Sri Lanka is celebrating the National Poson festival across the island today. The National Poson Committee has made all necessary arrangements to celebrate the upcoming National Poson Festival at various places including the sacred complex at Anuradhapura and Mihintale. During the Poson season, arrangements have been made to provide all the necessary facilities including safety, transportation, water, health and electricity among others.   

The Poson poya day marks the arrival of Buddhism to Sri Lanka when Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, gave the first sermon to a Sri Lankan king. The festival will be celebrated on Friday and accordingly, the period from June 18 to 24 has been named as Poson Week. Arrangements have been made at the Anuradhapura sacred area, Mihinthale and Tanthirimalaya to hold the Poson Festival in a grand manner. On the occasion, the sale of all alcoholic beverages will be banned island-wide.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Railways Department is offering free train services for the entire Poson week starting from the 17th of June for passengers travelling between Anuradhapura and Mihintale.