On 13th December 2023, the Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka issued a commemorative stamp marking the 50 years of excellence and remarkable journey of the University of Moratuwa.
Established as the 'Ceylon College of Technology (CCT)' at Katubedda, the University earned its University status as the 'Katubedda Campus' of the University of Ceylon on 15th February 1972.
The event took place in the prestigious Auditorium of the Postal Headquarters and was graced by the presence of Dr. D.P. Chandrasekara, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa, along with other esteemed officers and senior staff members of the university. Representatives from the Postal Department, including Mr. Ruwan Sathkumara, Postmaster General, Mr. D.A. Rajitha K. Ranasinghe, Deputy Postmaster General (Operations), and Mr. Lanka de Silva, Director of the Philatelic Bureau, added to the significance of the occasion.
The first First-Day-Cover was offered to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. D.P. Chandrasekara by the Postmaster General Mr. Ruwan Sathkumara.
Emeritus Professor P.K.S. Mahanama, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa and the Chairman of the Special Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of the University of Moratuwa, delivered the welcome speech and presented copies of the valuable Golden Jubilee Publication of the University of Moratuwa to the key figures of the Postal Department and the Philatelic Bureau.
The event also featured a presentation by Dr. Mrs. Sumanthri Samarawickrama, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Integrated Design and a Member of the Special Committee for the Golden Jubilee Celebrations, who explained the intricate process of the stamp's design, from concept to launch.
The design process of the commemorative stamp begun in February 2022 with a competition held for designing 50th Anniversary logo, as well as a postal stamp that captures the essence of the prestigious university.
Several entries were received in response and the University acknowledges the creativity and the effort of all the participants. The design of the stamp required uniqueness, leading to the formation of a dedicated design team from the university.
The key elements on the stamp identify as, Sumanadasa Building - the oldest and one of the most iconic buildings in the University of Moratuwa, Graduates- representing the invaluable knowledge that the University has produced over the years, 50th anniversary logo - representing the five decades of excellence, and icons - signifying the vision of the University and its futuristic approach as a technology based University.
Mr. Aruna Welagedara graduated from the Department of Architecture, worked on the illustrations of the iconic Sumanadasa building. The digital illustrations follows quality of pen and watercolour drawings, a visual style unique to architectural drawings. Ms. Erangi Senavirathne graduated from the Department of Integrated Design illustrated other architectural elements such as the tennis court, Gymnasium, Open Air Theatre and surrounding landscape used on the folder, in the same visual style. The graduates were experimented in realistic style that compliments the architectural drawings, as well as in a more bold flat graphic styles as a way to bring in a modernity to the stamp. Mr. Sudeep Sansika graduated from the Department of Integrated Design worked on the icons denoting the technical university. Ms. Samudra De Silva graduated from the Department of Integrated Design, worked on adding the dynamic feel to the stamp design through the logo and overall graphical composition. This was achieved through a colour gradients representing the colours of Faculties of the University. The bold yet subtle colours are used on the logo and the horizontal borders on the stamp, making it stand out from the stamps with traditional white borders. Dr. Mrs. Sumanthri Samarawickrama, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Integrated Design was responsible for the creative direction of the design process of the stamp who assured an unconventional outcome. The stamp was finalized only after 6-month long process and several reviews between the design team, the University and the Philatelic Bureau.
Accompanying the stamp, the first day cover, and a special cancellation mark was designed. An elegant folder specially designed to hold the stamp and the first day cover makes it a souvenir for all. The folder design was awarded at Global Print Awards 2023 as an entrée by Printcare (PVT) Ltd.
As much as the Golden Jubilee stamp serves as a modest monument of 50 years of excellence of the University of Moratuwa, it is receiving attention as a trailblazing product in the history of philatelic production of Sri Lanka. It is designed to stand out from the conventional stamps, with the mindful use of colour, balanced composition, visual consistency through the range of products, and the overall pleasing uncluttered aesthetic, resembling the standards of products in global philatelic market. Most importantly it is noteworthy by scholars, philatelists, stamps designers and artists alike as it can be studied as a unique example of how the mindful design, co- creation and creative leadership can lead to an outstanding product, especially in commemorative stamps which are considered as monuments of history, society and culture.
The stamp will be displayed at the National Postal Museum and available to be purchased from the Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka.
Photo Credits - Mr. Melro Mendis