Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS)

Stamp Bulletin No. 784 Commemorative Issue

25 Years of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Sri Lanka Branch

Block of 4

First Day Cover

• Date of Issue : 9th February, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Ruwan Upasena
• FDC Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• Stamp Size : 82mm * 30mm
• Format : Horizontal
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 50 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 14 * 13 1/4
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Color : 2 Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
• Gum : PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts issued a new postage stamp in the denomination of Rs. 5.00 on February 09th, 2012 to commemorate of 25 years of Institute of chartered Ship Brokers Sri Lanka Branch.
Being  an island nation, SRI LANKA was heavily depend on her Shipping Industry for promotion of the export/import trade with her overseas trading partners and for the development of her economy. No wonder therefore, the local shipping industry was buzzing with activity day in/ day out. Up to about the early nineteen eighties professionals in shipping were rarely found in the island.  It was around this time and sensing the Lacuna, the management of the Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC) - the National Carrier - formulated a policy decision which made it mandatory for its staff (clerical and middle management level) to qualify the examinations conducted by the “Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) - UK” to be eligible for promotion in the hierarchy of the organization. In order to facilitate this process and also assist the aspirants who desired to qualify; the management of CSC provided a well-equipped library including study material required for these examinations.
Having followed a traditionally set process of shipping practices that existed in the local industry which had evolved over the decades; this move by the CSC was to revolutionize the approach to many issues that emanated in the industry, come future. And it did as it subsequently turned out to be.

Centenary of Sri Lanka Scouting

Stamp Bulletin No. 785 Commemorative Issue

Centenary of Sri Lanka Scouting

Miniature Sheet

First Day Cover

Block of 4

• Date of Issue : 22nd February, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Mevan Fonseka
• FDC Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• 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
• Colors : 4 Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
• Gum :PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000 sheets
• Souvenirs Sheets (Inperforate) : 10,000
• Value of Souvenir Sheet : Rs.20.00

Philatelic Bureau of the Department of the Post issued a stamp in the denomination of Rs. 5.00 on the February 22nd, 2012 to commemorate of Centenary of Sri Lanka Scouting.
Scouting was founded by Lord Baden Powell of Gilwell (B.P.) in 1907 when he wrote the book "Scouting for Boys". The movement has found a home in 216 countries.
The Sri Lanka Scout Association (SLSA), the National Scouting organization of Sri Lanka, was founded in 1912. Scouting was introduce to Sri Lanka by Mr. Francis George Stevens at Christ Church Collage, Matale. In first Kandy Dharmaraja Scout Group, at Dharmaraja Collage was established in 1913 and this was closely followed by the Colombo Scout Group, established in 1914 by Mr. F. J. Stevens himself. In 1953 SLSA became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Ever since then, the scout movement in Sri Lanka extended out in to every nook and corner of the country. It has become one of the most prestigious youth movement with a membership of more than 46,000 members. Over the last century-many a noteworthy citizen of this country has been part of this movement.
This year Sri Lanka Scout Association celebrates one hundred years and a stamp is being issued to commemorate this event. This is an occasion where the celebrations would include the hosting of the 29th Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka and overseas. It is scheduled to be held in Kandalama Dambulla in the Matale District from 1st to 6th April 2012 where scouting in Sri Lanka was founded.

Guardstone - Rathanaprasadaya

Stamp Bulletin No. 786 Commemorative Issue

Guardstone - Rathanaprasadaya

 MNH Stamps

 MNH Stamps

First Day Cover

• Date of Issue : 10th March, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 50.00, Rs. 100.00
• Stamp Designer : Piyarathne Hewabatage
• Stamp Size : 20mm * 25mm
• Format : Vertical
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 13 1/2 *12
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing Sri Lanka
• Color : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm snow white Stamps Paper with Security fibers
• Gum : PVA
• Quantity Printed : Rs.50.00 - 1,000,000 & Rs.100.00 - 1,000,000

