Philatelic Bureau to be modernised:

National stamp policy implemented

By Mohammed NAALIR

Ancient stamp

With a view to promoting tourism via stamps, the Postal Services Ministry has worked out plans to improve the Philatelic Bureau on the instructions of Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga.

The Philatelic Bureau which was limited to white boards will be brought to the international arena with new Ministry sources said that secretary Hemasiri Fernando is working closely to achieve results. A separate counter has been set up in main post offices for the convenience of the public to purchase first day covers and mementos which are issued in Colombo.

A program to set up stamp societies in schools is now underway. Over 900 school stamp societies were set up last year in Colombo and other districts a spokesperson attached to the Postal Services Ministry said. There are a number of individual philatelic societies. The Ministry has undertaken a program to coordinate these societies.

Besides, a national stamp policy has been implemented. With a view to increase the value of stamps and to promote the tourism industry. The Postal Services Ministry has decided to issue only 35 types of stamps per year. Quality stamps attracting tourists will also be issued.

A stamp committee has been set up in the Ministry comprising Post Master General, a few representatives appointed by the Minister, representatives of stamp societies and an officer of the Ministry. The decision to issue new stamps will be taken on the recommendation of this committee.

The Philatelic Bureau issued Sri Lanka's longest stamp the Viceroy last year jointly with the Tourism Board and the Railway Department. This is also a method of attracting more tourists to Sri Lanka.

Ancient stamp

Ancient stamp

A high value 100 rupee stamp of Ceylon

Ancient stamp

Usually the SLP issues nearly 2500 first day covers and stamps every year. Over 5000 first day covers and stamps were issued. All have been sold.

The Philatelic Bureau issued 12 stamps in addition to the Viceroy to promote the tourism industry. Jointly with the Tourism Board, the SLP has implemented various programs to promote the tourism industry. The Government has taken all possible steps to promote tourism.

However, an official said the use of franking machines in post offices will not affect the issues of stamps. This is an easy method to stamp a large number of letters in a short time. Companies and institutions which send bulk letters use this method.

A separate philatelic promotion unit is functioning at the Postal Ministry. Plans are afoot to set up a mobile unit shortly.

Another important concept is the mobile philatelic exhibition bus. School-wise mobile exhibitions will be conducted from next year. Philatelic counters will also be set up in main post offices. First day covers and stamps will be available there.

An officer of the Postal Ministry said nearly 30 stamp artists have been registered. "We conducted training for them." This will help to improve the quality of stamps. Based on their ability the artists will be categorised.

Only high quality stamps will reach international standards. The colour, paper, edges and printing methods also exert a certain amount of influence.

The Maldivian Government receives 10 percent of its income from stamp sale. Their stamp market depends on the international market. The International community is their target group.

Sri Lankan stamps are also of international standard. Our stamps have secured a good place in the international arena.

Sri Lanka Post (SLP) claims a history over 200 years. Due to its yeoman service it renders, it is recognised. A. Kennedy was the Postmaster General in Sri Lanka in 1798. During his regime five post offices were set up in Colombo, Galle, Mannar, Jaffna and Trincomalee.

A survey on postage stamps and the postal history of Sri Lanka has revealed that Kings of this soil ruled this country for over thousand years. Ceylon was colonised by the Portuguese and the Holland at the beginning of 16th century. Britain took over 1796.

A nationalist political movement arose in the country in the early 20th century with the aim of obtaining political independence. Eventually Sri Lanka received Independence from the British in 1948. The first stamps for Ceylon were issued on April 1, 1857. The stamp was brown and featured a portrait of Queen Victoria. It was used to send a half ounce letter to England from Ceylon. In the same year eight more stamps were issued and all featured the portrait of Queen Victoria. One of the 5 stamps that were issued on April 23, 1859 is considered to be the most valuable stamp in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan stamps have a long history. Even though the advent of modern communication modes affected the SLP, no serious damage was caused to the existence of philatelic sector.

The SLP is the only ancient communication mode far most people in this country. The advent of modern communication modes slightly affected the postal sector. There was a doubt whether the State post could be developed. With a view to overcoming the present state, the SLP has decided to absorb modern communication technologies in its operations.

With mobile phones becoming more popular among people specially youth, is one of the main causes for this backdrop.

Those days people had a close connection with the post. Waiting for the postman was a wonderful experience for lovers. The postman played the role of a coordinator between lovers. In remote villages this habit still survives.

A stamp is a small piece of paper with a price on its face and can be purchased at post offices or its agents.

This paper must be pasted on parcels or letters before sending. It is the evidence of paying postage. Stamps are designed by philatelic experts and drawn by specially trained artists. These stamps are available for various prices.

Stamps take importance in various ways. It is not only the evidence of postage payment but also has become one of the popular hobbies in the world. Collecting stamps is considered as the king of hobbies.

There are stamp collectors from the palace to the slums. Collecting stamps still holds its position. In the early days people collected stamps for fun and mind relaxation, the passing of time it has become an lucrative income earning source.

The sale of stamp collections in some instance have exceeded billions of rupees.Stamp collectors auctions are also available on websites.

Sri Lankan stamps have won international recognition. Stamps are the mirror to show the prestige of a country. Stamps can promote even tourism industry.

A stamp - based tourism industry is emerging in Western countries.

There are foreign tourists who visit other countries only with a view to collecting stamps.

They will tour to various parts of the country for this purpose and automatically tourism industry is promoted.

Stamps reflects the cultural, religious and political values of a country.