The longest stamp in Sri Lanka signifies a 25-year service of the Viceroy Luxury coal powered steam train that was printed in 2011. It is a 123mm long and 30mm wide stamp that was introduced at the Rambukkana Railway Station under the patronage of former Post and Telecommunication Minister Jeewan Kumarathunga and former Transport Minister Kumara Welgama. The Viceroy Luxury Coal Powered steam train began its journey in 1986 after its introduction as a result of the vision ot Clitt Jones in 1984 while on a return trip from Kandy.

Having posted the idea to the Minister of State at the time Mr. Ananda de Tissa de Alwis, who was ecstatic with the idea, sprang into action to the implementation of the system which successfully begun two years later.

Powered by the sole steam locomotive kept in operation in Sri Lanka, it is operated as a private train.

The 75-year-old luxury train has two air-conditioned observation saloons and a restaurant car. It currently has three routes namely:

1) Hill Country Odyssey Colombo to Nanu Oya
2) Sense of Heritage – Colombo to Kandy with an excursion to Pinnawala
3) Glimpse of the Ocean – Coast line to Galle

Currently working as a heritage service, a Viceroy II has also been introduced well to further better the tourism industry of Sri Lanka while providing its travellers the sense of a vintage ride with a modern twist.

Minuka Jayawardena