As violence and misery spreads globally, one may question the effectiveness of non-aggressive gestures and passive initiatives of peace.

The Ehipassiko Walk for Peace pilgrimage led by Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara – followed by a group of monks from Texas, USA – brings a message of peace and raises awareness for non-violence. Its Sri Lanka leg was held from 21–28 April, with the iconic Aloka the Peace Dog and the event garnered wide attention across the nation.

The Sunday Morning asked Sri Lankans, especially the youth, about the impact of the Walk for Peace and how it could reform rebellion while protesting injustice.

A walk to raise awareness

M.M.A. Sneha, a 24-year-old teacher, reflected that such peace initiatives could create a meaningful impact even if it was not immediate or dramatic.

“Symbolic and non-aggressive actions may seem small compared to global conflicts, but they raise awareness, start conversations, and remind people that peace is a shared responsibility,” she said. 

From her experience as a teacher, Sneha acknowledged that peace began with education, empathy, and values nurtured in younger generations by parents and teachers, emphasising the role of adults in creating awareness about peace among young and youth crowds. “As such, activism like the Peace Walk could inspire unity and encourage people to reflect on alternatives to violence.”

“These initiatives alone may not solve global conflicts, but they can influence attitudes, strengthen collective voices, and contribute to long-term changes. I believe every peaceful action, however small, adds to a larger movement towards world peace,” she added

Mohamed Amri, 24, a retail sales associate, said that peace initiatives like the Ehipassiko Peace Walk mattered and held value, even if the impact was not immediate. “They may not stop conflicts immediately, but they create awareness, unity, and remind people that peace is always a choice,” he remarked.

Amri noted that symbolic actions and peaceful activism gave ordinary people a voice that would allow them to inspire change over time, stressing that peace would require both effort and time. “Real peace needs both awareness and action. Therefore, even small initiatives can have a meaningful long-term impact,” he noted. 

Revaan Gunasekara, a 20-year-old college student, shared more of a sophisticated view on symbolic activism, pointing out both its advantages and limitations: “As a young citizen in this country, I see so many symbolic activism-related acts. I think these activities do matter, but people have to understand the fact that to make a real change in this state of the world, just these acts are not enough.”

Gunasekara explained that while such initiatives and acts influenced the minds of people towards a change in their perspectives about certain things, they could not alter entrenched systems in the world like the wars, laws, and barriers, which had solid rooting. “World leaders and armed groups are not going to change their entire course just because of symbolic activities,” he stated.

Gunasekara further pointed out the disappointment and discouragement among participants upon the lack of understanding. “People get disappointed, frustrated, and discouraged and stop the whole mission, which should not happen. These missions are to create awareness and to make a real impact. For that, this foundation that people build through these non-violent symbolic activities like walks and social media hashtags is very important,” he remarked, emphasising the need to understand the true purpose of such efforts and initiatives.

Additionally, Gunasekara acknowledged the importance of awareness alongside realism. “Stating that peace matters are very important. But understanding the situation and getting the real idea matter the most,” he added.

Encouragement to treat animals better

Dr. Shri Sriskandharajah, a researcher and environmental and animal welfare activist, explained peace as a deeper and more complex issue rooted within human behaviour.

“Unlimited needs and wants can drive humans to greed, causing conflicts and chaos over scarce resources. Self-identity, language, and religious beliefs often lead to violence, as people seek to dominate others and ultimately with everyone losing to nature,” she said.

According to Dr. Sriskandharajah, the concept of peace encompasses various meanings across different contexts and it is important to recognise that people often overlook and lack peace due to various reasons.

Reflecting on the Ehipassiko Peace Walk, Dr. Sriskandharajah highlighted a statement made by Ven. Pannakara Thero during his speech on the final day of the Peace Walk in Sri Lanka: “I was profoundly moved by a poignant statement made by Ven. Pannakara Thera. He said: ‘Aloka walked alongside us, yet he held no specific language, rather, living with kindness and compassion should extend to all beings. How we treat animals reflects the depth of our humanity as a society. With this insight, I encourage the citizens of Sri Lanka to explore a meaningful path towards true peace and to lead fulfilling lives.’”

She further noted: “Peace is not merely an enforcement tool. It is a state of attitude and civic sense aimed at achieving the greater good.”

M.B. Sriyani, 49, emphasised the value of the initiatives towards peace despite the continuing global tensions and expressed strong support. “These initiatives are definitely valuable. As citizens, we all must appreciate and support them. The purpose is to bring peace, and that itself holds great importance and value. I fully support whatever initiative taken towards achieving peace,” she said.

Speaking on her beliefs, Sriyani reflected on the influence of Buddhism. “Ven. Pannakara Thera, who follows the teachings of Lord Buddha, must have started this journey with great faith and determination. We all may not be able to physically take part in it, but we can join in spirit and bless such efforts,” she noted.

She further stressed the importance of unity among all nationalities and religions towards achieving world peace, adding that she would support all peace initiatives brought forward from whatever religion or community. “I believe that this Peace Walk will make a significant difference and will be very helpful. No matter what we do, we all wish for peace. Since it is about a world without war, whatever it is done towards achieving peace should be welcomed and supported,” she remarked. 

Sinadi Mendis, 20, from Dehiwala said that the initiative was good, as it showed what people in much higher positions than average working-class citizens were committing to in advocating for peace.

“At the end of the day I doubt passive walks like this will change the minds of people who are in proximity to the war. They’re far too gone to pay mind to passive acts for the sake of peace,” she expressed. Sinadi pointed out that such initiatives needed to be much more “pointed,” specifically in calling out what exactly was needed and not just the vague notion of peace and an end to war.

Unique way to approach life

A 19-year-old artist from Maradana told The Sunday Morning that the Peace Walk, to him, was a uniquely Buddhist way to approach life and conflict, which in his eyes was better than most ways in which people have broached conflict.

“I appreciate it because it is a small pocket of monks in the United States who got together and started travelling and doing peace walks. It has started gaining traction; maybe not so much in the Western world but in the Asian/Eastern world, so I appreciate that they are bringing awareness, making their speeches, and raising a lot of concerns about not just conflict but also other topics about day-to-day life like mindfulness.”

Discussions of meditation and animal rights was something he acknowledged, saying that he could not have a negative view of such an initiative. “I do question the effectiveness of it in stopping conflict. However, they are doing something when most people are not,” he said.

Dilhani Dharmadasa, 52, from Ingiriya, said that the Ehipassiko Peace Walk was a ‘mental relief’ for people burdened by the tensions of global wars and other issues. She stressed on the mental toll global tensions had taken on people and how any effort towards peace brought meaningful relief to people.

“World wars are one of the most difficult mental pressures for people to deal with. Therefore, in such times, peace initiatives, especially religious-driven ones, make a big difference for people. At least, they give a mental satisfaction temporarily,” Dharmadasa said, adding that they offered people a sense of hope and moral reassurance.

“It will not completely end the war, but the Peace Walk definitely has a positive effect. With its continuation, it will definitely make a great change,” she said. “I hope through such initiatives, other religions and cultures also feel motivated to initiate such efforts and unite the world to bring peace. If all religions engaged in such efforts, it would definitely attract positive outcomes and hopefully end the war much sooner.”

Kenan Jason, a 20-year-old university student, said that the walk was a good move to promote qualities such as peace and mindfulness since the act of enduring such a long distance showcased the monks’ strong state of mind.

“It also showcases the human potential that everyone has to endure and have a peaceful and mindful mindset. At the same time, for young teenagers and others as well, this is a good representation that peace goes along with self-endurance and it is there in every one of us,” he said.