A special commemorative postage stamp has been issued in honour of renowned Sri Lankan athlete Ranatunge Karunananda, who gained international recognition for his determination and perseverance at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

The stamp was officially issued yesterday (20) at the Ministry of Mass Media, under the patronage of Minister of Health and Mass Media Nalinda Jayatissa, with the aim of preserving Sri Lanka’s sporting heritage and inspiring future generations.

Karunananda gained worldwide recognition during the 10,000-metre race at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, when he continued running until the finish despite all other competitors having completed the race.

His determination earned him the title “Courageous Loser,” making him a symbol of perseverance and sportsmanship.

Speaking at the event, Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the commemorative stamp was not merely a tribute to an individual but also a recognition of the values of determination, discipline and mental strength demonstrated by Karunananda.

The Minister also highlighted that Karunananda’s inspiring story has been featured in Japanese school textbooks, reflecting the lasting impact of his achievements beyond Sri Lanka.

Born on May 21, 1936, in Kandy, Karunananda studied at Jinaraja College in Gampola and Ampitiya Maha Vidyalaya before representing the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Engineers in athletics at national and international levels.

The commemorative stamp issuance ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Mass Media Dr. Kaushalya Ariyarathne, Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Akio Isomata, senior postal officials and members of Karunananda’s family. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka honours ‘Courageous Loser’ Olympian Ranatunge Karunananda appeared first on Newswire.

A commemorative stamp marking 100 years of Sri Lankan cinema, featuring the image of veteran actress Iranganie Serasinghe, was unveiled.

The national celebration was held yesterday (21) at the premises of the National Film Corporation to mark 79 years of Sinhala Cinema and 54 years since the establishment of the National Film Corporation. 

The event was held under the patronage of Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, with Deputy Minister of Mass Media Kaushalya Ariyarathna also in attendance.

On the occasion, a special commemorative stamp and first-day cover themed “1925 – 2025: A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema” were officially released. The inclusion of veteran actress Iranganie Serasinghe’s image on the stamp and cover was described as a tribute to her invaluable contribution to the country’s cinematic heritage.

It was highlighted that Sri Lanka’s journey in sound cinema, which began with the first Sinhala talkie “Kadawunu Poronduwa” (1947), has evolved over more than seven decades, overcoming challenges across different eras to become a national cultural legacy. 

The commemoration also recalled that the history of Sri Lankan cinema, which began in the silent film era of 1925, will reach its proud centenary milestone in 2025.

In addition to featuring Iranganie Serasinghe’s image on the commemorative stamp and cover, veteran actress Sriyani Amarasena was presented with a special award titled “A Century of Sri Lankan Cinema” in recognition of her contributions to the field.

The event also included a special lecture by Sunil Wijesiriwardena, focusing on the evolution and historical journey of the local film industry.

The celebration, jointly organized by the State Film Corporation and the National Film Corporation, was attended by the Chairpersons of the Sri Lanka Arts Council and the State Film Corporation, senior officials representing the Sri Lanka Postal Department, artists, members of the film industry, and other guests. (Newswire)

The post 100 Years of Cinema: Stamp featuring Iranganie Serasinghe unveiled appeared first on Newswire.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Planetarium, the Postal Department has issued a special set of 10 round-shaped stamps under the theme “Wonders of the Universe.”

The collection, designed by former NASA scientist Dr. Kavan Ratnatunga, featuresthe Pillars creation – Eagle Nebula, A total Solar Eclipse with Corona, The Milky Way Black Hole, Andromeda Galaxy, Crab Nebula, Orion Nebula, Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, Stephan’s Quintet, Pleiades open star cluster, and Saturn’s Rings. (Newswire)

The post New stamps issued for Planetarium’s 60th anniversary appeared first on Newswire.