A large gathering of Sri Lankans converged on the Embassy premises on 25th June on the occasion of Poson celebrations organized by the Embassy in collaboration with "We are the Sri Lankans" Association in Kuwait. A notable feature of the occasion was the presence of a large number of Sri Lankans belonging to other religious denominations.

The Embassy compound was turned into a makeshift Dhamma Mandiraya for the occasion decorated with Buddhist flags, Poson lanterns, a pandol, lights and other attractions depicting "Poson". As part of the festivities, a sil campaign was held from morning till mid day in which over 200 participated. All devotees were offered alms with the courtesy of Yasasa Cargo, Kuwait. Buddhist sermons, a meditation session and Buddha Puja were conducted by Mr. E.M. Piyatissa and Mr. Nalin de Silva who volunteered to perform the meritorious deeds and Buddhist rituals.

A more colorful and elaborate ceremony was commenced in the evening with the participation of over 2000 devotees in a tranquil setting. It all started with a Poson Perehara parading the Embassy compound in which children clad in white clothes carried Buddhist flags and offerings. The volunteers i.e. Mr. Nalin de Silva assisted by Mr. E.M. Piyatissa conducted religious observances and invoked blessings on the devotees present. Mr. Piyatissa delivered a Damma Desana in which he emphasized the relevance of Buddhist way of life as the only path towards liberation. Thereafter, the Pandol depicting "Vidura Jathaka Story" was ceremonially lit by Mr. Gamini Wijeratne, Actg. President of the Sri Lanka Cultural Association. Delivering the welcome remarks Mr. Prasanna Perera of the Embassy narrated the sequence of events that followed since introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka by Arihath Mahinda Thero on a Poson Full Moon Poya Day which culminated in a Buddhist renaissance throughout Sri Lanka benefiting the mankind for their spiritual upliftment and the evolution of a civilized society.

Speaking on the occasion, President of the "We are the Sri Lankans" association, Mr. Ajith Kaldera thanked the members and well-wishers for their commitment and support toward "Poson" festival which he said is their "maiden" activity since inception. He also briefed the audience on the importance of celebrating Sri Lanka's religious and cultural festivals for the promotion of heritage, socio-cultural values and customs among fellow citizens.

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Kuwait, Sarath Dissanayake in his remarks appreciated the hard work, generosity and goodwill of the members of the association, Sri Lankan community and well-wishers including the "SRI TV" channel for the success of the Poson celebrations. He said this year the Poson festival in Kuwait is particularly significant in that a Jathaka story was performed live for the first time by a group of artists as a stage drama.

Then the crowd was invited to partake in "Sisil Pan Dansala" and snacks. Thereafter, the members of the association mesmerized the audience with a Bhakthi Gee performance. Next, Mr. U.S.K. Udawatta and Mr. Nalin de Silva from Embassy presented a "Kavi Bana" recital following which a "Viridu" session was staged by the association.

Then came the much awaited "finale" i.e. the staging of "Nalinika Jathaka Story" which was ceremonially commenced with the lighting of the oil lamp. The sequence of episodes unfolded on the stage during the next 60 minutes was directed and choreographed by Mr. Nishantha Mahawewa, a Veteran Artist and Composer supported by Mr. Prasanna Perera of the Embassy, who wrote the drama script and assisted in editing. The audience enjoyed the brilliant display of talents by the artists throughout the drama, which was a novel experience to all those present.