The UN has declared as IYC thereby recognized the importance of the profession of CHEMISTRY and the CHEMICAL SCIENCES. The international Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and UNESCO are the international co-coordinating bodies while the institute of chemistry Ceylon (IChemC). The professional Body of Chartered Chemists in Sri Lanka, is the National Secretariat. The Global theme of IYC 2011 is Chemistry – Our life, Our future and this emphasizes the multifarious uses and applications of Chemistry in all areas of life.

The Commemorative postage stamp is being issued during the inauguration of the exhibition CHEMEX 2011 being held from January 27^th 30^th at BMICH. The stamp includes the IYC and IChem logos. IYC – 2011 also commemorates the centenary of the award of the Nobel Prize for chemistry to Marie Curie, whose portrait as well as that of Prof. M. U. S. Sultanbawa, one of the most distinguished Chemists of Sri Lanka, are included in the stamp, it contains the image of Sri Lankan national gem – the Blue Sapphire – together with the structure of one of the chemical constituents, Aluminium Oxide (AL₂O₃).