The Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone was important to Sri Lankan Buddhists for a number of reasons and it attracted devotees from all over Sri Lanka. Significantly, diplomatic officers of several countries came to the Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone in Pitipana and Homagama, to participate in the opening ceremony on Poson Poya Day (June 3) and also on subsequent days. The diplomatic officers were from Bangladesh, India, Japan, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Russia and several other countries.
Started with the leadership and contribution of distinguished people from home and abroad, this Poson Zone received the immense devotion of Buddhists. The Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone was initiated by Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardena.
 Standing Buddha statue at Pitipana junction created in the image of the Avukana Buddha statue in Anuradhapura by Ven. Ratnapure Nanda Thera. |
After the religious rites held in the Bodhirajarama Temple premises in Panagoda, the Poson zone was officially opened by the Minister and the invited guests by switching on the electric lighting system. Afterwards, with the participation of diplomatic representatives, the opening of the pandal took place. The pandal depicting the Manikara Kulapagatissa Jataka was created by artist Ajith Kumara. Various dansals were organized throughout the Poson Zone.
The biggest rice dansala in Sri Lanka was organised by the Army near the Homagama Pitipana Mahinda Rajapaksa Vidyalaya. Food was prepared for more than 20,000 people.
On the day after Poson Day, a very important event took place at the NSBM Green University Campus. This was to appreciate the national and religious mission of the Chief Sanghanayake of North America Dr. Aggamaha Pandita Henepola Gunarathana Thera. A special tribute stamp and a First Day Cover were issued under the leadership of Minister Dr. Gunawardena.
The Minister presented the tribute stamp and the First Day Cover to the Maha Nayaka of the Kotte Sri Kalyani Sangha Sabha Most Ven. Dr. Itthepane Dhammalankara Thera.
America
After working in America for many decades, Ven. Gunarathana Thera spread Buddhism in Western countries and gave advice on meditation methods. He became famous at home and abroad. In 1954, he started preaching abroad. The book “Mindfulness in Plain English” written by him on meditation has been described by the New York Times as the best book written on meditation in the world. This book is being serialised every week in the Sunday Observer.
Five years ago he was named by Wisdom magazine as one of the three most leading bhikkhus in the world. Also, in 2012, the National Geographic Magazine introduced the West Virginia Forest Meditation Centre founded by him as one of the 500 best places to visit in the world. This special event was watched live by about 200,000 people in the USA and the Homagama Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone also attracted a lot of international attention. This felicitation, done in conjunction with the Homagama Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone, was highly respected by many people who are interested in the Dhamma at home and abroad.
The replica of the famous Aukana Buddha statue installed near the Panagoda Army Camp was also unveiled during the Poson Zone activities. It was a creation of Ven. Ratnapura Nanda Thera. This was built as a tribute to fallen war heroes.
Moreover, many other religious programs, including spiritual meditation, were conducted at the Sri Sugathabimbarama Vihara in Homagama. More than 1,200 devotees joined the Sil campaign at this temple. The exposition of Sacred Neelagiri Relics also took place at this temple, attracting devotees from all over the island. The devotees worshipped the Relics with immense faith. The Relics were conveyed to Homagama from the Archaeology Department in Colombo by a colourful procession.
Programs
 A Pandal depicting the Manikara Kulapagatissa Jataka by artist Ajith Kumar |
These Poson religious programs were broadcast live on June 3, 4 and 5 through the Savanak Ras program of ITN. During those three days, devoid of urban noise or commotion, devotees gathered to visit the Dharma Rashmi Poson region. The free transport service that operated every 15 minutes from 6 pm to 12 midnight on all three days was very convenient for the devotees. The traffic Police devised a special traffic plan to ensure that pilgrims could travel to Homagama by public transport or private vehicle without any congestion.
Devotional song concerts were held throughout the three days, beautifying the Dharma Rashmi Poson region, and all of them were broadcast on national television and radio on all three days. Charitha Priyadarshini Peiris and Edward Jayakody led the “Bodu Bathi Gee Saraniya” with the participation of leading popular singers.
In addition, the Poson lantern competition organised by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon (Lake House) with the support of ITN was held on June 3, 4 and 5 at the Dharma Rashmi Homagama Pitipana Poson Zone. All lanterns were made without using polythene. In this competition, the first prize was Rs.500,000, the second prize was Rs.250,000 and the third prize was Rs.125,000. The fourth to tenth-placed entries received Rs.25,000 each.
The ‘Dharma Rashmi’ Poson Zone was initiated on the instructions of Minister Gunawardena with the support of Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Ministry Highways, Transport and Media, Urban Development Authority, Tri Forces, Police, Government agencies, Western Provincial Council, Homagama Divisional Secretariat, Homagama Regional Education Office, Homagama Pradeshiya Sabha, Homagama residents, businessmen and all associations in the area.
Cities
This Poson Zone was spread over 10 kilometres and covered the five main cities of Homagama, Pitipana, Haritha Sarasavi Pedesa (NSBM Green University), Deegoda Road and Godagama. By lighting lamps in their gardens and making lanterns, all the residents in the area joined the Poson Zone.
The Homagama Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone brought spiritual relief for the people in Sri Lanka who had been living amidst various economic problems and also a pandemic for around three years.
This Poson Zone took place in conjunction with the Poson Zone in Anuradhapura and Mihintale, where Arahat Mahinda Thera arrived from India with the sublime message of the Buddha. Upon hearing his discourse, King Devanampiyatissa and his entourage embraced Buddhism, which laid a firm foundation for a new agri-based civilisation and cultural ethos in Sri Lanka. Thousands of pilgrims flocked to Mihintale for the Poson activities there.
Poson decorations
The inauguration of the Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone in Pitipana , Homagama.
Releasing a special commemorative stamp and a first day cover to honor profound services rendered to the Buddha Sasana and the nation by North America’s Chief Sanghanayaka and Aggamahapanditha Most Ven. Dr. Henepola Gunarathana Nayaka Thera. Transport Highways and Mass Media Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardena presided over at the issuing of the stamp and the special cover.
The Minister and the invitees inaugurated the light system after participating in puja ceremonies at Panagoda Army Bodhirajarama Vihara.
Minister Dr Bandula Gunawardena sharing a moment with diplomats from the Office of the Indian High Commission and the embassies of Japan, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Russia at the Poson Zone.
Dignitaries from foreign embassies and High Commissions in Sri Lanka serving meals to those came to receive food from the Dansala in Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone.
Melodious Poson Bhakthi Gee resonates at Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone.
Visitors flock to Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone