Sri Lanka Launches 24-Hour Security Operation for Poson Festival 2025

COLOMBO (News 1st); As the sacred Poson Poya Day falls tomorrow (10), Sri Lanka has launched a comprehensive operation to ensure the safety, convenience, and spiritual fulfillment of thousands of devotees expected to visit historic religious sites.

Special security and traffic arrangements are now in effect across key pilgrimage zones including Mihintale, Anuradhapura, and Thanthirimale.

The Poson State Festival will be officially held at the sacred Mihintale temple grounds, a site of immense historical and religious significance.

Sri Lanka Police confirmed that a 24-hour security and traffic management plan is being enforced in and around the Atamasthana (the eight sacred sites) and other major religious locations.

Special life-saving units have also been deployed near reservoirs and water bodies to ensure public safety.

To accommodate the influx of pilgrims, authorities have designated 21 parking areas in Anuradhapura and 7 within Mihintale. Drivers are advised to use only these official parking zones.

In support of the festival, the Sri Lanka Transport Board has deployed 200 additional buses, including special services from Colombo beyond the regular schedules. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Railways has introduced special train services to Anuradhapura from today until June 13. Notably, 36 free shuttle services will operate between Anuradhapura and Mihintale.

The Public Health Inspectors’ Union of Sri Lanka announced that 2,500 officers have been assigned to inspect food safety at dansals (free food stalls) across the country. 

According to Union Secretary Chamil Muthukuda, over 8,000 dansals have been registered nationwide, including 193 in Anuradhapura and 98 in Mihintale alone.
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