Themed “Eliminate Vices” the Poson commemoration will begin today (June 16) and continue till the 22nd. Poson will be commemorated in Anuradhapura, Mihintale and Tanthrimale areas.

Anuradhapura District Secretary D.P.G. Kumarasiri said that the sale of liquor and smoking in affiliation to these Poson Zones during this period is prohibited.

The District Secretary said that the sale and consumption of liquor is banned from the 16 to the 22nd. It also applies to cigarettes. Tourist Hotels have been apprised of this decision. The Police and the Excise Department officials will be conducting special raids. Complaints have been received that expired food was being sold. A special team will be operative round the clock to make such detections.

This was discussed in depth at a special discussion of the Poson Festival Committee held in Anuradhapura.

The Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Chaithyarama delivered an anusasana.

In his anusasana, the Chief Prelate advised the devotees to be properly dressed. He called on them to refrain from polluting the environment. He emphasized that Poson was not a Carnival.