The 'Ehipassiko' International Peace Walk, a significant event aimed at promoting global harmony, officially commenced in Sri Lanka on April 22nd, drawing considerable attention, particularly due to the participation of Aloka, a certified service dog. The walk, which is under full state patronage from the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Presidential Secretariat, Clean Sri Lanka program, and Ministry of Public Administration, is scheduled to continue until April 28th.
Aloka, widely known as 'Aloka the Peace Dog', is an Indian-origin rescue dog with a remarkable backstory. He was originally an Indian street dog who encountered Vietnamese-American Buddhist monks during a 2022 peace tour in India. After following the monks and surviving an accident, he was adopted by them and taken to America. There, Aloka participated in a 'Walk for Peace' across the country in 2025-2026, becoming a global symbol of peace. He also joined over 200 monks in a 110-day journey across 10 US states, from Texas to Washington, starting in October, as part of the broader 'Walk For Peace' movement.
For his journey to Sri Lanka, Aloka was granted special permission to travel in the passenger cabin of the aircraft, rather than the cargo hold, a privilege extended due to his status as a service animal. He had a dedicated seat alongside Venerable Pannakara Thero (also known as Pagnakara Swami), a Vietnamese-American Buddhist monk who is leading the delegation.
Aloka and the delegation, which included 13 monks from America and 33 laypersons, arrived at Katunayake Airport on April 21st at 5:47 AM from Istanbul, Turkey. They were officially welcomed by Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senewi, and Presidential Secretary, Dr. Sanath Nandika Kumara, among other state officials.
A comprehensive health and security plan has been implemented for Aloka throughout the walk, involving the Sri Lanka Veterinary Association, Department of Animal Production and Health, University of Peradeniya's Veterinary Faculty, and private animal hospitals. This includes a 24-hour ambulance service, medical teams, and dedicated staff for emergencies.
Upon arrival, the group proceeded to Attanagalla Raja Maha Viharaya, where religious observances were conducted by Chief Incumbent Melpitiye Wimalakiththi Nahimi. The delegation then traveled to Anuradhapura, visiting the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya Raja Maha Viharaya to receive blessings from Atamasthanadhipathi Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Nahimi and Ruwanwelisaya Chaithyaramadhipathi Venerable Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Nahimi. As part of the peace walk, a sapling from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree will be carried to America for planting in Texas.
While the official start of the walk from Dambulla was on April 22nd, Venerable Pannakara Thero and the accompanying monks marked the beginning of the walk yesterday, April 21st, in Anuradhapura, making today, April 23rd, the third day of the 'Ehipassiko' Peace Walk.
On April 22nd, the walk officially commenced from Dambulla at 6:30 AM. However, Aloka became unwell and received treatment yesterday (April 22nd) due to heavy crowds and disruptions, with onlookers and media attempting to take selfies and photos along the route from Dambulla. In response, a senior police officer has appealed to the public to avoid obstructing and crowding the walk.
Today, April 23rd, the walk commenced from the historic Matale Aluvihare Raja Maha Viharaya, proceeding towards the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy.