Funday Times

Royal Philex 2004
By Natasha Fernandopulle
The 60th Anniversary of the Philatelic Club of Royal College was commemorated in grand style with an exhibition of stamps, “Royal Philex 2004”. The exhibition, which was opened on July 7 at 3 p.m. at the National Art Gallery, went on from the 7th to the 9th July.

Founded in 1944, the Philatelic Club of Royal College is the oldest Philatelic club in Sri Lanka. It was founded under the guidance of the late Mr. H. P. Jayawardena. The first college exhibition was held in 1954 and has been the only annual exhibition held in Sri Lanka for the past 18 years.

The chief guest was Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Prime Minister. Several schools took part in the exhibition. They were Sirimavo Bandaranayake Vidyalaya, Holy Family Convent, St. Thomas’ College and the hosts Royal College. The Sri Lanka Philatelic bureau participated as well. Other schools were also invited to view the exhibition. Drawing competitions and quizzes were organized for the young philatelists.

A mini album, “Collection of Commemorative Stamps of Royal and Royalists” was issued. The album contains historic stamps of Royal College and information about the philatelic items, connected with the college, issued by the postal authorities of Sri Lanka. To mark the 60th Anniversary, a special commemorative cover was issued. It features the 60th Anniversary Royal College Philatelic Club logo with a normal postage stamp. The stamp was cancelled with the 60th Anniversary seal on the day of the opening ceremony.

Some of the items available at the exhibition were a souvenir post card, a special poster, a special bag, a personalized memento and the Philatelic Magazine - “The Royal Philatelist”. The personalized memento was issued for the first time in Sri Lanka. A photographer was at hand, in order to take photographs for this momento.

The special poster was sponsored by the Bank of Ceylon and it contained stamps of Royal College and outstanding Royalists. A website was launched as well.

The club provided special boards and accessories to members so that they could mount their stamps. A member could have four exhibits and there was a theme and sub themes. A Jury selected the best exhibit and the winner was awarded a special award.

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