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Ceylon

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 1 April 1857.

CURRENCY
1857, 12 pence = 1 shilling.
1872, 100 cents = 1 rupee.

The coasts of Ceylon were subject to the Portuguese until 1656 and then to the Dutch, though neither subdued the native kings in Kandy. The island was taken by the British in 1796 and after two years under the Madras presidency was made a Crown Colony. The king was deposed and exiled.

Ceylon became independent within the British Commonwealth on 4 February 1948. On 22 May 1972 it became the republic of Sri Lanka. The country has suffered from internal civil war, particularly from the Tamils in the north. At one stage , in 1988, Indian troops were sent as a peace-keeping force.

Postal History
A postmaster-general was appointed in 1802 and handstamps supplied in 1813. Internal posts grew with the building of roads 1820-45. Mail for Europe was routed overland and across the Palk Strait via India until packets started calling at Galle c. 1845.

Mail coaches connected Galle with Colombo, Colombo with Kandy. Ceylon joined the UPU in 1877. The first railway TPO started 11 April 1892.

Sri Lanka

FIRST STAMPS ISSUED 22 May 1972.

Formerly Ceylon.