Today (03) is the day of the Poson full moon, when Anubudu Mihindu Maha Arahant travelled to Sri Lanka, bringing Buddhism to this country.
Accordingly, it is mentioned in Buddhist history that it was on this day that the monks Itthiya, Uththiya, Sambala, Baddasala, the monk Sumana and the worshiper Bhanduka carried the pure Buddhism of Lord Buddha and went to Anuradhapura Mihintala.
It is said that King Devanampiyatissa and his group heard the Chullahatthi Padopama Sutra and followed the Triple Gems of Buddha on a Poson Poya day like today.
This year, the National Poson festival will be held based on the Mihintala temple.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board is working to provide 30,000 cubic meters of water for the drinking water and sanitary water needs of the National Poson Festival. Installation of pumps, extension of water pipes for dansal areas, installation of 400 water taps around Anuradhapura Puja City, Mihintale and Tanthirimalaya shrines, water supply by water bowsers, extension of water pipes and water for temporary toilet systems constructed by municipalities and local councils. The Water Transport Board carries out works such as supply, and installation of water tanks and faucet systems for places where devotees and pilgrims gather and supply water to iron tanks on the Perahara road for elephants travelling in Mihindu Perahara.
Also, the Ministry of Defense states that troops of the Armed Forces and the Civil Defense Department have been deployed to construct the Anuradhapura Poson Zone, which includes Mihintale, Thanthirimale, and Sanda Hiru Saya.
Special transport services will be operated today (03) on the occasion of Poson Poya Day.
Mr. Panduka Swarnahansa, Deputy General Manager of the Sri Lanka Transport Board, stated that special express bus services are in operation from the main cities to Anuradhapura.
Meanwhile, Railway Deputy General Manager MJ Indipolage stated that 12 special train journeys will be operated between Anuradhapura and Colombo.
The police say that a special security program is also in place for the Poson festival.
Police Media Spokesman Senior Superintendent of Police Advocate Mr. Nihal Thalduwa stated that 2500 police officers have been deployed for that purpose.
He stated that 355 police lifeguards have also been deployed around the reservoirs in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts.
Anuradhapura Municipal Commissioner Mr. Ruwan Wijesinghe said that special programs are in place for the convenience of devotees coming for the Poson festival.
Meanwhile, the Prisons Department said that 440 prisoners will be given special presidential amnesty today (03) for Poson Poya Day.
It also includes 06 female prisoners.
The Department of Prisons announced that 440 prisoners selected from every prison in the island will be entitled to Presidential Special amnesty.