COVER N. 606 -  SRI LANKA

Postmark: Headquarters P.O. Colombo Mail 19.06.2025

Posted on the 19th June; Received on the 2nd July 2025

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Another interesting cover from Sri Lanka, this time supported in a pre-stamped envelope using a pre-stamped envelope. Bohomȧ  sthoothi, Ravi.

Sri Lanka, under its former designation, Ceylon, became independent on the 4th February 1948, although according to the provisions of the 1947 constitution, the role of Head of  State would fall on the Governor-General who represented none other than the British Crown, the former colonising power.

This status quo would be profoundly altered in 1972, when the country adopted a new constitution and a new designation, as Sri Lanka.

Under the new constitution the Head of the State would be an elected President, thus formally severing the dependency ties with the British crown, although the state would remain a member of the British Commonwealth.  

The formal session officialising the independence of Ceylon took plane on the 10th February 1948 when the new parliament was inaugurated by the Duke Of Glocester.

This important moment in time was celebrated by Sri Lanka Post with the 110 Rupee  single stamp souvenir sheet on the cover, illustrated with a painting depicting de formal inauguration session.

The pre-printed 50 Rupee stamp on the envelope is illustrated with aone of a pair of Elephant lamp dating from the 12th century AD, found in 1951 during archaeological excavations at the Deigama Kota Vehera stupa (a Budhist temple) site.

As usual with Ravi's letters, this one was also sent from Colombo's main Post Office.