A important full moon poya day of Buddhists – ‘ Poson ‘ – By Malsha – eLanka Poson Poya Day is an important religious holiday celebrated in Sri Lanka. It commemorates the arrival of Buddhism to the country in the 3rd century BC. Poson Poya is observed on the full moon day in the month of Poson (June), according to the lunar calendar followed in Sri Lanka. On this day, Buddhists in Sri Lanka engage in various religious activities to honor the introduction of Buddhism to the country. One of the significant events associated with Poson Poya is the arrival of Arahat Mahinda, the son of Emperor Ashoka, to Sri Lanka. Arahat Mahinda is believed to have introduced Buddhism to the island by converting King Devanampiya Tissa and his subjects. During Poson Poya, Buddhists visit temples and engage in religious rituals. Many people also participate in pilgrimages to important Buddhist ...

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A wedding ring pawned to buy some bread Queue at a pawn shop. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara Source:Sunday Times Treasured gold jewellery such as wedding rings and children’s panchaudas (protection talismans) were taken to pawn shops this week by scores of desperate people when travel restrictions were lifted after weeks of lockdown. Long queues were seen at pawning centres both in cities and villages. While most women turned away when approached by a reporter, some waiting to enter the shops were vocal about the growing cost of living. Single mother D. Samanthi from Nugegoda said she used to work at a salon but now has no income for the household. ...

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