A delegation of twelve Buddhist monks led by Most Venerable Paññakara Thero will walk from Anuradhapura to Independence Square in Colombo from April 21 to 28 as part of the Global Walk for Peace.
The seven-day procession will carry sacred relics and a sapling from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. The route passes through the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Kandy before concluding with a state ceremony at Independence Square.
The walk begins on April 21 with a sacred sapling ceremony in Anuradhapura at 4:00 PM, followed by religious observances at Ruwanweliseya. The concluding events on April 28 and 29 include a cultural exhibition at Gangaramaya Temple featuring Buddhist heritage items — brass ceremonial pieces, lacquerwork, clay crafts, palm leaf manuscripts, traditional textiles, and drums.
The monks cite the Buddha’s teaching: “Wander forth, O Monks, for the welfare and happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world.” The message is that peace cannot be attained by force but must be cultivated step by step through mindfulness.
The Sri Lankan government is backing the event through its “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, with support from the National Design Centre, Tri-Forces, and the Department of Information. The Chief Prelates of the Malwatta and Asgiriya Chapters have endorsed the walk, with Venerable Melpitiye Wimalakirti Thera coordinating the Sri Lankan side.
The event comes as the country navigates economic hardship and social strain from the ongoing energy crisis.
