Establishing the Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka: A milestone in preserving postal heritage in celebration of the 150th anniversary of World Post Day

The Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka is a pioneering institution dedicated to the appreciation and preservation of stamps and postal history in the country. As the first legally registered national-level philatelic society, it plays a vital role in promoting the rich cultural and historical narratives embedded in philately. This milestone not only marks the formal establishment of the society but also underscores the significance of philately as a key component of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.   

As the world prepares to celebrate World Post Day on October 9, 2024, the spotlight turns to the vital role postal services play in fostering global communication and development. This year, the celebration carries even greater significance as it marks the 150th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (UPU), founded in 1874. With the theme “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations.” World Post Day emphasises the enduring impact of postal services in connecting individuals, businesses, and countries, and contributing to global social and economic progress. In Sri Lanka, this international occasion is enriched by a significant local milestone the formal establishment of the Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka.   

World Post Day Poster: To mark the 150th anniversary of the UPU, the World Post Day theme for 2024 is: “150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations.”   

Founded in 2020, the Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka began as a modest gathering of passionate collectors unified by their love for stamps and postal history. Over time, it has grown into a legally recognised entity, officially incorporated in April 2024.This legal status reflects the society’s commitment to transparency and accountability while offering a structured approach to promoting philately across the nation. With this recognition, the society is now better positioned to deepen its engagement with both local and global philatelic communities, organising exhibitions, educational programmes, and publications that inspire both novice and seasoned philatelists, all while safeguarding Sri Lanka’s postal heritage.   

The primary mission of the Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka is to promote philately as a cultural and educational pursuit. Through initiatives such as exhibitions, workshops, and educational programmes, the society aims to foster a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of stamps. A key objective is to encourage both new and experienced collectors to explore Sri Lanka’s diverse philatelic heritage. Beyond its national role, the society also seeks to represent Sri Lanka on the global stage, building strong relationships with international philatelic organisations, participating in exhibitions, and contributing to scholarly research that highlights Sri Lanka’s unique contributions to philately. The society collaborates closely with the Sri Lanka Postal Department to promote philately as a valuable cultural and economic asset, while its expert committee ensures the authenticity and value of stamps by issuing certificates, and maintaining high standards within the philatelic community.   

The Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka is led by individuals with a deep passion for philately and expertise in their respective fields. Dulshan Ellawela, the President of the society, is an alumnus of Ananda College, Colombo, and a distinguished researcher in philately. His academic achievements include a Master of Philosophy in Philately from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo, and ongoing doctoral research focused on visualizing stamps. His background in electronic engineering complements his leadership role in advancing philatelic knowledge. Prof. Sarath Chandrajeewa, the Vice President, is a renowned visual artist and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Visual & Performing Arts. His contributions to both art and philately are well-recognized, including his role in designing a commemorative stamp for the International Youth Year in 1985 and serving on the Philatelic Bureau’s Advisory Committee.   

With a strong legal foundation and a clear vision, the Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka is poised to play a leading role in preserving and promoting philatelic heritage. Through its various activities and collaborations, the society is fostering a vibrant community of collectors and scholars dedicated to the study and appreciation of stamps and postal history. By engaging with audiences both locally and globally, the society continues its mission to celebrate and protect the fascinating world of philately for future generations.   

You can explore the Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka by visiting their official website at https://psslanka.lk/.