CDRD Successfully Launches Mobile App to Support Devotees During Poson Festival in Anuradhapura

2025-06-10

The Center for Defence Research and Development (CDRD) has successfully launched a specially developed mobile application designed to provide essential information to devotees visiting Anuradhapura during the Poson festival. This initiative was undertaken following a request made by the Chief Monk of the Anuradhapura Atamasthanaya, Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero. The mobile application was developed by the Information Technology and Geographical Information System (IT & GIS) Wing of CDRD and was accessible via https://posonvandana.lk. The app offers comprehensive details including the locations of available car parks, Dansal zones (free food distribution points), drinking water points, public toilet facilities, and suitable tanks and water bodies designated for bathing, which are monitored by lifeguards. Additionally, it provided the locations of information centers and emergency contact numbers vital for public safety.

Beyond logistical information, the app also includes brief descriptions of significant historical and religious sites in Anuradhapura, Mihintale, and Thanthirimale, along with route guidance from the user's current location. This marks the first time a mobile application has been introduced to assist the public in accessing real-time information about facilities arranged for the Poson festival in Anuradhapura. The application also provided real-time information on car park availability through a dedicated dashboard accessible to the Anuradhapura Police, enabling them to manage traffic more efficiently. Additionally, a team from CDRD visited Anuradhapura and actively supported traffic monitoring operations at the Anuradhapura Police Operations Room throughout the festival season. The Director General of CDRD also visited Anuradhapura during the festival season and personally inspected the operation and effectiveness of the application.

The initiative was highly praised by Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, the Anuradhapura District Secretary, the Commissioner of the Anuradhapura Municipal Council, and several other senior officials, who also requested that the project be continued and further extended for the upcoming Poson festival next year. The application also had a significant impact in easing traffic congestion by guiding thousands of vehicles entering the city during the festival season, thereby helping to manage the heavy influx more efficiently. The mobile application was promoted by TV Derana, with AIA Insurance and Sri Lanka Telecom serving as official sponsors.