Press Release MOD  Media Centre 

‘Sandahiru Maha Se Poson Zone’ organized by the Security Force Headquarters – Wanni  in coordination with the Ministry of Defence will be opened in the evening on Poson Poya day on June 21 at Anuradhapura Sandahiru Stupa premises under the patronage of Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne. All arrangements have been made to continue the Poson Zone until June 30.

The vicinity around Anuradhapura Sandahiru Stupa will be illuminated with a spectacular pandal and lanterns on this momentous Poson Poya day, celebrated by Sri Lankan Buddhists. This allows devotees to celebrate the Poson festival with great festivity.

It is a unique feature that Buddhist devotees who visit the ‘Sandahiru Maha Se Poson Zone’ have the great opportunity to witness and worship the sacred relics that are to be enshrined in the Deegawapi Stupa. These sacred articles will be taken in a procession around Sandahiru Stupa at around 07.45 in the morning on Poson Poya day and will be placed in the Ransivige built in the Buddha Shrine, for veneration.

Among the colorful features at the Sandahiru Stupa premises on this day are the illumination of the Sandahiru Stupa, Vankagiri and Poson lanterns, exposition of the sacred relics to be enshrined at the Deegawapi Stupa and the opportunity for its public veneration. Stalls offering free rice (Dansal) for devotees on this day will be open from 05.45 p.m.

The Defence Secretary will grace the opening ceremony as the Chief Guest, and will light the Sandahiru Stupa at 06.30 p.m. The spectacular pandal built on the premises will also be lit at the auspicious time.

The entire area will be lit up with stunning views of the ‘Sandahiru Maha Se Poson Zone’ with colourful lanterns and other decorations made by members of the armed forces and the Civil Security Department (CSD) personnel, showcasing their excellence in traditional craftsmanship. Bakthi Gee (Songs of religious devotion) recitals by cultural troupes of the Tri Forces and CSD is among the major highlights of the Poson Zone.

The Defence Ministry invites all devotees to join the occasion and witness the beauty of the ‘Sandahiru Maha Se Poson Zone’, which consists of colorful lanterns and displays, dansals, devotional songs recitals and various other cultural items.