The internationally recognized “Walk for Peace” commenced today (22), from Dambulla, Sri Lanka, with arrangements in place to continue the event until 28 April under the auspices of the state. 

The peace march began at 6:30 a.m. and featured a spiritual procession carrying a sacred Bodhi sapling from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, symbolizing the pursuit of unity, compassion, and harmony across the nation.

This significant event draws inspiration from a previous global peace walk, where over 200 Buddhist monks undertook a 110-day journey from Texas to Washington, crossing ten states in the United States to raise awareness for peace. 

The Sri Lankan initiative, titled the “Ehipassiko Walk for Peace,” aims to replicate this spirit of global harmony, with government support and participation from monks and devotees.

A notable arrival for the event is a group of monks led by Venerable Pannakara Thero of Vietnam, who arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday to take part in the march. An adorable dog named “Aloka” has also joined the procession, symbolizing companionship and peace.

The march’s itinerary includes stops in key cities: it starts from Dambulla to Matale, then moves to Kandy, passing through the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic on Thursday, and continues through Kegalle, Yakkala, and Mahara. 

The march will culminate at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on 27 April, with a grand public gathering scheduled in Kelaniya on the final day, 28 April, followed by a ceremony at the Independence Square, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The visiting monks are expected to remain in Sri Lanka until May 1. Afterward, the sacred relics and Bodhi sapling will be transported back to the United States, carrying messages of peace and unity across borders.