The Poson Week has been declared by the Anuradhapura Government Agent Mahinda Senevirathna under the theme “Harmony through equanimity” from June 1 to 7. He declared the Poson Week addresing the Poson Ceremony Committee at the Anuradhapura Secretariat Office.

It is expected that around 100, 000 devotees will observe Sil at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Mihintale sacred sites.

The All Ceylon Sila Bhawana Association will hold a Sil programme at the Samadhi Buddha statue in Anuradhapura on Poson Day.

The authorities expect a large number of worshippers to throng Anuradhapura during the Poson season this year.All amenities, such as electricity, water, health facilities, sanitation, transport will be provided by the authorities during this period.

Orders have been issued to close all liquor shops in the Anuradhapura district during the Poson Week and the security services have been instructed to arrest those selling liquor and drugs.The Poson Committee has decided to close all slaughter houses which are in close proximity to the sacred city of Anuradhapura.

Ven Pallagama Hemarathana Thera said it is the duty and responsibility of every individual to protect the country’s ancient heritage. People should not destroy any archaeological monument in the country. While preparing meals, they should not use ancient stone pillars as hearths.

Apart from that, the Poson Committee emphasized the importance of protecting the environment from discarding polythene and plastic receptacles in the sacred area. The Committee requested the public to only use water reservoirs which have been cleared by the security for bathing. First aid groups will also be deployed in the sacred site for emergencies while the Anuradhapura General and Anuradhapura old

hospitals will also be opened 24 hours during Poson week.

Security units will also be on duty while a systematic traffic control programme will come in force. Centeed on sacred places, many Dansel too will be held while the Health authorities will test the condition of food.

For the Poson Committee Ven Pallegama Hemarathana There, Ven Halmillewe Rathanapala Thera, Walahahengunawewe Dhammarathana Thera and many government officers participated.