Special program to celebrate Poson

• Liquor shops closed during weekend

The Government has organised a series of events to celebrate Poson Poya Day and has declared 12 to 18 June Poson week.

The theme of this year’s Poson festival is ‘Sabbe Thasanthi Dandassa’, meaning ‘all living beings fear punishment’. The Internal and Home Affairs Ministry said in a statement during the Poson week that the Buddhist flag would be hoisted across all State institutions and that the buildings would also be decorated.

Meanwhile, the Government Information Department, issuing a statement, said all liquor stores and slaughterhouses in the country would be closed on Saturday and Sunday. The statement also said Casinos, betting centres, and night clubs will also remain closed during this weekend.

Special religious rituals will take place throughout the week across all District and Divisional Secretariat offices, the statement added. 

All-night pirith chanting ceremonies were held on 13 June, followed by almsgivings held yesterday, across all District and Divisional Secretariat offices.