Poson programme in Anuradhapura

By Dayaratne Embogama

Today is the Poson full moon Poya that commemorates the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.   

With this in view, a series of religious programmes have been organized in Anuradhapura Atamasthana temples including Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Mihintale Rajamaha Viharaya and Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya giving priority to the day long religious activities based on observances organized by the National Poson Committee.  

 President Ranil Wickeremesinghe is scheduled to commission the illumination of Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya this evening.   

 Anuradhapura District Secretary and Chairman of the Poson Festival Committee Janaka Jayasundara said steps have been taken to provide facilities and protection to the tens of thousands of pilgrims arriving to the places of Buddhist worship in Rajarata.   

He said all religious activities have been organized under the guidance of the Anuradhapura Atamastanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwara Kalaviya Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, Chief Incumbent of Mihintale Rajamaha Vihara Ven. Walawahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera and Chief Incumbent of Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara Ven. Thanthirimale Chandrarathana Thera.   

 The Disrict Secretary said the Poson Poya programme will include Sil campaigns, preaching of Dhamma, meditation sessions, and Buddha Poojas from early this morning.   

 He further said the a police contingent of more than 4,500 officers have been deployed to provide protection to the devotees .   

 Meanwhile more than 300 Dansalas have been organized by state and voluntary organizations to provide meals and refreshments to the pilgrims arriving in Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Thanthirimale today and tomorrow.   
 Anuradhapura Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera requests the devotees to uhold the sanctity of the place of worship and to be attired in white as far as possible.   

 Ven. Hemarathana Thera warned the pilgrims to be cautious when using the tanks and reservoirs in Anuradhapura town and its environs that have been filled to the brink. He requested to use only the bathing places recommended by the Life Guard Units.   

 Meanwhile Anuradhapura Regional Manager of the Sri Lanka Transport Board R. M. Rajakaruna said more than 450 busses have been deployed to operate a special bus service for convenience of the pilgrims.   
 He said the SLTB and the private sector would operate a bus service from Maho to Anuradhapura.