Special security and traffic plan for Poson season

Colombo, June 20 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Police has announced a comprehensive island-wide security and traffic management plan in preparation for the upcoming Poson festival. This year’s Poson Full Moon Poya Day falls on June 29, 2026, and is expected to attract large numbers of devotees to religious sites across the country.

According to the Police Media Division, the main state religious celebrations will be centered around the Anuradhapura Atamasthana, Mihintale, and the Tantirimale Raja Maha Viharaya. In addition to these key venues, numerous religious programs, Poson pandals (thoran), lantern exhibitions, and free food distribution stalls (dansal) are expected to be organized nationwide, drawing significant crowds throughout the festive period.

To ensure the safety and security of devotees, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya has instructed all Officers-in-Charge (OICs) and senior police officers to implement special security measures across all police divisions. Police said that day and night mobile patrols, foot and bicycle patrols, as well as motorcycle squads, will be deployed extensively. Traffic police officers and intelligence units will also be assigned to manage traffic congestion and prevent illegal activities, including drug-related offenses.

The Police further warned that strict legal action will be taken against motorists who engage in reckless driving, excessive speeding, or driving under the influence of alcohol. Police said that any individual found disturbing public peace, harassing devotees, or engaging in unlawful conduct during the festival season will face legal consequences.

As part of the public safety campaign, Sri Lanka Police has issued a series of guidelines for devotees and event organizers. Members of the public have been urged to refrain from using loud and disruptive vehicle horns in public spaces. Organizers of dansal and pandals have also been advised to avoid playing loud or inappropriate music and to ensure that loudspeaker systems are operated only in accordance with the permits issued by relevant authorities without causing inconvenience to the public.

Police have also highlighted the importance of water safety, particularly in the Anuradhapura district, where large numbers of devotees often visit reservoirs and tanks. The public has been cautioned to exercise extreme care when bathing and has been strictly advised against entering designated dangerous or prohibited areas.

Organizers of dansal programs have been instructed to maintain proper health and hygiene standards while also implementing effective crowd and queue management measures. Police said that vehicles should not be parked along roadsides in a manner that obstructs traffic flow or creates congestion.

In addition, devotees have been urged to dispose of waste responsibly and avoid littering in religious and public spaces. Parents and guardians have been advised to closely supervise children and elderly family members in crowded areas. Police also warned the public to remain vigilant against pickpockets and to take necessary precautions to safeguard valuable belongings, including gold jewelry.

Police said public can report incidents of reckless or dangerous driving, including video evidence, via WhatsApp to 070-4755600. For emergencies, suspicious activities, or immediate police assistance, the public is requested to contact the Police Emergency Hotline on 118 or 119.