Sri Lanka has long experience in peace: President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

29-Apr-2026

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Sri Lanka has long experience with peace, and the impact of the 30-year war and its destruction is still visible within us. We are on a journey towards peace, said President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

He made these remarks while addressing a special event marking the conclusion of the “Walk for Peace” pilgrimage initiated by US-based Vietnamese Buddhist monk Venerable Pannagakara Thero in Dambulla and concluded on April 28, at Independence Square, Colombo.

He further stated:

At a time when global peace is being widely discussed, I extend heartfelt gratitude and respect on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka to Venerable Pannagakara Thero and the monks who undertook this peace pilgrimage.

I also thank the people of Sri Lanka who warmly welcomed them, as well as the security forces who ensured their protection.

Sri Lanka’s long experience with peace includes the painful memory of a 30-year war. We are still healing from that destruction and continue to move forward towards peace.

Religious doctrines and cultural values must be protected, and this responsibility lies with leaders of all religions. As a government, we will extend full support in this regard.

Sustainable peace cannot be achieved through law alone; ethical and religious principles are essential. Protecting national cultural values is a shared responsibility of all religious leaders, and the government will fully cooperate in this effort.