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of the Post issued new Definitive postage stamp in the denominations of Rs. 50.00 and  Rs. 100.00 depicting Rathanaprasadaya - Gaurdstone on the 10th March 2012.
Guardstone secures a significant place among the various features of the fleet of stairs found in front of historical buildings. Experts are of the opinion that the ancient stake fixed to prevent the slabs of stone slipping forward has developed into the Guardstone.
The Guardstone which primarily come into being as a plain slab of stone developed to be the Guardstone to be seen today with carvings of pot of water, conch shell, lotus and the cobra. Of all known Guardstones the most magnificent Guardstone replete with attractive carving is the one found at the fleet of stairs of the chapter house of the Rathanaprasada in the Abhayagiri monastery complex in Anuradhapura. This is considered to be the peak of the evolution of the  Guardstone. It is 4' 6'' tall and 2' 9''wide. The circular arch over the painting of King Cobra in decorated with carvings. On the top of the circle is a door with two end of mouth of a dragon on either side. the king cobra painting with the shape of a human is done in a vivid manner.  All the ornaments are adorned with sublet carvings. The king cobra holds a Pot of Water in one hand and the branch of floral mofiff in the other. the fully blown hood of the Cobra is depicted at the back  of the head of the King Cobra in semi circular manner. The picture of cobra represents the protector of resources and protector of Water. at the bottom of the Guardstone is the picture of a Monkey. On the other pillar that is on the other side of the Guardstone is the picture of an Elephant.

Ceylon Petroleum Corporation

Stamp Bulletin No. 791 Commemorative Issue

50th Anniversary of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation

Block of 4

First Day Cover

• Date of Issue : 30th April, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• FDC 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
• Colors : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
• Gum :PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts issued a new postage stamp with a value of Rs. 5.00 on 30th April 2012 to mark the 50th anniversary of The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. 

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation which was established in 1962 has remained in the public domain as a premier state venture for 50 long years rendering an invaluable service for the people of Sri Lanka. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is in the forefront of state ventures which strive with a great sense of commitment to make the lives of Sri Lankans more secure with its vision "To make the customer the central figure in the petroleum and related industries and to make a significant contribution towards national prosperity by becoming the prominent industry in the region''. 

It is also in the process of taking a plethora of novel measures to build very strong and friendly relationships with its customers by getting out of the traditional public venture role. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation celebrates its 50th anniversary in a grand scale with the stern determination to offer its customers a high quality service powered by the state of the art technology. 

Looking back at its history, the 1960s can by viewed as a golden period. even though the demand for fuel at that time was very limited, it was catered to by monopoly of multi national companies such as 'such as "Shell' of Great Britain. However in the latter part of the 1960s a wave of "Peoplisation movements" were sweeping across the world which prompted the then Prime Minister Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike and the patriots in the calibre of T.B.Ilangaratne to set up 'Ceylong Petroleum Corporation', the first Sri Lankan Petroleum Company.

Peony Flower

Stamp Bulletin No. 787 Commemorative Issue

Peony Flower

Miniature Sheet

First Day Cover

• Date of Issue : 10th March, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 30.00 *2
• Stamp Designer : Studio Labranda
• FDC Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• Stamp Size : 42.5mm * 29mm
• Miniature Sheet Size : 184mm * 124mm
• Format : Horizontal
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 6 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 14 * 13 3/4
• Printers  : Austrian State Printing House, Vienna
• Color : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
• Gum :Synthetic
• Quantity Printed : 10,000 sheets

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of the Post issued new Definitive postage stamp in the denomination of Rs. 30.00 depicting Peony Flower on the 10th March 2012.
The peony is named after Paeon(also spelled Paean), a student of Asclepius, the Greekgod of medicine an healing. Asclepius became jealous of his pupil; Zeus saved Paeon from wrath of Asclepius by turning him into the peony flower.
The family name “Paeoniaceae” was first used by Friedrich K. L. Rudolphi in 1830, following a suggestion by Fredrich Gottlieb Bartling that same year. The family had given other names a few years earlier. The composition of the family has varied, but it has always consisted of Paeonia and one or more genera that are now placed in Ranunculales. It has been widely believed that Paeonia is closest to Glaucidium, and this idea has been followed in some recent works. Molecular phylogenetic studies, however, have demonstrated conclusively that Glaucidium belongs in Ranunculaceae, but that paeonia belongs in the unrelated orderSaxifragales.
Peonies can be classified by both plant growth habit and flower type. Plant growth types are Herbaceous(Bush), tree and intersectional(Itoh).
Each flower type becomes more complex in its arrangement of petals. The flower types include single (Eg. Athena, Dad, Krinkled White, Scarlet O’Hara, Sea Shell) Japanese(Nippon Beauty, Madame Butterfly), Anemone, Semi-Double)Paula Fay, Coral Charm, Miss America, Buckeye Belle), Double(Ann Cousins, Gardenia, Kansas, Paul M. Wild, Tourangelle) and bomb-Double(red Charm, Raspberry Sundae, Mons Jules Elie). Herbaceous peonies die back in winter and regrow in spring, while tree peonies lose their leaves in winter, but leave woody stems.

