A special Commemorative Stamp and First Day Cover was issued to mark the 125th anniversary of the Great Russian play writer Anton Chekov’s visit to Sri Lanka under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat today (23).A book written by Sarath Lal Kumara titled ‘Chekov is special to Sri Lanka’ and a magazine by the Russian Centre were presented to the President Sirisena at this event. A Sinhala to Russian dictionary, written by Prof. Hemantha Sirisena was also presented to the President by Prof. Sirisena at this occasion.
Anton Chekhov came to Sri Lanka on 12th of November in 1890. He wrote the story “Gusev” including his experience of the voyage to Sri Lanka.
‘Thun Avurudda, Palagetiya, Haye Vattuwa, Dwanda Satana Nirasa Kathavak, Bodilima, Cherry Uyana and Muhudu Lihinya are the Sinhala translations of the Novels written by Chekhov.
Minister of Postal Service & Muslim Affairs Mohamed Hashim Abdul Haleem, Deputy Minister Dulip Wijeysekara, Secretary to the President P. B. Abeykoon, Secretary to the Ministry of Postal Service & Muslim Affairs Wimalasiri Perera, and Post Master General D. L. P. R. Abeyrathne participated in this event.
