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).

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.