By Dayaratne Embogama 

The Poson Festival Committee has declared the Poson week this year from June11 to 17. 
The Committee met at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat on Wednesday (25) under the chairmanship of Chief Incumbent of the Anuradhapura Atamasthana Ven. Pallegama Siriniwasa Thera. 

The Thera said the theme of the Poson celebrations this year would be about getting rid of hatred. He said the main festival would be centred in Mihintale, Anuradhapura Atamasthana and Thanthirimale sacred areas. 
Chairman of the Poson Festival Committee, Anuradhapura District Secretary Janaka Jayasundara said he expected state and private sector institutions to contribute for the festival to hold it without government funding, in view of the prevailing situation. 

The week long Pirith Chanting of the festival would be held from June 10 in Mahameuna Uyana. The committee decided to organise a series of religious activities including Sil campaigns at Atamasthana temples on the Poson full moon Poya on June 14. 

The District Secretary said People’s Bank would provide the morning meal to about 20,000 devotees observing Sil. The midday meal would be provided by civil society organisations. 

Mahasangha including Chief Sanghanayake of the Nuwara Kalaviya and Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweliseya temple Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera and several senior officials including the Additional District Secretary Sandya Abesekara, Divisional Secretaries, Police and the security forces.