Sri Lanka's first postage stamp was issued on April 1, 1857, marking the beginning of the nation's philatelic history. Stamp collecting, a globally popular hobby, originated with the introduction of postage stamps, and Sri Lanka's inaugural issue is now a highly sought-after piece. Today, many countries use stamps to showcase their culture and history, enriching the collections of stamp enthusiasts worldwide.
The concept of postage stamps emerged from the need to streamline postal delivery. In the 18th century, Sir Rowland Hill, a British postal administrator, proposed a system that led to the world's first postage stamp, issued in Great Britain on May 6, 1840.
Queen Victoria, born on May 24, 1819, ascended to the throne at a young age.The image used on the first stamps, including the iconic Penny Black, depicted her at the age of fifteen, although she was 21 years old when the stamp was issued in 1840. Consequently, all stamps printed between 1880 and 1900 featured her portrait. Following this innovation, stamps were printed worldwide, including in British colonies. As Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, was a British colony, regular correspondence was exchanged between the two countries.
Thus, Ceylon began printing its own stamps. Sri Lanka's first postage stamp, issued on April 1, 1857, featured a portrait of Queen Victoria and was valued at 6 pence. This brown stamp covered the postage for a letter from Ceylon to England. It is distinctive for its paper, which has a subtle bluish tint, and its star-shaped watermark. The first postage stamp of Ceylon was designed in London and printed by Perkins, Bacon and Company. These stamps were issued without perforations and had to be cut out with scissors. Due to its rarity, this stamp is highly valued by collectors, and its price varies significantly depending on its condition. Approximately 65,000 of these stamps were printed.
Thenuri Keerthisena (Grade 10)
Maliyadeva B. V., Kurunegala
