‘Collecting stamps, way of information gathering’

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

Collecting stamps is not a mere hobby but way of gathering information and knowledge, Postal Services Minister Jeewan Kumaratunga said.

The minister was opening a philatelic exhibition under the theme ‘Lanka-Philex stamp exhibition 2011’ which was organized jointly by Postal Services Ministry and Philatelic Bureau at the Postal Services Ministry Friday.

The exhibition, which had been organized to mark the World Post Day celebrations concluded yesterday.

The purpose of the philatelic exhibition is to create awareness of the role of the postal sector in people’s and businesses’ everyday lives.

Therefore, many exhibits including almost all stamps issued so far were exhibited at the exhibition. A few foreign exhibitors were also present.

Every year, more than 150 countries celebrate World Post Day in various ways. In certain countries, World Post Day is observed as a holiday while many use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.

Meanwhile to mark the World Post Day, Philatelic Bureau of the Postal Department issued four new stamps under the patronage of Postal Services Minister Jeewan Kumaratunga.

These stamps come with images of four vintage and classic motor cars, in the denomination of Rs 5.00.

The four new stamps will fulfil the enthusiasm of the worldwide stamp collectors, especially for those who are interested in classic motor cars.

“It is expected that the aesthetic beauty of early cars will induce many visitors to the hobby of stamp collecting,” the minister said.

The Postal Department has already established nearly 1,000 philatelic societies in schools within six months, he noted.