A joint stamp release ceremony was held at the Foreign Ministry, Sri Lanka on 27th July to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties which took place on the same day in 1970. This milestone event was held with the participation of the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Dinesh Gunawardena, and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, joining virtually.
The two stamps were ceremonially unveiled at the event, were especially designed for the occasion to depict the theme “Marine Conservation”, and showcasing the restoration of Coral Eco System in Sri Lanka, and Mangroves in Singapore and reflects the shared interest and commitment of both countries in protecting the marine environment.
Speaking at the occasion, Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena highlighted the long standing friendly relations between the two countries, nurtured by deep rooted linkages at community and societal levels. He recalled his meeting with Minister Balakrishnan when both were holding different portfolios and the discussions held on tackling challenges posed by climate change across the globe. The Minister said further that the unveiling of commemorative postage stamps to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, undoubtedly shows the great warmth and friendship that exist between the two countries.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, in his remarks spoke about the warm and long-standing nature of Singapore-Sri Lanka relations. He noted the close and meaningful cooperation between our two countries, including during this COVID-19 period.
The event was attended by the former Sri Lanka High Commissioners who served in Singapore, Chitranganee Wagiswara, Nimal Weerarathna, Ferial Ashraff, Hony. Consul of Singapore in Sri Lanka, Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa, Singaporean business community in Sri Lanka, Secretary of the Ministry of Mass Media, Officials of the Foreign Ministry and the Department of Posts.
Meanwhile in Singapore a ceremony was held at the Shangri La a few hours prior to the Colombo event where High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, Sashikala Premawardhane and Non-Resident High Commissioner of Singapore Chandra Das unveiled the two stamps in the presence of Mr. Gilbert Oh, Director-General of the South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore. Ms. Ruth Wong, Deputy Director, Postal & Consumer Policy, Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA), and Ms. Peggy Teo, Vice President, Philately & Stamps, together with several other officials of MFA, IMDB, SingPost and the High Commission of Sri Lanka.
The Foreign Ministry extends its appreciation and congratulations to the Government of Singapore, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore, Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore, SingPost, and the Department of Post of Sri Lanka and to the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore for the successful issuance of the commemorative stamps marking 50 years of friendship between Sri Lanka and Singapore.
27th July 2021
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