Sri Lanka Police have announced an islandwide package of security and traffic measures ahead of the Poson full-moon festival on June 29, the second-largest Buddhist celebration in the country after Vesak.
The main state observances this year will be held at the sacred Atamasthana in Anuradhapura, Mihintale and the Thanthirimale Raja Maha Viharaya, with poson pandals, lantern displays, dansals and zonal religious programmes expected across the island. Tens of thousands of pilgrims travel north for the festival, which marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
The Inspector General has directed all Officers-in-Charge and senior officers to implement comprehensive security and traffic management plans across police divisions during the period. Mobile, foot, bicycle and motorcycle patrols will operate day and night, with traffic officers stationed at congestion-prone locations along pilgrim routes.
Intelligence personnel will be deployed to gather information on unlawful activities and narcotics offences, while strict action will be taken against drunk driving, over-speeding and reckless driving — repeat causes of accidents during major religious festivals. Police will also monitor social media for potential threats and act against anyone whose conduct is “disrespectful to the sacred nature” of the occasion.
Pilgrims and the public have been asked to refrain from using loud horns in public places, avoid playing music inappropriate to the festival, and respect traffic directions in the holy areas. The deployment supersedes the June 16 announcement of 3,000 officers for Anuradhapura security, expanding the operational footprint to the full island in the days running up to the Poya.
