Monks Led by Ven. Pannakara Thera Arrive in Sri Lanka for Peace Walk
22-Apr-2026.
Four Buddhist monks, including Ven. Pannakara Thera who led the peace walk in the United States, arrived in Sri Lanka on April 21 for the purpose of participating in a peace march.
The dog named “Aloka,” which gained worldwide affection during the peace walk, also arrived in Sri Lanka with them.
The delegation was welcomed at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake by Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senavi and Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Several other monks had arrived earlier on April 18 to participate in the peace march. A blessing ceremony for the march was held on April 21 in front of the historic Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.
During the event, the Maha Sangha led by the Chief Incumbent of Adam’s Peak was also expected to present a sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi to the visiting monks.
In addition, special religious observances were held on April 21 in front of the historic Ruwanwelisaya.
The peace walk, beginning on the morning of April 22 from the Dambulla sacred site, will proceed through Naula, Matale, Kandy, Kadugannawa, Kegalle, Tholangamuwa, Gajugama, Yakkala, Makara, and Kelaniya, and is expected to reach Independence Square on April 28.
To mark the conclusion of the march, the Sri Maha Bodhi sapling brought for the occasion will be ceremonially handed over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to the visiting Maha Sangha.
Thereafter, the monks will be taken in procession to Gangaramaya Temple, where arrangements have been made to inaugurate an event titled “We Are the Design,” organised by the National Design Centre.
The peace march is being organised with full sponsorship and support from government and private institutions including the Presidential Secretariat, Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat, Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Government Information Department, Sri Lanka Police and Tri-Forces, and the National Design Centre.
