Poson Messages

Arrival of Arahat Mahinda, greatest event in country’s history – President

It is a great pleasure to celebrate the Poson festival this year too with the rest of the country under the patronage of the government, states President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a Poson message.

The message adds: “We consider the arrival of Arahat Mahinda to Sri Lanka as the greatest event in the history of our country. With this arrival, we were bestowed with a great and civilized culture, a prosperous economy and a noble philosophy of life.

“It is our singular wish to guide Sri Lanka to the path shown by Arahat Mahinda through his valued example. We were able to ensure freedom to the entire nation and protect all living beings and the environment by following the teaching brought by Arahat Mahinda.

“We as a nation that respects the teaching of the Buddha, contempt all differences on race, religion and caste as well as geography. Therefore, we should march towards progress giving the highest priority to the principles of tolerance with unity and determination.

“The Buddha’s teachings brought to us by Arahat Mahinda states: “Punnam ce puriso kayira – kayirathetam punappunam Tamhi chandam kayiratha – sukho punnassa uccayo”

“A person should repeat doing meritorious actions; he should delight in going good. Happiness is the result of the accumulation of merit”. Let us resolve to remember with great honor Arahat Mahinda giving meaning to that precept of Dhamma. “May the Noble Triple Gem bless you all.”

Sri Lanka, a country disciplined by Buddhist norms and values - PM

I am privileged to send a message on account of Poson celebrations which mark the historic advent of Buddhism following the arrival of Arahath Mahinda Thera to our Motherland, states Prime Minister D M Jayaratne in a Poson message.

The message adds: “It is noteworthy to see that the mission of Arahath Mahinda Thera paved the way to make Sri Lanka a country, a nation disciplined by norms and values of Buddhism.

“Arahath Mahinda Thera, being a follower of the Buddha arrived in Sri Lanka from India out of sympathy for the people of our country and spread Buddhism in every nook and corner of the country with the objective of creating a disciplined generation.

“It is regrettable to note that the heritage of Buddhist culture and values are greatly affected by the initiative and Westernized socio-culture. It is our duty to protect our Sri Lankan heritage from the harmful influences exerted from time to time. I emphasize that as clergy or laity, it is our sole responsibility to bequeath our heritage and to safeguard the culture for the sake of the younger generation.

“This Poson Poya day, in which the arrival of Arahath Mahinda Thera is celebrated with great respect, I cordially invite people belonging to all communities in Sri Lanka to join hands to build a society in which equity and peace is well established.

“I wish a happy Poson to all Buddhists in Sri Lanka and around the world.”