Massive security and traffic deployment set for State Poson Festival in Anuradhapura

A special security and traffic management plan is now active for the 2026 State Poson Festival, scheduled from June 26 to July 02. The Police Media Division announced these measures to safeguard and streamline movement for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visiting the Anuradhapura Atamasthana, Mihintale, and Thanthirimale Raja Maha Vihara.

Over 3,500 police officers are deployed to ensure the safety of the public.

Day and night mobile, foot, bicycle, beat, and motorcycle patrols operate within every police jurisdiction. Additionally, observation towers stand in high-congestion areas, and 150 police lifeguards monitor 24 lakes and reservoirs across the Anuradhapura district.

The Police Marine Division deployed an additional 120 lifeguards to active duty. Safe water-use zones are designated using buoys at identified locations.

Warning signs are placed in hazardous areas, while public announcements broadcast vital safety information. The Navy, Civil Security Department, and volunteer lifeguards provide additional support.

The traffic management plan divides Anuradhapura, Mihintale, and Thanthirimale into 10 distinct zones. Vehicles entering the Sacred City must adhere to a strict one-way system.

The entry routes are designated as follows:

From Puttalam direction: Enter the Sacred City through the Pandulagama area.

From Kurunegala direction: Enter the Sacred City through the Potanegama area.

From Dambulla / Polonnaruwa direction: Enter the Sacred City near the Jayanthi Roundabout.

From Wilachchiya / Thanthirimale direction: Enter the Sacred City through the Lolugaswewa area.

Vehicles inside the Sacred City must exit exclusively through either the Jaffna Junction or the Market Junction.

The alternative routes available for motorists are:

Vehicles from Puttalam / Kurunegala: Proceed towards the New Bus Stand via Potanegama Junction, Prison Junction, and Dahaiyagama Junction.

From Dambulla / Polonnaruwa towards Vavuniya: Travel via Galkulama, Mihintale, turn at Bonji Temple Junction, and use the Mihintale Railway Station Road to rejoin the A09 road.

Vehicles from Vavuniya: Enter the Railway Station Road from the Mihintale Apparel Factory Junction on the A09 road, and proceed to Galkulama Junction via Bonji Temple.

Vehicles from Wilachchiya / Thanthirimale: Turn right near the Tissa Wewa sluice gate and proceed toward Pandulagama Junction.

Authorities reserved 21 main parking lots for pilgrims' vehicles. According to the police statement, these parking areas are located around Isurumuniya, Sandahiru Seya, Sri Maha Bodhi, Mirisawetiya, Basawakkulama Wewa, Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya, Lankarama, Abhayagiri, Jetavanarama, and Kuttam Pokuna.

To address health emergencies and disaster relief, ambulances remain stationed at the following key points: