The internationally acclaimed 'Walk for Peace' pilgrimage, also known as the 'Ehipassiko' World Peace Walk, successfully concluded its seven-day journey across Sri Lanka on April 28, 2024, with a state ceremony in Colombo. The pilgrimage aimed to promote mindfulness, loving-kindness, unity, harmony, and peace across the island.
Led by Most Venerable Paññakāra Thera, a Vietnamese Buddhist monk renowned for his 110-day peace walk across 10 US states, the delegation of thirteen Buddhist monks and Aloka, a globally admired certified service canine, arrived in Sri Lanka on April 20, 2024. They received state honors at Bandaranaike International Airport, marking the Sri Lankan leg of a global initiative that began in October 2023.
Pre-March Events (April 20-21)
The program commenced on April 20 with an As Disa Pooja at the sacred Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura. On April 21, Venerable Paññakāra Thera held a press conference at Attanagalla Rajamaha Viharaya, expressing gratitude to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and emphasizing the walk's dedication to global peace. He requested devotees to offer silent support and refrain from traditional 'pirikara' offerings during the march. Another Asa Disa Pooja was held at Ruwanwelisaya, followed by a visit to Atamasthanadhipathi Pallegama Hemarathana Thero. A blessing ceremony at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi saw a sacred Sri Maha Bodhi sapling formally offered to the monks to be carried throughout the pilgrimage. Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senewi, and Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, were present.
The Seven-Day Pilgrimage (April 22-28)
* Day 1 (April 22): The official march commenced at 6:30 AM from the historic Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya. Venerable Paññakāra Thera highlighted that peace begins within oneself through mindfulness. The first leg, covering 46 kilometers, concluded at the Aluvihare Temple in Matale at 12:20 AM on April 23. Deputy Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake participated, and large crowds offered blessings.
* Day 2 (April 23): The pilgrimage resumed from Matale Aluvihare. The monks visited Mahanayake Theros and the Karaka Sangha Sabha at both the Malwathu and Asgiri Maha Viharayas in Kandy. Symbolizing interfaith unity, the march also reached a mosque in Kandy, receiving a special welcome from the Muslim community. A grand reception was held at the Balakaduwa reception point in Akurana Divisional Secretariat area. The day's journey concluded at the Malwathu Maha Viharaya after visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
* Day 3 (April 24): The march began from the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy, where Venerable Paññakāra Thera and other monks paid homage. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also attended a short ceremony. The pilgrims covered 40 kilometers, passing through Peradeniya, Pilimathalawa, Kadugannawa, Mawanella, and Beligammana, concluding at the Beligammanna Vidyawardhana Pirivena Pothgul Viharaya in Mawanella. In an environmental initiative, two forests, Nagahamulayaya in Matale and Padavigampola in Kegalle, were slated to be declared as reserves, formalized through a Sannas Patra presented by Minister of Environment Dr. Dhammika Patabendi.
* Day 4 (April 25): The journey commenced from the Vidyawardhana Pothgul Viharaya in Beligammana, Mawanella, and proceeded to Tholangamuwa National School / Dudley Senanayake Central College in Tholangamuwa. The Mahanayaka of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Thero, blessed the participating monks.
* Day 5 (April 26): The pilgrimage started from Tholangamuwa National School and covered 25 kilometers, arriving at the Abeysekararamaya in Yakkala by approximately 6:30 PM, having passed through Kajugama and Nittambuwa. The monks were received by the Chief Incumbent of Abeysekararamaya, Migolle Dhammajothi Thero, and other dignitaries, with floral offerings made near the town center.
* Day 6 (April 27): Commencing from the Abeysekararamaya in Yakkala at approximately 6:45 AM, the monks journeyed towards the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. Prior to departure, Venerable Paññakāra Thera performed religious rites. Deputy Minister of Mass Media, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, joined the procession. A midday alms-giving ceremony took place at Mahara President's College, after which the monks recommenced their journey around 2:00 PM, traversing the Colombo-Kandy main road. The procession, which had covered approximately 160 kilometers to Yakkala, arrived at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya around 4:00 PM, proceeding to the Buddha shrine. Devotees were observed laying banana leaves and mats on the hot road and offering flowers to minimize discomfort for the monks amidst intense heat, with thousands joining the walk. Large crowds, including Sinhala, Muslim, and Tamil devotees, gathered to welcome the procession, which continued despite heavy rain in some areas.
* Day 7 (April 28): The final day began with a lecture program (Dharma sermon) from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya for students of the University of Kelaniya and Kelaniya Dharma Vidyalaya. The peace walk then commenced at 12:00 PM from the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, proceeding to Independence Square. The state ceremony marking the conclusion of the 'Walk for Peace' was held at Independence Square this evening, presided over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. During the ceremony, the President formally presented a sacred sapling of the Sri Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and sacred relics (Sri Sarvajna Dhatu) to the Maha Sangha, including Venerable Paññakāra Thera, who had arrived from the United States. President Dissanayake emphasized transforming Sri Lanka into an island of peace and humanity, while Venerable Paññakāra Thera expressed gratitude for the respect and openness shown by the Sri Lankan people, calling it a demonstration of true strength and a peaceful nation. Following the ceremony, the walk continued from Independence Square, via the Sirasa Media Network headquarters, to conclude at the Gangarama Temple in Colombo by 7:00 PM.
Throughout the journey, the monks carried the sacred Bodhi sapling and revered relics to symbolize peace and unity.
Patronage and Support
The event was conducted under full state patronage and state security, with significant support from numerous government and private institutions, all under the guidance of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Key contributors included the Presidential Secretariat, the Government’s Clean Sri Lanka initiative, the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Tri-forces, and the Police (with over 200 officers deployed for the Ruwanwelisaya event). The pilgrimage was organized by Venerable Dr. Melpitiye Wimalakiththi Thero, the Chief Incumbent of the Texas Gothama Vihara, with the Maharaja Media Network serving as the Official Media and Coordination Partner for the Sri Lankan chapter.