The group of Buddhist monks and participants who completed the seven-day “Ehipassiko” peace walk in Sri Lanka departed the island this morning (29). 

Led by Venerable Pannakara Thero, a Vietnamese monk based in the United States, the delegation left Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at 7:12 a.m. bound for Istanbul, Turkey, with plans to connect to the United States.

The delegation included monks, lay participants, and a dog named “Aloka.” During their departure, they offered alms at the airport’s VIP lounge, where airport staff from various divisions gathered to receive blessings. 

Special attention was given to the health and well-being of the dog by veterinary officers, airport police, and Sri Lanka Air Force personnel.

The “Ehipassiko” peace walk concluded yesterday (28) with a closing ceremony held at Independence Square, Colombo, officiated by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.