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"Ehipassiko" Peace Walk concludes in Colombo with President's ...
Posted by ONLANKA Newsroom on April 28, 2026 - 10:00 pm Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the closing state ceremony of the seven-day “Ehipassiko” Peace Walk at Independence Square in Colombo today (April 28). The Peace Walk began on April 22, 2026, near the Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya and covered more than 210 kilometres before reaching Colombo this afternoon. The Sri Lankan version of the internationally recognised “Walk for Peace” was held to spread a message of peace to the world and to take the heritage of Buddhism to the international stage. The walk was based on the Buddha’s teaching, “Charatha Bhikkhave Charikam Bahujana Hitaya Bahujana Sukhaya Lokanukampaya,” which calls on monks to travel for the welfare and happiness of many people. The walk was led by Venerable Pannakara Thero of Vietnam, together with twelve foreign monks. At the ceremony, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake formally handed over Sacred Relics and a sapling of the Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to Venerable Pannakara Thero. Speaking at the event, the President said the pilgrimage carried out by Venerable Pannakara Thero and his group had created renewed interest in the Dhamma in Sri Lanka. He said it also showed the deep respect and devotion people have for disciplined and learned members of the Sangha. The President invited everyone to work towards building an island of peace and humanity by developing mindfulness. He also said certain isolated incidents in the country from time to time can weaken public confidence in religious revival. President Dissanayake said religious leaders have a major responsibility to protect the dignity, value and true meaning of religious institutions and teachings. He assured that the government would provide all necessary support for this purpose. The principal address was delivered by Venerable Pannakara Thero, who said the Peace Walk was not only a physical journey across Sri Lanka, but also a connection from one heart to another. He said the monks walked through rain, heat and difficult roads, but the people of Sri Lanka responded with kindness, respect and care. Venerable Pannakara Thero said people watered roads and laid banana leaves and flower carpets to make the journey easier for the monks. He said this showed the true strength of a peaceful nation. He also spoke about the importance of unity, justice, respect for elders, protection of women and children, preservation of spiritual and cultural values, and respect for peop...
President meets Ven. Pannakara Thero following ... - Adaderana
Following the state closing ceremony of the seven-day “Ehipassiko” Peace Walk held in Sri Lanka, during which a message of peace was shared with people around the world and the heritage of Buddhism was conveyed to the international community, Venerable Pannakara Thero met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. Venerable Pannakara Thero expressed his gratitude for the state patronage extended towards successfully organising the “Ehipassiko” Peace Walk in Sri Lanka, noting that it had been a truly encouraging experience. Pannakara Thero also conveyed his appreciation for the presentation of a sacred sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to the “Dhammachetiya” project in Texas, United States, an initiative serving as a living bridge of Dhamma connecting Sri Lanka with the world. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude for granting permission to exhibit sacred relics of the Buddha at the international Vesak celebration held at the “Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center” in the United States, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD). Pannakara Thero also commended the love, care, and compassion shown along the route towards “Aloka” and other animals during the Peace Walk. Venerable Pannakara Thero extended his thanks to the Maha Sangha, the people of Sri Lanka, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the security forces, as well as the veterinary and medical teams and all media institutions that contributed with great dedication. He also expressed appreciation for the generosity, faith, and warm hospitality extended throughout the event. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the aim is to sustain the Buddhist awakening created in Sri Lanka through the Peace Walk and to elevate the country as an island of peace and humanity. On behalf of all Sri Lankans, he expressed gratitude for the dedication of Venerable Pannakara Thero towards this cause, as well as towards global peace, the PMD said. Venerable Melpitiye Wimalakiththi Thero, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Chairman of the National Crafts Council Sisira Amarabandu were also present at the occasion.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially presented a sapling ...
18 hours ago ... President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially presented a sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, together with holy relics, to Ven. Pannakara Thero of...
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today ceremonially ...
19 hours ago ... Pannakara Thero and Ven. Ratanaguna, have commenced a week-long walk across Sri Lanka, under government patronage, marking the continuation of their 108-day ...
