Department of Posts,
Postal Headquarters,
D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha,
Colombo 01000
Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts, Sri Lanka, will issue the first set of a series of stamps depicting National Parks, of Sri Lanka in the denomination of Rs. 5.00 Rs. 10.00, Rs. 20.00 and Rs. 50.00, plus four miniature sheets, one for each denomination on 4th January 2006. This first set depicts Wilpattu National Park.
This park can be regarded as the oldest and the most highly conserved national park in the country. It is made up of thick forest, thorny bushes and mini lakes, popularly known as Villu(lake). These Villus are the main feature of the park. They are in fact basin-like fault depressions surrounded by sand dunes and filled purely with rain water.
This park is situated thirty kilometers west of Anuradhapura near the Nochchiyagama area. It bordered to the north by Modaragam Aru (river) and to the south by the Kala Oya (river) and to the west by the Indian Ocean.
It has been revealed that ancient habitats were here thousands of years ago. Stone tools, as well as Myasin Fossils of the Mesothic age can be seen every where in this reserve. An ancient burial site has been found in the vicinity of Pomparippu. A Speciality of this site is the fact that human remains and every day items have been found is a number of small clay pots contained within a lager clay pot in graves. It is believed that ruins connected to Kuweni are to be found here. Prince Vijaya landed at Kadirmalai Point. Ruins of several Buddhist shrines have been discovered around Ochchappu Kalla, Andaragollewa & Kali Villu. Statues of Lord Buddha and granite pillars have also been found. There is evidence to make us believe that there was a harbour between Kollankanakea and Palugahaturai.
This nature reserve in also noted for its fauna and flora Huge trees, shrubs and grassy areas cover the whole park. Among the flora Veera, Palu, Milla, Kalawera and Wewarana stand tall. Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Samba, Barking Deer, Wild Buffalo, Jackal and many varieties of birds, reptiles abound.
In view of its wide diversity, Wilpattu National Park can be regarded as an area of great importance.
Stamp Details
Rs. 5.00 :-
Slightly smaller than the spotted deer, the barking deer shown in this stamp is a rare animal. The male has short harans.
Souvenir Sheet – A grassy land where many fair legged species gather to fill their bellies.
Rs. 10.00 :-
White Bellied Sea Eagle shown in this stamp is a large water associated bird. It glides over the sea looking for fish and dives on to the prey as it comes to the surface. Kudiramalai area is in the background. This area was under the sea sometime ago.
Souvenir Sheet – Scene of Kudiramalai pointed and its vicinity.
Rs. 20.00 :-
A sloth bear roaming near a lake.
Souvenir Sheet – Scene of Moderagam Aru traversing within the park.
Rs. 50.00 :-
Leopard – largest species of the cat family. A villu is sean in the background.
Souvenir Sheet – A water filled lake is seen in the background.
Philatelic Details
| Date of issue | 2006.01.04 |
| Designer | Kelum Gunasekara |
| Stamp size | 60mm ‹ 25mm |
| Printing process | Offset Lithography |
| Sheet Composition | 50 stamps per sheet |
| Perforations | 12 ‹ 13 1/2 |
| Printer | Department of Government Printing, Sri Lanka |
| Colours used | 4 Process Colours |
| Paper | 102 gsm security stamp paper |
| Gum | PVA |
| Quantity printed | Rs.5.00 – 1,000,000 |
| Rs.10.00 – 2,000,000 | |
| Rs.20.00 – 2,000,000 | |
| Rs.50.00 – 500,000 |
Catalogue Codes
| Rs.5 stamp (Barking Deer) | Sg:LK 1762, Mi:LK 1520, Sn:LK 1534, Yt:LK 1473, WAD:LK001.06 |
| Rs.10 stamp (White-bellied Sea Eagle) | Sg:LK 1763, Mi:LK 1521, Sn:LK 1535, Yt:LK 1474, WAD:LK002.06 |
| Rs.20 stamp (Sloth bear) | Sg:LK 1764, Mi:LK 1522, Sn:LK 1536, Yt:LK 1475, WAD:LK003.06 |
| Rs.50 stamp (Leopard) | Sg:LK 1765, Mi:LK 1523, Sn:LK 1537, Yt:LK 1476, WAD:LK004.06 |
| Rs.5 MS (Barking Deer) | Sg:LK MS1766a, Mi:LK BL98, Sn:LK 1534a, Yt:LK BF90, WAD:LK001MS.06 |
| Rs.10 MS (White-bellied Sea Eagle) | Sg:LK MS1766b, Mi:LK BL99, Sn:LK 1535a, Yt:LK BF91, WAD:LK002MS.06 |
| Rs.20 MS (Sloth bear) | Sg:LK MS1766c, Mi:LK BL100, Sn:LK 1536a, Yt:LK BF92, WAD:LK003MS.06 |
| Rs.50 MS (Leopard) | Sg:LK MS1766d, Mi:LK BL101, Sn:LK 1537a, Yt:LK BF93, WAD:LK004MS.06 |
Bulletin 604 – 04.01.2006 – Wilpattu National Park
Bulletin and FDC images courtesy of an anonymous philatelist.
