Following a remarkable 110-day peace walk across 10 states in the United States, which drew global attention to Buddhism, Venerable Pannakara Thero is now set to lead a historic seven-day peace walk in Sri Lanka.
This special journey will involve 13 monks and is expected to highlight Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage to the international community. Adding to the uniqueness of the event, “Aloka,” the much-loved dog who captured hearts during the American peace walk, arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday (16th).
Strengthening Buddhist Diplomacy
Beyond its spiritual significance, the peace walk carries a deeper purpose strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between Sri Lanka and the United States through Buddhism.
A sacred sapling from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi will be taken to the United States, while sacred relics of the Buddha will also be transported for public veneration during Vesak celebrations in Texas.
The Sri Lankan government has extended full support for this significant initiative.
Grand Itinerary Across Sacred Sites
According to Venerable Melpitiye Wimalakitthi Thero, the national organizer, Venerable Pannakara Thero is scheduled to arrive on April 21.
The journey will begin at the Attanagalla Raja Maha Viharaya and proceed to Anuradhapura, where the monks will receive the sacred Bodhi sapling. They will then visit the Ruwanweli Maha Seya before heading to Dambulla for an overnight stay.
The following days will take the monks through key religious and cultural locations including:
April 21 – Anuradhapura o Dambulla
April 22 Dambulla to Alu Viharaya Matale
April 23 Matale to Kandy Sri Dalanda Maligawa
April 24 Kandy to Mawanella
April 25 Mawanrella to Tholangamuwa
April 26 Tholangamuwa to Yakkala
April 27 Yakkala to Kelanitaya Raja Maha Viharaya
April 28 Kelaniya temple to Independence square
The walk will continue through Peradeniya, Kadugannawa, Mawanella, and Yakkala before reaching Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.
Final Ceremony at Independence Square
The peace walk will conclude on April 28 at Independence Square with a grand national ceremony.
At this event, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to symbolically hand over the sacred Bodhi sapling to the peace delegation.
The relics and sapling will then be taken in procession to the Gangaramaya Temple, where a special exhibition and cultural display will be held for the public.
Taking Sri Lankan Buddhism to America
Following the Sri Lankan leg of the journey, the sacred relics and Bodhi sapling will be transported to Texas. Devotees in the region will have the rare opportunity to venerate these sacred items from May 2 to 6 at Venerable Pannakara Thero’s temple in Fort Worth.
This initiative aims to further establish Theravada Buddhist traditions in the United States.
Aloka: The Peace Walk’s Global Symbol
A unique highlight of this journey is Aloka, the dog who became a global symbol of loyalty and compassion during the monks’ earlier peace walk in India and the United States.
Now recognized as a trained service animal, Aloka has been allowed to travel in the passenger cabin. However, due to security concerns in Sri Lanka, special protection has been arranged by the Sri Lankan Army.
Public Participation and Guidelines
Devotees are encouraged to witness this rare and spiritually uplifting event. However, organizers have requested the public to maintain discipline and avoid offering excessive items that could disrupt the walk.
Simple offerings such as water and flowers are permitted, while acts like cooling the roads due to extreme heat are appreciated if done in advance.
A Message of Peace to the World
The theme of this peace walk remains consistent with the American journey—spreading peace, compassion, and reconciliation.
As Sri Lanka once again becomes the center of global Buddhist attention, this event offers a powerful opportunity to showcase the nation’s spiritual heritage to the world.
Organizers emphasize that it is the responsibility of all Sri Lankans to act with dignity and discipline, ensuring that Buddhism is presented in its true light on the global stage.
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