A delegation of 12 venerable Buddhist monks from the Walk for Peace pilgrimage across the United States, including Ven. Pannakara Thero and Ven. Ratanaguna, have commenced a week-long walk across Sri Lanka, under government patronage, marking the continuation of their 108-day Walk for Peace from Fort Worth, Texas that took them across the United States to Washington. DC.
The spiritual undertaking—which will take the monks from the ancient city of Anuradhapura to the capital Colombo—commenced on 22 April from the historic Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya, a World Heritage Site (1991) in central Sri Lanka. The procession is accompanied by sacred Buddha relics and a Bodhi sapling from Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, and the monks’ now famous rescued canine companion Aloka. The monks will travel to key cities in Sri Lanka to promote global unity, compassion, harmony, and spiritual reflection.
The monastic delegation, accompanied by a group of lay followers and Aloka, landed at Sri Lanka’s Bandaranaike International Airport in the early morning of 21 April. The monks were received by Dr. Melpitiye Wimalakitthi Thero and senior members of Sri Lanka’s monastic sangha.
Speaking at the commencement of the pilgrimage on Tuesday, Vietnamese monk Ven. Pannakara Thero, who is leading the pilgrimage, emphasized that peace begins within oneself, and that practicing mindfulness at all times is instrumental in cultivating inner harmony. (news.lk)
“Sri Lanka is a very special country and this is a blessing for us and we are very grateful for this opportunity given to take a short walk of six days in Sri Lanka, which is the sacred land of the Lord Buddha’s world,” Ven. Pannakara Thera stated. “With the tremendous support received from the sangha, the government, and from all the people in Sri Lanka, we will bring peace to this country and around the world.” (Daily News)
The monks, who hail from Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, were scheduled to reach Matale on Wednesday afternoon and to continue onward to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy on 23 April.
From there the pad yatra will continue toward Belligammana Rajamaha Viharaya on 24 April, before returning to Tholangamuwa on 25 April. The group will then proceed to Yakkala on 26 April, and then to Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya on 27 April.
The final leg on 28 April is to conclude at Independence Square in Colombo, where a national event will be held under the patronage of President Dissanayake. The Bodhi tree sapling is to be presented to representatives of the United States.
Devotees were reported by local media to have poured water on the streets, while some laid banana leaves and flowers on the ground as the monks are walking barefoot at the hottest time of the year in Sri Lanka, when temperatures can reach 40º Celsius. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association (SLVA) announced that measures were also being taken to ensure the health and safety of Aloka.
Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed support for the pilgrimage. In a message shared on social media, he remarked:
I am honoured to support the Walk for Peace journey across Sri Lanka, commencing today, promoting mindfulness, loving-kindness, unity and harmony among all people.
As this sacred walk sets out from Dambulla and travels across our island, carrying the Sacred Relics of the Buddha and a Bodhi tree sapling, I invite all Sri Lankans to reflect on the enduring values of peace and compassion that define our heritage.
May this journey strengthen unity in our nation and share a message of peace with the world. #WalkForPeace (X)
The monastics are expected to remain in Sri Lanka until May 1 before departing for the United States with a Sri Lankan delegation. On their return, the sacred relics and sapling will be formally received during celebrations for Vesak at Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center in Forth Worth, Texas, The sacred Buddha relics, a cherished national treasure in Sri Lanka, will be on display at the temple from 2–10 May, before being respectfully returned to Sri Lanka
The Bodhi tree sapling, taken from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is a verified descendant of the original Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment 2,600 years ago. The sapling will be planted at Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center as a living symbol of peace and mindfulness.
Buddhism is the state religion of Sri Lanka, which gained independence from British rule in 1948, with 69.8 per cent of the population identifying as Theravada Buddhists, according to census data for 2024. Hindus made up 12.6 per cent of Sri Lankans, while Muslims accounted for 10.7 per cent, and Christians 6.9 per cent. As the state religion, Buddhism receives special privileges under Sri Lanka’s constitution, although the constitution also stipulates freedom of religion and right to equality for all citizens.
See more
Walk for Peace – Official Community (Facebook)
State Patronage for “Walk for Peace Programme in Sri Lanka” (President’s Media Division)
Monks ‘Walk For Peace’ Mission Begins From Anuradhapura (Daily News)
‘Walk for Peace’ Delegation of Monks Arrives in Sri Lanka (news.lk)
“Walk for Peace” Begins from Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya today (22) (news.lk)
President backs ‘Walk for Peace’ initiative across Sri Lanka (Daily Mirror)
Vietnamese monks arrive for ‘Ehipassiko’ peace walk, accompanied by dog ‘Aloka’ (Daily Mirror)
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