“Sandahiru Maha Se Poson Zone” lights up the sacred precincts at Anuradhapura
June 22, 2024- Defence Secretary inaugurates ‘Sandahiru Maha Se Poson Zone’
The opening ceremony of the ‘Sandahiru Maha Se Poson Zone’ was held with the gracious presence of Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne at the Sandahiru Stupa precincts in the historic Anuradhapura sacred city last evening (June 21).
Making his presence as the Chief Guest, Defence Secretary Gen. Gunaratne switched on the lights of the pandal, symbolizing the ceremonial opening of the Poson Zone at the auspicious hour.
The ‘Sandahiru Maha Se Poson Zone’ organized by the Security Force Headquarters - Wanni in coordination with the Ministry of Defence features a spectacular and colourful pandal, Wankagiriya, 50 illuminated decorative lanterns and other decorations that showcase the aesthetic abilities of tri forces and Civil Security Department (CSD) personnel.
The holy ground surrounding the Sandahiru Stupa is illuminated with colourful light decorations and traditional lanterns. Bakthi Gee performances (songs of religious devotion) and armed forces cultural troupes are among the highlights of this religious and cultural celebration.
Special arrangements are in place to offer free food and refreshments to the visiting devotees who are arriving in their numbers to witness this special evening of religious and cultural significance and also be involved in religious observances.
The exposition of Deegawapiya and the Crest Gem also commenced at the Sandahiru Seya premises this morning. These sacred relics were placed in the Ransivigeya, built in the Buddha Shrine, for public veneration amidst religious observances. In parallel with these religious events, Gen. Gunaratne also handed over a Hemodialysis Machine worth Rs. 3.3 million sponsored by the Sandahiru Saya Charitable Trust to the Tambuttegama Base Hospital yesterday morning. The Defence Secretary attending the opening ceremony said that the funds collected in the tills placed in the Poson Zone and as well donations to the Sandahiru Saya Charitable Trust account will be utilized for the welfare of patients suffering from kidney and heart diseases in remote areas.
The Poson full moon day, which marks the historic arrival of Mahinda Thero to the country carrying the teachings of Lord Buddha, is a very important day to Sri Lankan Buddhists. This day commemorates the Buddhists’ cultural renaissance in the country.
Venerable Maha Sangha, Chairperson of the MOD Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs Chithrani Gunaratne, Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapakse, senior tri forces officers including Deputy Military Liaison Officer of the MOD Brigadier Nadeeka Kulasekara, CSD officers, and a large number of devotees were present at the occasion.
The Poson Zone will continue until Monday (Jun 24) and arrangements are in place to provide necessary assistance to the visiting devotees to make their visit a wonderful experience of religious and cultural significance.
