State Poson festival to be held at Mihintale

• Govt. decides to celebrate Poson without public gathering due to COVID-19 concerns 

This year’s State Poson Festival will be held at Mihintale Medamaluwa in Anuradhapura with a limited number of participants under the theme of ‘Health is the Greatest Wealth’. Prime Minister Media in a statement said parallel to the State Poson festival, ceremonies of Pirith Chanting, Hewisi Pooja, and Kapruka Pooja would be held in other religious palaces without public participation.

The decision was taken following a Poson Committee meeting at Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s official residence in Wijerama. The same theme was used to celebrate the State Vesak Festival, which also a low-key celebration due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the committee had decided that should be continued due to the prevailing situation in the country. “This year marks the 2,328-year anniversary of the arrival of Arahath Mahinda Thero to Sri Lanka. Therefore following the instructions of the Government, the Poson Festival will be celebrated under the guidance of health officials,” it said.