In view of celebrating the Poson Festival 2023 in grandeur, NSBM Green University erected a special Poson Zone at the university premises in coordination with the “Dharma Rashmi” Poson zone centred in Homagama. The Poson Zone was held for three consecutive days, beginning 3rd, the Poson Full Moon Poya Day, until 5th of June 2023.  

The inauguration of the NSBM Poson Zone followed a brief ceremony held at the NSBM Grounds in attendance of a host of dignitaries, including Hon. Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, Vice Chancellor of NSBM Green University, Prof. E. A. Weerasinghe, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chaminda Rathnayake, Head of Academic Development and Quality Assurance, Prof. Baratha Dodankotuwa, Deans, Heads and Staff of NSBM, Foreign Ambassadors, and invitees.  

Showcasing the importance of Poson both in terms of spiritually and culturally, the “Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone” at NSBM Green University comprised a series of special events and numerous Poson illuminations. Among them, the spotlight was grabbed by Religious Musical Show held throughout all three days featuring renowned local artists. The Zone also included a cultural show that comprised performances by NSBM undergraduates representing Drama Club, Music Club, Media Club and Dancing Club. These shows were broadcasted live on ITN Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka Rupavahini. 

On the second day of “Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone”, the Stamp Bureau of the Department of Posts, together with the Ministry of Mass Media, unveiled a special commemorative postage stamp honouring Venerable Sri Pandita Dr. Henepola Guneratana Maha Nayaka Thero, Chief Sanganayaka of North America.  

The Poson Lantern Competition was another highlight of the Poson Zone. Eyeing to win the best lantern creation, the competition received many creative and uniquely crafted lanterns under two categories; School and Dhamma School Category and NSBM Green University Inter-Departmental Category. An esteemed panel carefully evaluated the lanterns and cash prizes and certificates were awarded to the winners at a ceremony held in conjunction with the event. In the NSBM inter-departmental Category, the lantern creation of NSBM’s Department of Design Studies emerged victoriously to win first place, while the lanterns of the Department of Information and Systems Sciences and Department of English and Modern Languages won second and third places, respectively. 

After three successful days of spiritual and vibrant celebratory events that reinforced the spirit of the Poson festival, “Dharma Rashmi Poson Zone” at NSBM Green University came to a conclusion on 5th June 2023.