Sustainable Energy for All

Stamp Bulletin No. 788 Commemorative Issue

Sustainable Energy for All

Block of 4 Stamps

First Day Cover

Sheetlet

• Date of Issue : 20th March, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Mevan Fonseka
• FDC Designer : D.H.A. Sachini Ruwanika Nimanthi Perera
• Stamp Size : 60mm * 30mm
• Format : Horizontal
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 50 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 14 * 13 1/2
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing Sri Lanka
• Color : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm SecurityStamp Paper
• Gum : PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000
• Miniature : 25,000

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts will issue a new postage stamp in the denomination of Rs. 5.00 on 20th March, 2012 to Mark the Sustainable Energy for All.
It is hard to imagine a life devoid of energy. Since evolution of mankind it has become basic human need. During the era leading to post-industrial revolution, the entire world switched her main energy supply to non-renewable sources; fossil fuels. After many years of over exploitation of these fossil fuel reserves, the entire world has begun to realize it to be unsustainable. Hence the depletion of the source is irreversible. The impacts are not only limiting to irreversible depletion but environmental pollution has triggered accelerated climate change endangering human life due to associated disasters.
The nature’s gifts; wind, hydro power, bio-energy, solar energy, oceanic and geothermal energy have gained attention wide across the world as renewable yet sustainable energy sources that would replace non-renewable fossil fuel usage. Being a country rich with sustainable and renewable energy sources, Sri Lanka has contributed to global efforts of sustainability in energy consumption, by encouraging sustainable livelihoods through continuous research and development, leading to national strategies and policies. Department of Posts issue this postage stamp together with the Ministry of Power and Energy, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and Practical Action of the theme” Sustainable Energy for All”. The stamp illustrates wind mills harnessing sustainable energy in Sri Lanka. This postage stamp will create and enhance awareness of sustainable energy usage especially among children and the general public.

Asian-Pacific Postal Union

Stamp Bulletin No. 789 Commemorative Issue

50th Anniversary of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union

Block of 4 Stamps

First Day Cover

• Date of Issue : 01st April, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• FDC Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• Stamp Size : 41mm * 30mm
• Format : Horizontal
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 14 * 13 1/4
• Printers  : department of Government Printing Sri Lanka
• Color : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm snow white Stamps Paper with Security fibers
• Gum : PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000

Philatelic Bureau of the Department of the Post issued new postage stamp in the denomination of Rs. 5.00 on the 01st of April 2012 for the 50th Anniversary of the Asian-Pacific Postal Union.
The idea of a restricted union in this par of the world came up first in the late 1950s. In order to give a concrete shape to the idea, after informal discussions, the Philippines government sent through diplomatic channels invitations to 18 countries for a roundtable  in Manila on 10 - 23 January 1961. among the countries invited were Afghanistan, Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. The roundtable drew up the Asian-Oceanic Postal Convention.

The convention was to come into force on 01st April 1962. On that date, they formed a union among themselves and established its headquarters in Manila with Mr. Palomar, Postmaster General of Philippines as its first director. the headquarter was relocated to Bangkok in 2002.

