Kandy, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s rich coffee heritage was vibrantly celebrated on July 8th, 2025, with the official launch of a commemorative stamp marking 200 years of commercial coffee cultivation on the island. This momentous occasion, a highlight of the Sri Lanka Coffee Festival, underscores the nation’s efforts to revive its once-thriving coffee industry and re-establish its presence on the global coffee map.
The bicentennial stamp, issued by the Department of Export Agriculture (DEA) in collaboration with the Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka, visually encapsulates the journey of coffee in Sri Lanka, from its colonial beginnings to its current resurgence as a specialty crop. The intricate design pays homage to the labor, landscapes, and legacy that have shaped the industry over two centuries.
The stamp launch ceremony, held in Kandy as part of the fourth annual Sri Lanka Coffee Festival, brought together key stakeholders including government officials, coffee farmers, roasters, exporters, and international partners. Mr. Asitha Jayasinghe, CEO of CoffeeX, emphasized the stamp’s significance as a symbol of the industry’s resilience and renewed promise.
This commemorative stamp is more than just a piece of postage; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of our coffee industry. It acknowledges our history while looking forward to a bright future where Sri Lankan coffee once again commands international recognition.
Historically, Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, was a significant global coffee producer in the 19th century. However, the devastating coffee rust epidemic in the late 1860s led to a pivot towards tea cultivation. In recent years, there has been a concerted effort to revitalize the sector, with a strong focus on cultivating high-quality, specialty coffee. The Sri Lanka Coffee Festival, co-hosted by the DEA, the Lanka Coffee Association (LCA), and Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF), serves as a crucial platform to showcase these advancements and foster collaborations.
The launch of the bicentennial stamp is a significant milestone in this revival, drawing attention to the dedication of local farmers and the support of initiatives aimed at improving processing, quality, and market access. As the aroma of freshly brewed Sri Lankan coffee filled the air at the festival, the commemorative stamp served as a poignant reminder of a rich past and a promising future for the nation’s coffee industry.
The stamp will be available for purchase at post offices island-wide and through the Philatelic Bureau of Sri Lanka.The stamp launch was proudly sponsored by Hatton National Bank and supported by Kiyawana Muddara, Blackpool Coffee Bungalow, Blackpool Coffee, the Lanka Coffee Association, and the Market Development Facility.
