Centenary of Sri Lanka Scouting in New Stamp

Centenary of Sri Lanka Scouting

Philatelic Bureau of the Department of the Post issued a stamp in the denomination of Rs. 5.00 on the February 22nd, 2012 to commemorate of Centenary of Sri Lanka Scouting. Scouting was founded by Lord Baden Powell of Gilwell (B.P.) in 1907 when he wrote the book "Scouting for Boys". The movement has found a home in 216 countries.  

The Sri Lanka Scout Association (SLSA), the National Scouting organization of Sri Lanka, was founded in 1912. Scouting was introduce to Sri Lanka by Mr. Francis George Stevens at Christ Church Collage, Matale. In first Kandy Dharmaraja Scout Group, at Dharmaraja Collage was established in 1913 and this was closely followed by the Colombo Scout Group, established in 1914 by Mr. F. J. Stevens himself. In 1953 SLSA became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM). Ever since then, the scout movement in Sri Lanka extended out in to every nook and corner of the country. It has become one of the most prestigious youth movement with a membership of more than 46,000 members. Over the last century-many a noteworthy citizen of this country has been part of this movement.

• Date of Issue : 22nd February, 2012
•  Emission: Commemorative
• Denomination : Rs. 5.00
• Stamp Designer : Mevan Fonseka
• FDC Designer : Isuru Chathuranga
• Stamp Size : 40mm * 40mm
• Format : Square
• Printing Process : Offset Lithography
• Sheet Composition : 80 stamps per sheet
• Perforation : 13 1/4 * 13 1/4
• Printers  : Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka
• Colors : 4 Colors
• Paper : 102 gsm security stamp paper
• Gum :PVA
• Face value:5ரூ - Sri Lankan rupee
• Quantity Printed : 1,000,000 sheets
• Souvenirs Sheets (Inperforate) : 10,000
• Value of Souvenir Sheet : Rs.20.00

This year Sri Lanka Scout Association celebrates one hundred years and a stamp is being issued to commemorate this event. This is an occasion where the celebrations would include the hosting of the 29th Asia Pacific Regional Jamboree, the first of its kind in Sri Lanka and overseas. It is scheduled to be held in Kandalama Dambulla in the Matale District from 1st to 6th April 2012 where scouting in Sri Lanka was founded.