75th Anniversary of Pakistan – Sri Lanka Diplomatic Relations, December 25, 2025 (2025-27)

SALIENT FEATURES

Size of Stamp	56 x 35 mm
Size of Print	56 x 33 mm
Number of stamps in a Sheet	(2X5) (10 Stamps)
Perforations	13 C (Elliptical)
Denomination:	Rs. 75/- each
Colors	CMYK
Printing Technology	Lithography Offset
Paper	100 GSM Water Mark Gummed Paper
Gum	PVA
Quantity of Stamp	0.1 Million (100,000)
Design	Mughir Khan
Artwork of FDC by	Abu Obaidah Ayyaz
Printer	Pakistan Security Printing Corporation, Karachi

At the time of Sri Lankan's independence in 1948, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan, noted that "Pakistan has the warmest goodwill towards Ceylon, and I am sanguine that the good feelings which exist between our people will be further strengthened as the years roll by and our common interests, and mutual and reciprocal handling of them, will bring us into still closer friendship.

Since establishing official diplomatic ties in 1948, both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have shared cordial diplomatic relations.

Despite geographical and religious barriers, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have always been trusted-partners of each other with historical linkages dating back to the period of Gandhara civilization, from the first to seventh-century AD. In the year 2021, a "Gandhara" documentary was produced by the High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Sri Lanka with the support of and in coordination with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. It takes the viewers on a visual journey along the Gandhara Buddhist heritage sites of Pakistan.

Pakistan-Sri Lanka relationships are rooted in shared cultural ties and diplomatic cooperation. Since Pakistan hosts ancient relics and architecture central to Buddhist heritage, Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka has held regular exhibitions of the "Gandhara Heritage of Pakistan," in the past borrowing the sacred Buddhist relics on the anniversaries of Lord Buddha.

Commemorating 75 years of Pakistan-Sri Lanka diplomatic ties also depicts important Buddhist places of Pakistan-Sri Lanka.

Pakistan side of the stamp:- From Pakistan, the stamp design shows Buddhist ruins of Takht Bhai Heritage Monastery which is a monastic complex, founded in the early 1" century AD, magnificently located on various hilltops ranging in height from 36.6 meters to 152.4 meters, typical of Buddhist sites. The Buddhist Monastery was used continuously until the 7th century AD. Consisting of a collection of buildings, it is the most complete Buddhist monastery in Pakistan. The Tantric monastic complex were used for certain forms of Tantric meditation. Additional structures on the site are believed to have served as residences or meeting halls, or filled secular purposes.

The place is a masterpiece of architecture that is equipped with all kinds of facilities. This huge complex has multiple sections which includes several rooms, conference halls, university areas, meditation cells, residential areas, open courtyards, meeting halls, statues, and buildings adorned with sculptors. The beautiful construction and quiet location makes it stand out from the rest. The mountains and greenery on all sides provide fabulous views. Buddhist monks from all over the world love to visit these places so that they can see the life style education and economics, etc. of the people who lived there thousands of years ago.

Sri Lankan side of the stamp:- Alahana Pirivena Monastery is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka. In the 12" century AD and it served as a center for Buddhist education and spiritual practice till date: It features a large image house known as the Vijayothpaya. Inside the monastery, several important Buddhist artifacts have been discovered, including ancient statues, stone inscriptions, and relics. These discoveries have shed light on the rich history and the religious practices of the region during that time. The monastery also houses a sacred Bodhi tree, considered a holy symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism. Visiting Alahana Pirivena Monastery offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of ancient Buddhist architecture, immerse in religious traditions, and learn about the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. The peaceful atmosphere and the serene surroundings make it an ideal place for meditation and contemplation. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Alahana Pirivena Monastery stands as a testament to the rich Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka and remains a significant place of worship and spirituality. Its cultural and historical value attracts tourists and scholars alike, providing insights into the ancient civilisation of Polonnaruwa.

On the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Pakistan-Sri Lanka Diplomatic Relations, a set of two Commemorative Postage Stamps of Rs. 75/-denomination each are being issued by Pakistan Post on 25, December 2025.