Launching A Commemorative Stamp for the 65th Anniversary of Russian Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin’s Visit to Ceylon in 1961| Russian House in Colombo. Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin (9 March 1934 – 27 March 1968) was a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut who, aboard the first successful crewed spaceflight, became the first human to journey into outer space. travelling on Vostok 1. Gagarin visited Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) from December 7–10, 1961, as part of his world goodwill tour.
Sixty-five years ago, a milestone in world history took place. For a brief, shining moment, that change touched the island of Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon.On this day in 1961, just weeks after becoming the first human to journey into space, Soviet Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin arrived in Ceylon. He came not as a conqueror, but as a friend—a man of, courage, and a boundless curiosity that united the Earth below with the stars above. His visit was a symbol that in the vastness of space, there are no borders—only one shared humanity.
To coincide with Cosmonaut’s Day, a beautifully designed stamp was launched at the Russian House in Colombo to commemorate this historic tour of Yuri Gagarin to Ceylon in 1961 and was attended by Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka
Dr. Kumara Wickramasinghe, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and Former President of ASLGSC,
Madam Maria Popova, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, and Director of the Russian House in Colombo.
Mr. Buddhapriya Ramanayaka, Chief Excutive Officerof the Russian House in Colombo.
Mr. S. R. W. M. R. P. Sathkumara, Postmaster General / Mr. Anura Samaraweera, President, Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka
Mr. Mahesh Kannangara, Secretary, Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka /Mr. Ravi Rathnapala, Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka,
Mr. Harsha Rupasinghe, Philatelic Society of Sri Lanka / Prof. Chandana Jayaratne, Head of Department of Physics, University of Colombo, Chairman, Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies / Mr. Premachandra Herath, Deputy Postmaster General / Mr. L. G. N. De Silva, Director / Mr. Channa N. Munasinghe, Senior Publicity Officer / Mr. M. B. K. P. Fernando, Mail Assistant – (Philatelic Bureau) were also in attendence.
Philately is the art of capturing history in miniature and on 10th April 2026, the Russian House had the privilege of cancelling and releasing a brand-new commemorative stamp—issued to mark the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s visit to Ceylon.
Madam Popova stated – ‘I am told that philatelists treasure the phrase: “First Day of Issue.” And today, we are making history. This stamp is not just a piece of paper. It is a time capsule. A tribute on a 65th anniversary—a rare milestone that bridges two nations and one giant leap for humankind.’
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