Sri Lanka celebrating Poson Poya, marking arrival of Buddhism over 2000 years ago –

Sri Lanka is celebrating the sacred Poson Poya festival today, marking the historic arrival of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago. Observed on the June full moon, the festival commemorates the first sermon preached by Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, to King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale, marking the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Thousands of devotees have gathered at the Mihintale Hill and other sacred sites such as Anuradhapura, which are central to the celebrations. Streets, homes, and public places have been adorned with paper lanterns and decorations. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake greeted the country on the occasion in his message, and emphasised unity and moral revival as a path to national transformation. Meanwhile, the Indian High Commission has marked the occasion with an exhibition on Indian Buddhist heritage at the National Museum in Colombo. To facilitate pilgrims, free train services are running between Anuradhapura and Mihintale throughout the Poson week, apart from special services between Colombo Fort and Anuradhapura.