Poson messages

Great joy to celebrate Poson in unity - President

Poson Poya is a most revered festival for the entire Buddhist population of Sri Lanka as it reminds us of the advent to Sri Lanka of Arahat Mahinda with Buddha's message of the Dhamma. Celebrating this historic, two thousand three hundred and eighteenth Poson Festival in unity with the entire nation brings us great joy, states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a Poson message.

The Dhamma preached by Arahat Mahinda led our society and culture to a new path. It showed us the way to live in co-existence as citizens of one country regardless of ethnic or religious differences.

Inspired by the spirit of loving kindness and compassion, we resolved as a nation to build a society based on morals and non-violence.

It was due to the path of peace and serenity enunciated by Arahat Mahinda that we lay claim to a proud history among the countries of the world.

The country, today, is united to build a righteous nation based on the teachings of Arahat Mahinda. Success must be achieved by working resolutely. Based on love and kindness we usher in co-existence. We should not forget that the divisions make us the losers.

Our State policy is always guided by the path of Dhamma.

'Dhammo have Rakkathi Dhammachari'

Let us reflect upon these words of the Enlightened One taught to our nation by Arahat Mahinda which means 'One who lives with the Dhamma is protected by the Dhamma' and make the Poson season more meaningful by aligning ourselves to build a New Sri Lanka.

May the Triple Gem Bless you!

Buddhist revival year appropriate to new era - PM

I am happy to send this Poson message to Sri Lankan Buddhists marking the 2318th anniversary of the advent of Arhat Mihindu who brought the gift of Buddhism to Sri Lankans, states Prime Minister DM Jayaratne in a Poson message.

The message adds: With this year's Poson festival we have the opportunity to declare a Buddhist revival year as appropriate to the new era that is before us today.

That revival should not be limited to good wishes but should be converted to a meaningful one in which Buddhists should work with inner feelings to achieve it.

"In a country where the majority of the people are Buddhists we should live according to the great teachings of Lord Buddha by understanding its essence.

Like the renaissance that took place after the arrival of Arahat Mihindu we are now experiencing a new freedom after the defeat of terrorists under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and are working towards creating a society with discipline and cultural revival.

As a Government we are devoted to that task. "We have to now work towards the revival of our society with enhanced religious and cultural values and I take this opportunity on this Poson day to invite all groups of people in the country to unite to build such a society.

"May this Poson day be a significant one for all Buddhists."