RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO — The Russian House in Colombo, in collaboration with Arthur C. Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies, commemorated the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic visit to Ceylon on Friday, April 10, at the Russian House in Colombo.
The event featured the release of a commemorative stamp and first day cover, alongside a documentary film screening, a thematic fashion show, and a sculpture and art exhibition—all organized to mark this significant milestone.
Sixty-five years ago, the world changed. And for a brief, shining moment, that change touched our island, then known as Ceylon.
In 1961, just weeks after becoming the first human to journey into space, Yuri Gagarin arrived on our shores. He came not as a conqueror, but as a friend—a man of courage and boundless curiosity, symbolizing the connection between Earth and the stars. His visit reflected a powerful idea: that in the vastness of space, there are no borders—only one shared humanity.
Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Mass Media of Sri Lanka, presented the first day cover to Madam Maria Popova, Counselor of the Embassy of the Russian Federation and Director of the Russian House in Colombo.
Among the distinguished attendees were Dr. Kumara Wickramasinghe, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Buddhapriya Ramanayaka, former President of ASLGSC and Chief Executive Officer of the Russian House, R. W. M. R. P. Sathkumara, Postmaster General and Prof. Chandana Jayaratne, Head of the Department of Physics at the University of Colombo and Chairman of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute.
Philately, the art of capturing history in miniature, took center stage with the unveiling of this commemorative stamp. Marked as a “First Day of Issue,” the stamp is more than a collectible—it is a time capsule, honoring a rare 65-year milestone that bridges two nations and celebrates one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
