Sri Lanka Stamps
Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia, possesses a rich postal history beginning under British colonial rule as Ceylon, which heavily influenced its early postal administration and infrastructure. The country transitioned to independence in 1948 and subsequently became a republic, leading to changes in sovereignty reflected on its stamps.
- Issued stamps
- 1972–present
- Region
- Asia, South Asia
- Currency
- LKR
- Languages
- Sinhala, Tamil, English
- Issuer type
- Modern postal administration
About Sri Lanka stamps
Issues from this period typically feature Sinhala and Tamil, the primary official languages, alongside English. As a long-standing member of the Universal Postal Union, Sri Lanka's postal system has evolved through various political and administrative phases, marked by distinct changes in design and issuing authority following its republican status.
Further reading: Wikipedia
Inscriptions to look for
Words printed on the stamp that point to this issuer. Search any of them in the issuer directory.
- SRI LANKA
- CEYLON
How to identify Sri Lanka stamps
- Look for 'SRI LANKA' or 'CEYLON' as the country name. Post-1972 stamps will bear 'SRI LANKA'.
- Examine the language: modern issues often feature Sinhala, Tamil, and English inscriptions.
- Check for watermarks, especially on earlier issues, though less common on post-1972 stamps.
Popular series
-
Definitives of 1972
1972-1977
The first definitive series issued after Sri Lanka became a republic, featuring local flora, fauna, and cultural motifs.
-
Buddhist Art and Culture
1980s-1990s
A recurring theme showcasing the rich Buddhist heritage, ancient temples, and religious festivals of Sri Lanka.
-
Wildlife and Nature
Various
Stamps depicting the diverse wildlife, national parks, and natural beauty of the island nation.
Value overview
Typical ranges as orientation, not prices for a particular stamp. Condition, variety and demand decide the value of your copy; for current asking prices, check listings or the app.
- Common stamps
- €0.10–€2
- Scarce stamps
- €50–€500+
Most modern Sri Lankan stamps are readily available and affordable. Earlier issues from the republic period, especially those with printing errors, rare cancellations, or in pristine condition, can fetch higher prices. Stamps from the Ceylon era generally hold more significant philatelic value.
Catalogs. Sri Lanka stamps are listed in the major world catalogs: Scott, Michel and Stanley Gibbons. Catalog numbers and groupings differ between them; the Stamp Identifier app shows the numbers it can find for your stamp.
Questions about Sri Lanka stamps
Sri Lanka stamps are postage stamps issued by the postal administration of Sri Lanka, an island nation in South Asia. The country was formerly known as Ceylon until 1972, and its stamps reflect this historical transition.
The value of Sri Lanka stamps varies widely. Many modern issues are common and inexpensive, typically ranging from €0.10 to €2. However, certain earlier republican issues, especially those with errors or in superb condition, can be more valuable, reaching €50 to €500 or more. Stamps from the preceding Ceylon period are often more sought after by collectors.
You can identify Sri Lanka stamps by looking for the country name 'SRI LANKA' (or 'CEYLON' for earlier issues) printed on them. They often feature inscriptions in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Visual themes frequently include local culture, wildlife, historical sites, and national events. For a first lead, photograph the stamp in the Stamp Identifier app, then confirm the catalog number; valuable stamps deserve an expert opinion.
Sri Lanka stamps are comprehensively listed in major international stamp catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issues, varieties, and estimated values.
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it's from?
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