Anuradhapura fully geared for Poson

Nimal Wijesinghe - Anuradhapura additional district group correspondent

Anuradhapura Government Agent Mahinda Seneviratne told the Daily News that adequate water, electricity and transport facilities would be available to the devotees arriving in Anuradhapura and Mihintale sacred cities during the forthcoming National Poson religious festive season.

Referring to the arrangements being made for the Poson, the government agent said that the traditional one week Poson Pirith chanting would begin on June 20 following the special procession carrying water from Tisawewa, reservoir to the special 'Pirith Mandappaya' in Mahamevuna Uyana.

The 2013 Poson religious festive week will be from June 20 to 26. All Liquor bars and meat stalls in Anuradhapura district will be kept closed on June 22 to 24.

Seneviratne said being monitored by the Poson steering committee headed by him, a round the clock transport under a combined operations schedule will be provided by the CTB, private bus companies and the CGR during the festive week.

The GA said there would be a free train service to pilgrims travelling between Anuradhapura and Mihintale during the Poson week.

"There is no prohibition on devotees in bathing in reservoirs in Anuradhapura and the suburbs but they shall not put their lives in danger when bathing or washing".

"I request the pilgrims to be aware of the sign boards at the reservoirs demarcating the areas not suitable to use. Anyway we will be detailing life saving personal with life saving gear at the reservoirs, such as Tisawewa, Nuwarawewa, Mahakanadarawa, Basawakkulams and Kalawewa reservoirs," Seneviratne said.