The Colombo Plan for Cooperative Economic and Social Development in Asia and the Pacific was conceived at the Commonwealth Conference on Foreign Affairs held in Colombo, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in January 1950 and was launched on July 1, 1951 as a cooperative venture for the economic and social advancement of the peoples of South and Southeast Asia. It has grown from a group of seven Commonwealth nations - Australia, Britain, Canada, Ceylon, India, New Zealand and Pakistan - into an international organisation of 26, including non-Commonwealth countries.
Canada was a founding member and participated until 1992.
The Colombo Plan commemorative stamp, designed by Bernard James Reddie, was issued on July 29, 1961.
Essays
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
Bernard James Reddie essays
National Archives of Canada
National Archives of Canada
Approved Model
National Archives of Canada
Issued Stamp
First Day Covers
Canada Post Office Publicity First Day Cover
The Colombo Plan stamp was the only issue for which the international publicity program used an Aerogramme.
Overseas Mailers
Advertising first day cover with enclosure
Philippines Colombo Plan Stamp
