The Time Stamp: Journey of Philately at Royal College

Beneath the shade of the old banyan trees on Reid Avenue, the spirit of Royal College Colombo lives in paper, ink, and memory.

- By Oneli Nonis

The annual Philex exhibition, organized by the Royal College Philatelic Club, has for decades transformed the school into a vibrant meeting place for collectors and storytellers.

For 81 years, the club has turned the simple act of collecting stamps into a celebration of history and creativity. This year, it marked a proud milestone, honoring the school's 190th anniversary along with the 56th Royal Postal Day.

What began as a small group of students in 1944 has grown into one of South Asia's oldest philatelic traditions, linking generations through the stories told by stamps.

With over 125 members ranging from Grade 3 to Grade 13, the RCPC is not merely a school society; it is a community of storytellers, historians, and dreamers who see the world through stamps.

Milestones

This year marks an exceptional chapter in the club's long and proud history.

2025 is a year of milestones, the 190th anniversary of Royal College Colombo, the 81st anniversary of the Philatelic Club, and the 56th Royal Postal Day. To commemorate this historic convergence, the RCPC, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Philatelic Bureau, launched a special 190th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp on the 2nd of October, 2025.

This launch not only celebrates the rich legacy of Royal College but also highlights the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and youthful passion that continues to drive the club forward.

The Tradition

Since its inception in 1944, the Philatelic Club has been at the forefront of promoting philately, the art and study of postage stamps, among school students. The club's annual exhibition, Philex, has been held for over seven decades and is recognized as South Asia's oldest school-based philatelic exhibition.

It provides a platform for students to showcase their collections, exchange ideas, and celebrate the heritage of stamps that connect countries and cultures.