Stamped in colonial jargon

A series of eleven stamps overprinted in the denominations of 50 cts and Rs. 4.50 were issued in January/February 2007. Among them the 35 cts Star Orchid stamp and the 50 cts outrigger canoe stamp both issued in 1958 under the definitive series were overprinted 50 cts and Rs. 4/50 respectively and two commemoratives - the 50 cts UNESCO emblem issued in 1966 and the 60 cts Adam’s Peak issued in 1967 were overprinted Rs. 4.50 and 50 cts respectively.

The above noted four stamps contain the name of the country in English as "CEYLON". These stamps were invalidated/withdrawn from circulation with the inauguration of the Republican Constitution in 1972 when the name of the country was changed from "CEYLON" to "SRI LANKA". The name "CEYLON" on these overprinted stamps should have been deleted and the new name "SRI LANKA" overprinted on these stamps.

It is strange that the Post Master General and the Director of the Philatelic Bureau were not aware of this simple fact. Under these circumstances are these stamps valid for postal use? Perhaps the Attorney General will please let us know.

By Oliver T. Goonawardena, Moratuwa