Srilanka, June 29 -- Thousands of Buddhist devotees gathered at temples and sacred sites across Sri Lanka today (29) to observe Poson Full Moon Poya, commemorating the arrival of Arahat Mahinda Thero, who introduced Buddhism to the country in the 3rd century BCE.



Religious observances, including almsgiving, devotional ceremonies and observance of Sil, were held at temples across the country, with large crowds converging on the sacred cities of Anuradhapura and Mihintale from the early hours of the day.



According to Buddhist tradition, Arahat Mahinda Thero arrived at Mihintale on a Poson Full Moon day accompanied by a group of missionaries, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.



Meanwhile, the annual Deranabhiwanda...