By Sri Lanka, often called the “Island of Gems,” has a long-standing tradition of celebrating its natural and cultural heritage. Among the treasures depicted on its postal stamps are the exquisite gemstones for which the country is globally renowned. Let’s explore the history of Sri Lanka’s postal stamps, the introduction of gemstone-themed stamps, and the stories behind their creation.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Sri Lanka Postal Stamps
The story of postal stamps in Sri Lanka began in 1857, under British colonial rule. At that time, the country was known as Ceylon. The first stamp, a 6-pence denomination featuring Queen Victoria, marked the beginning of postal services on the island. These early stamps were imported from England and reflected British imperial influences.
Today, Sri Lanka Post, managed by the Department of Posts, oversees the creation and distribution of stamps. These small but significant pieces of art serve as windows into the nation’s soul, celebrating its history, culture, biodiversity, and economic icons.
Themes and Portraits on Sri Lankan Stamps
Sri Lankan stamps have long celebrated the island’s unique identity, often featuring historical landmarks, cultural artifacts, wildlife, and natural resources. Gemstones, being an integral part of the country’s history and economy, found a special place among these themes. The decision to feature gemstones reflects their role in branding Sri Lanka as a leading source of fine sapphires, rubies, and other precious stones.
Gemstone-Themed Stamps: A Sparkling Introduction
The first gemstone-themed postal stamps were issued in 1976, celebrating Sri Lanka’s reputation as a hub for high-quality gemstones. These stamps not only promoted the island’s gem industry but also highlighted the stones’ cultural and economic significance.
Key Editions of Gemstone-Themed Stamps
1976 Gems of Sri Lanka (Issue Date: 1976-06-16)
This inaugural set featured vivid images of Sri Lanka’s iconic gemstones, including the Blue Sapphire, Blue Star Sapphire, Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl, and Ruby. The series released to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka’s gem industry. This was a significant move by the Sri Lankan government to highlight the country’s rich gem heritage and promote its gem trade.
2015 Gems of Sri Lanka, (Issue Date: 2015-01-01)
Another notable release came in 2015, marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s gem and jewellery industry with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Sri Lanka International Gem and Jewellery Show, “FACETS.” To commemorate this occasion, the Sri Lankan Postal Department released a set of four stamps showcasing the country’s most prized gemstones: star sapphire, blue sapphire, cat’s eye, and padparadscha. The stamps, designed by Pulasthi Ediriweera and Sanath Rohana Wickramasinghe.
2021 Gemstones of Sri Lanka (Issue Date: 2021-11-06)
This series released in 2021 celebrated the country’s rich gem heritage and showcased its diverse collection of precious stones. This set of stamps included ten different designs, each featuring a unique gemstone found in Sri Lanka. These included blue sapphire, ruby, star sapphire, cat’s eye, moonstone, alexandrite, tourmaline, garnet, spinel, and sinhalite. The stamps were designed by Wathmi De Zoysa.
Why Gemstones on Stamps?
Sri Lanka’s postal service chooses its stamp designs carefully, using them as tools for international marketing and national pride. Gemstone-themed stamps:
- Celebrate Sri Lanka’s heritage as a top gem exporter.
- Educate the public about the diversity of gemstones.
- Support the tourism and gem trade industries.
“Gemstones of Sri Lanka – 2021” Sheetlets
Reference
- 1976 “Gems of Sri Lanka”, 26 Nov. 24, https://touchstamps.com/Issue/Details/101922/gems-of-sri-lanka
- 2015 “Gems of Sri lanka – FACETS”, 25 Nov. 24, https://touchstamps.com/Issue/Details/218007/gems-of-sri-lanka, http://www.srilankastamps.lk/lankaNewIssues/2015/Gems.html, https://www.dailymirror.lk/print/business-news/facets-2015-marks-philatelic-milestone/273-89385
- 2021 “Gemstones of Sri Lanka”, 25 Nov. 24, https://touchstamps.com/Issue/Details/312870/gemstones-of-sri-lanka-2021, http://stamps.gov.lk/1003.php