ARMY WAR COLLEGE CELEBRATES POSON FESTIVAL 2024

The historic temple of “Sri Rahathankanda” hermitage situated in the close proximity of the Army War College (AWC) Buttala celebrated its annual “Poson Festival” facilitating a heavy influx of pilgrims visiting the colorful “Poson Zone” with the blessings of Chief Incumbent, Venerable Elpitiye Sumanarathana Thero for public viewing on 21 June 2024. The three-day “Poson Zone”, jointly organized by the Dayaka Sabawa (Board of lay trustees) of the temple together with the government institutions and the society in Buttala, righteously enhanced the thoughtful inclination of the religious community in the area. Having gone through the precedence of the involvements in the previous years, the AWC troops made their pious contributions and participation in the religious activities during the Poson Poya day programme and also to screen out eye catching lanterns and other celebrations in the “Poson Zone 2024”.

With the invitation of the Organizing Committee, Major General Dinesh Udugama RWP RSP USP ndc psc the Commandant AWC inaugurated the “Poson Zone” by illuminating the Weera Keppetipola Stupa of the temple and participated in the “Budda Vandana” programme together with his spouse Mrs Udari Anupama Gamage. Students of the Sri Rahathankanda Hermitage Damma School staged a concert of “Mihidu Bathi Gee” that attracted the attendees. A ‘Roti Dansela’ supported by the Army War College was also offered to the pilgrims coincide with “Poson Zone 2024”. Thousands of Poson sight-seers who had been traveling along Wellawaya - Monaragala road enjoyed visiting the Poson Zone. Among the participants from various communities in the vicinity, the Deputy Commandant, Staff of AWC and the Student Officers also attended the celebrations.

The almanac event held to commemorate the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka is the second most important Buddhist festival in the island and the arrival of Arahath Mahinda Thero to Sri Lanka during the reign of king Devanampiyathissa made the inception of a rich culture in the country. On this noble day, the entire Buddhist community across the island pay homage not only for being embraced with the new faith of Buddhism but also realizing the aspiration of obtaining a Bodhi-sapling of great Bo-tree. Major General Dinesh Udugama, the Commandant AWC also lightened the decorated representation of “Dumindagamanaya” that portrayed the chronicle story in which the southern branch of sacred Bo-tree at the Buddhagaya was brought to Sri Lanka by the Nun Sangamittha, the sister of Arahath Mahinda Thero.