist was born in Borella on 29th April 1929. He studied in the Ananda college, Colombo and passed the G.C.E.(Advanced Level) examination first in the Arts stream and then in Science. He pioneered to form the Arts society of Ananda College. Titus studied music under Shesha Palihakkara. He once won the highest price awarded to the best painter at Ananda College.

Malani Fonseka
Malani Fonseka who was crowned the Queen of the Sinhala Silver Screen was born in 1947 in Kelaniya. She played a role in the stage drama ‘Noratha rather’ while he was still a student in Gurukula Vidyalaya, Kelaniya. Later she played roles in ‘Amal Biso’, ‘Iva Bava Nethi Lova’, Guththila’, ‘Erabadu Mal Pttu pipila’, ‘Heru Awarata Giyane’ and ‘Akal Wessa’,. She was awarded the best actress award in 1965 for acting in Akal Wessa. Having entered the Silver Screen through ‘Punchi Baba’ she reached the pinnacle of popularity in the latter part of the 1960s. She won the hearts of film lovers through her performance in films such as ‘Den Mathakadad’ ‘Hatara Denama Soorayo’, ‘Edath Sooraya Adath Sooraya ‘, ‘Thushara’, ‘AvaSoya adare’, ‘Sangeetha’, and ‘Mihidum Sihin’.

Sandya Kumari
Sandya Kumari who made the role of Rosaline, a harsh character that always Quarrel with men and repulsed men in the fil.m ‘Dheewarayo’ in the 1960s, immortal was born in Kotahena in Colombo in 1945. Film director Sirisena Wimalaweera had met Yayasooriya Arachchige Mary Yvonne Perera studying at Holy Family Convent in Kotahena in an evening. It was because she was met in an evening that she was named ‘Sandya Kumari by Sirisena Wimalaweera. (Sandya means evening in Sinhala).