Hundreds of monks, thousands of supporters, and a powerful display of Sri Lankan faith and diplomacy lit up Washington as the Embassy rolled out a grand welcome for the globally watched Buddhist Peace March.
Buddhist monks taking part in the internationally observed Peace March received a warm and ceremonial welcome from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C., on February 10, 2026, during their visit to the United States. The event highlighted Buddhist diplomacy, interfaith unity, and Sri Lanka’s cultural presence abroad.
The Embassy contributed authentic Sri Lankan cuisine to a special luncheon organized for more than 200 Buddhist monks by the Sri Lankan community across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The almsgiving and fellowship gathering took place at the National United Methodist Church, drawing strong community participation.
At the invitation of District of Columbia Secretary Kimberly A. Bassett, Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe attended an interfaith ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral, where thousands gathered in solidarity with the Peace March. He was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Madhuka Wickramarachchi.
During a reception hosted by the Embassy, the Chief Monk and members of the Maha Sangha paused briefly. The Ambassador offered the Atapirikara Pooja and placed the Sri Lankan national flag emblem on the robe of Pannakara Thero. Embassy staff and community members welcomed the procession with flowers and distributed water bottles to devotees, a gesture widely appreciated.
The Ambassador, Embassy officials, and community members later joined the monks in the Peace March procession, symbolizing unity, compassion, and global Buddhist solidarity.
