Walk for Peace’ begins island-wide journey from Dambulla today

Wednesday, 22 April 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A week-long “Walk for Peace” commenced across Sri Lanka today (22), led by Ven. Pannakara Thero and a group of senior Buddhist monks under State patronage, with events planned through 28 April.

The spiritual procession, carrying a sacred Bodhi sapling from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, will travel across key cities of the country promoting unity, compassion, and harmony.

The journey will begin from Dambulla to Matale today, before proceeding to Kandy tomorrow. On 24 April, the walk will resume from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expected to attend.

The route will then pass through Kegalle, Yakkala, and Mahara, culminating at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara on 27 April. The final day, 28 April, will feature a public gathering at Kelaniya, followed by a national ceremony at Independence Square under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The visiting monks are scheduled to remain in Sri Lanka until 1 May, after which the sacred relics and Bodhi sapling will be taken to the US.

A wide range of State and private institutions, including the Presidential Secretariat, the Clean Sri Lanka programme, several key ministries, the Tri-Forces, Police, and the National Design Centre are supporting the initiative.

President Dissanayake, in a message shared on X, expressed his full support for the initiative, describing it as a journey that promotes mindfulness, loving-kindness, unity, and harmony. He invited all Sri Lankans to reflect on the enduring values of peace and compassion, adding that the walk conveys a powerful message to the global community.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association announced special arrangements to ensure the wellbeing of “Aloka,” a rescue dog participating in the procession. The association said a 24-hour ambulance service, medical teams, essential medicines, and a dedicated emergency response unit have been deployed to guarantee the animal’s safety throughout the journey.