Before the age of WhatsApp, Viber and email, letters were handwritten and sent by mail all over the world. Even now, postal services play a big part in sending packages around the world. World Post Day is held to recognise this. The vast postal network – involving millions of workers moving billions of pieces of mail through hundreds of thousands of post offices – is woven into our societies, connecting communities across the world.
World Post Day is celebrated each year on October 9. It is held annually to create awareness about the role of the postal sector in the lives of people and businesses, as well as its contribution to the social and economic development of countries. Every year, almost all the member countries celebrate this day in different ways such as holding exhibitions and competitions and issuing new stamps.
UPU founded in Bern, Switzerland
This day is observed in honour of the Universal Postal Union’s (UPU) founding in Bern, Switzerland, in 1874. It is observed in around 151 countries and was first recognised as World Post Day in 1969 at the UPU Congress in Tokyo, Japan. From then onwards many other nations across the world have joined hands to celebrate this event which rewards all those who are linked with this sector.
150th anniversary
2024 marks the 150th anniversary of World Post Day. This is a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, too, as the country marks the official establishment of the Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka. This pioneering institution is dedicated to appreciating, collecting, and preserving stamps and postal history while playing a crucial role in safeguarding the country’s rich cultural heritage. As the first legally registered national-level philatelic society, it aims to foster deeper public engagement with philately as both a cultural and educational pursuit.
“The Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka was founded in 2020 to promote interest in and appreciation for philately within the country. The society operated informally, initially, but it soon became evident that formal recognition was essential for broader public engagement and to expand its activities.
According to Sri Lankan law, organisations must be legally registered to operate officially, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to national regulations. In April 2024, after navigating a lengthy process due to the complexities of registering a society with the term ‘Sri Lanka’ in its name, the society successfully obtained legal status. The registration process required adherence to several formalities, which contributed to the delay.
Since then, the society has grown significantly, hosting various events and activities that have attracted more members and strengthened its presence,” President of the Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka, Dulshan Ellawela said.
He added the key objectives of the society were to promote and advance philately within the country, enhance public awareness and share knowledge about philately. It seeks to represent Sri Lanka in global philatelic events by establishing connections with international associations. The society collaborates with the Postal Department to promote philately nationally and internationally, suggests ways to boost the economy through philately and issues certificates authenticating the value of stamps.
Enduring value
Ellawela said although modern communication has reduced the need for traditional postage, stamps hold enduring value as historical, cultural and artistic artefacts. A central goal of his research is to preserve these for future generations.
“Our society aims to establish a globally accessible stamp database to ensure their preservation, allowing stamps to remain relevant and appreciated in the digital era. Due to legal restrictions, we can only directly engage with adults. However, we support schoolchildren by working through their teachers who manage stamp clubs. The Philatelic Society offers free materials and awareness programs to enhance students’ knowledge,” he said.
Ellawela is recognised as one of the leading stamp collectors in the country, holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Philately from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with a focus on visualising stamps. He has also authored several publications in this field and regularly presents research papers at both local and international conferences.
Prof. Sarath Chandrajeewa, Vice President of the Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka, is a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Visual and Performing Arts. He has served as a member of the Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts Advisory Committee. He is one of Sri Lanka’s leading visual analysts who has made notable contributions to philately, including the design of the commemorative stamp for the International Youth Year in 1985.
A noteworthy fact about the society is that they possess a notable collection of valuable philatelic items, including Sri Lanka’s most expensive stamp, the ‘Dull Rose’.
“Among my rarest items, two stand out: a historically significant patent envelope used in 1849, one of the few of its kind ever found and a pair of Rs. 1000 King Edward VII revenue stamps. These items are particularly unique as they have not been recorded anywhere else in the world, making them exceptional rare finds in the realm of philately,” Ellawela said.
When asked how the society hopes to engage with foreign nations in this sector, Ellawela said they aim to reach this goal through collaboration with the Postal Department of Sri Lanka.
International exhibitions
“We plan to organise international exhibitions by establishing connections with other global philatelic societies. These efforts will help elevate the presence of Sri Lankan philately on the international stage and foster cross-border collaborations,” he said. In an era where there is much focus on the preservation of ancient artefacts and historic monuments, it seems crucial to safeguard postage stamps because they hold more than mere monetary value. They encapsulate history, culture and artistry within their tiny frames. Whether you’re an avid philatelist or just starting to appreciate the world of stamp collecting, preserving your collection is essential to maintaining its value and integrity over time. Proper storage not only protects stamps from damage but also ensures they remain in pristine condition for future generations to admire.
Specialised stamp albums
“The best way to store and protect stamps is by using specialised stamp albums or stock books with acid-free pages to prevent damage. Stamps can be mounted with hinges for used stamps or plastic mounts for mint condition ones. Ensure all storage materials are acid-free and store the collection in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Handle stamps with tongs or gloves, and use protective sheets or glassine envelopes for added protection. These practices will help maintain the condition and value of your collection,” Ellawela said. His message to the public on this momentous occasion is to recognise the enduring significance of postage stamps as more than just a means of communication.
“Stamps are vital cultural artefacts that reflect history, art, and national identity. I encourage everyone, especially the younger generation, to explore and appreciate the rich heritage of philately, preserving this timeless tradition for future generations,” he said.
For further resources and information about the society and its activities, you can visit their website: https://psslanka.lk.