In due course other countries of the Asian-Pacific region joined this regional postal union making it today an inter-governmental body of 32 countries namely: Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Jarussalam, Cambodia, China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Korea, Laos, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Solomon Island, Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

Vesak 2012

Stamp Bulletin No. 793 Commemorative Issue

Vesak 2012

Rs.5.00 Block of 4

Rs.12.00 Block of 4

Miniature Sheet

First Day Cover

• Date of Issue : 6th May, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00 & Rs. 12.00
• Stamp Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• FDC 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
• Colors : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security printing paper
• Gum :PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts issued a stamp with denomination of Rs. 5.00 and Rs. 12.00 on 6th May 2012 to mark the 2600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanti Vesak Festival.
Vesak day, on which Lord Buddha's birth, enlightenment and Parinirvana took place, is the greatest of all, not only to the Buddhist in Sri Lanka but to the entire Buddhist folk the world over which they celebrate in a grand scale.
This vesak day is very significant since it marks the 2600th Sambuddhatva Jayanti, the 2600th year since Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
The Lord Buddha was an embodiment of innumerable virtues such as being enlightened, knowledgeable, having an immaculate conduct and not committing any vice even in secret.
the Lord Buddha preached the pristine Dhamma for forty five long years with a view to directing the living beings towards Nibbana (Enlightenment) with his compassion to everybody which was unfathomable. Those beings that listen to and understood that Dhamma reached enlightenment and Sopaka, dangerous rogues of the ilk of Angulimala, Kings Thera and women of Patachara and Kisagothamee fame found enlightenment upon listening to the Dhamma and going through the eight fold path.

Sambuddhatva Jayantiya 2600

Stamp Bulletin No. 792 Commemorative Issue

Sambuddhatva Jayantiya 2600

Block of 4

First Day Cover

• Date of Issue : 3rd May, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• FDC Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• Stamp Size : 30mm * 30mm
• Format : Square
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 100 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 14*12
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Colors : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security printing paper
• Gum :PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000

The Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts issued a stamp with denomination of Rs. 5.00 on 3rd May 2012 to mark the 2600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanti - the 2600th anniversary of the Lord Buddha attaining Enlightnment. 

Sinhala - Tamil New Year 2012

Stamp Bulletin No. 790 Commemorative Issue

Sinhala - Tamil New Year 2012

Miniature Sheet

First Day Cover

• Date of Issue : 10th April, 2012
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00 *4 (Se-tenant)
• Stamp Designer : Piyarathne Hewabatage
• FDC Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• Stamp Size : 40mm * 40mm
• Format : Square
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 16 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 13 1/4 * 13 1/4
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing Sri Lanka
• Color : 4 Process Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm snow white Stamps Paper with Security fibers
• Gum : PVA
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000 (2,50,000 * 4)

Philatelic Bureau of the Department of the Post issued four new postage stamps with a value of Rs. 5.00 on the 10th of April 2012.
Sri Lanka are indeed pleased to be able to issue four stamps to mark the Sinhala - Hindu New Year which is celebrated by a majority of the people at a grand scale, specially at a time like this when Sinhala -Tamil friendship has grown in leaps an bounds.
This festival initially came to being as the festival of gratitude and worship to the Sun, which the ancient people believed was the owner an controller of all objects in the universe. Ancient documents says that this festival was known as the festival of the auspicious times. they must have called it so because everything during this period was done at an auspicious time.
The new year dawns with the transmigration of the Sun from house of Pisces to the house of Aries, followed by people bathing after watching the new moon. The period of transmigration of the Sun from one house to the other is known as the 'inauspicious' period. There are no auspicious times during this period so, people do not do anything and instead engage in religious activities. This period is also known as the 'Pious Period' because people engage in religious activities.
After this comes the other auspicious time at which people make hearths an prepare milk rice which is very tasty. Then the chief occupant of the house does New Year transactions in new year attire worn by all members of the house in the prescribed color for the ensuring year followed by the milk rice being eaten by the members of the house.
Children derive immense pleasure by sharing new year sweetments with neighbors and visiting relative. Among the very popular traditional new year games enjoyed by the people during this period are playing dice, playing swing etc...
Another significant even attached to the new year is the anointing of oil. This is usually done in the village temple or in the house of village indigenous doctor. A mixture of a number of herbs are made prior to the anointing of oil at the auspicious time.
The new year period comes to its end with people leaving the hose at the auspicious time for cultivations and various other jobs. Everybody hopes that the ensuring year will be prosperous and healthy by doing things at given auspicious times.
The Hindus bathe by anointing herbal juices on the head after the new year and boiling milk followed by visiting the Kovil and engaging in various religious activities hoping for a prosperous year.