Sri Lanka, June 29 -- Following is the message from Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on the occasion of Poson Poya:

"The Poson Full Moon Poya, commemorated in remembrance of the Dhamma mission of Arahant Mahinda Thera in establishing the Buddha Sasana in Sri Lanka, is a sacred day that reminds us of spiritual awakening, wisdom, and social harmony.

"Poson Poya is significant not only as a religious observance in Sri Lankan history, but also as a symbol of transformation of culture, moral way of life and thinking of an entire nation. Buddhist philosophy, introduced to the country through the arrival of Arahant Mahinda Thera in Sri Lanka, has shaped our national identity for centuries."

"Poson Poya reminds us that true development be...