All set for Poson in A'pura

Elaborate arrangements are now in place to celebrate the Poson festival in Anuradhapura and Mihintale during the festive week from June 17 to 24, states Anuradhapura District Secretary U.D.Yapa as disclosed by the Government Information Department yesterday.

Addressing a media briefing held in this connection at the Information Department Auditorium, District Secretary Yapa said that facilities to ensure the security, health, sanitation, first aid, transport, life saving devices and free meals supplies are well set by now to cater to more than one million devotees expected to throng the sacred areas during the Poson period.

The period of festivity begins with the traditional "pan perahera" bringing pots of water from 13 irrigational tanks in the District in a procession leaving the historical Isurumuniya Maha Viharaya to be offered at the Sacred Bo Tree Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, followed by the commencement of the Sathi Seth Pirith chanting that will continue till June 25.

Parallel to the main religious observances of "Dana" "Seela" and "Bhavana" centring the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya and Mihintale, the surrounding places of worship at Mahamevuna Uyana, Avukana, Vijithapura and Thantirimale too will conduct similar religious programmes during the "Poson" full-moon period.

The Tissa Wewa and Nuwara Wewa, which are the main sources of drinking water supply will be prohibited for bathing and ablution purposes. A number of tanks including the Basawakkulama Wewa will be open for such purposes and the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Life Saving Association and the Police in collaboration with the C.T.C.Eagle Insurance Company have deployed divers to meet any contingencies endangering life.

The public are warned to avoid risky places when bathing.

The Anuradhapura Hospital will be on alert to attend to any casualties. Around 6,000 Police personnel including home guards will be deployed for public security in addition to police officers in civilian clothes. Special arrangements have been made to control traffic.

There will be 24 vehicle parks in Anuradhapura area and seven vehicle parks in Mihintale. Forty six Special Trains will operate from Colombo Fort Railway Station connecting with the normal train arrivals from outstations. The Normal trains from Colombo Fort to Vavuniya will be linked with additional carriages.

The "Mihintala Aloka Pooja" will be conducted as usual by the Lake House on June 20, 21 and 22.

Public are requested to avoid use of polythene and if they do so, to be mindful not to litter the places of worship but to put them in the places meant for the purpose.