54th International Letter Writing Competition 2025

Saturday, 22 March 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Call out to students aged 9 to 15 to apply by 11 April

By W. G. T. Fernando

Since 1971, the Universal Postal Union (UPU) has encouraged young writers aged 9-15 (inclusive) to write letters on a given theme to win exciting prizes. The competition is an excellent way of making young people aware of the important role that postal services play in our societies. It develops their composition skills and ability to express their thoughts clearly. It also fosters enjoyment of letter writing and helps to strengthen the bonds of international friendship.

This year, the UPU is partnering with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to inspire young writers worldwide to reflect on the importance of protecting our seas and oceans.

The theme is “Imagine you are the ocean.” Write a letter to someone explaining why and how they should take good care of you.

This year’s theme addresses the significance of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and, specifically, SDG 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources. Through collaboration with this year’s partners, the competition highlights the UPU’s mission to promote literacy and communication through letters, while aligning with the commitment of the IMO and UNESCO to address the urgent need to safeguard marine ecosystems. This year’s theme invites young participants to give voice to the ocean, exploring its beauty, the challenges it faces and our collective responsibility for preserving it.

Postmaster General of Sri Lanka Post has invited school students to participate in this event with an invitation letter sent to Principals. The letter can be viewed via https://slpost.gov.lk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/School-Invitation-ILW-2025.pdf

Instructions for participants:

Eligible age for participation is between 9 and 15 (both inclusive)
Language of letter should be in English
Typed or hand-written submissions are accepted
Letter should adhere to the theme and not exceed 800 words
Composition must be in a form of a letter and contain the basic elements (heading – complete address and date of the letter; Greeting: Body: Complimentary close: Signature)

The following criteria will be used to judge the quality of the letters:

Structure as a letter
Adherence to the theme
Creativity
Use of language

The top winners will receive a special medal (gold for first prize, silver for second, and bronze for third), as well as other prizes to commemorate their win (such other prizes to be decided by the UPU).

The gold medallist may also be offered a trip to the UPU headquarters in Berne, Switzerland, or an alternative prize to be decided at the sole discretion of the UPU.

Writers awarded a special mention will also receive a certificate as well as other prizes (such other prizes to be decided by the UPU)

Deadline for Sri Lankan students: 11 April 2025.

For more such philately news and knowledge visit: http://philately.lk

The writer is the President, Philatelic Association of Sri Lanka.

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