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Sri Lanka is celebrating the Poson Poya holiday, which marks the commemoration of Buddhism over 2,000 years ago.

Overview	Poson Poya is the second most important Buddhist festival in Sri Lanka, after Vesak in religious significance.
Date of Observance	Celebrated on the full moon day of June, which aligns with the seventh month of the Sinhalese calendar.
Historical Commemoration	Marks the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in 236 BCE, when Arahat Mahinda, son of Emperor Ashoka, met King Devanampiyatissa at Mihintale.
Key Locations	Observances take place island-wide, with major celebrations at Mihintale and Anuradhapura.
Ritual Activities	Devotees visit temples, meditate, offer alms, and perform acts of charity (Dana) as part of spiritual devotion.
Cultural Expressions	Communities set up Dansalas (free food stalls), decorate homes and streets with lanterns, and showcase illuminated Buddhist story panels.

Arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Buddhism arrived in Sri Lanka about 2,300 years ago, during the reign of King Devanampiyatissa, resulting in a tremendous spiritual and cultural shift.
Arahat Mahinda, son of Indian Emperor Ashoka, introduced it around 236 BCE on Poson Poya day at Mihintale.
The king embraced Buddhism, resulting in universal acceptance throughout the island. Sri Lanka became a major hub of Theravāda Buddhism, with thriving temples, stupas, and monastic institutions.

Source: Newsonair