A powerful journey of unity and non-violence begins across Sri Lanka as monks led by Pannakara Thero and the beloved service dog Aloka inspire a nation with a message of peace, compassion, and spiritual harmony.
Amid growing national attention surrounding the historic peace walk set to take place across Sri Lanka, the Maha Sangha led by Venerable Pannakara Thero, together with the much-loved peace mascot Aloka, is scheduled to arrive at Katunayake Airport this morning (21), marking the ceremonial beginning of a significant spiritual initiative.
The “Walk for Peace” peace walk, which aims to promote non-violence, unity, and global harmony, is scheduled to officially commence from Anuradhapura today (21), setting the stage for a symbolic journey across key cultural and religious landmarks in the country.
A notable highlight of this journey is that Aloka, who represents the message of peace and compassion, will travel in the passenger cabin of the aircraft rather than in the cargo hold like an ordinary animal, drawing widespread public admiration and attention.
Aloka has been granted this privilege as a certified service dog, and Venerable Pannakara Thero has personally reserved a seat next to her, emphasizing the importance of her role in this peace initiative.
The peace march, which will take place from today (21) until the 28th, is scheduled to pass through several key locations including Dambulla, Matale, Kandy, Mawanella, Yakkala, and Kelaniya, before concluding with a state ceremony at Independence Square on the final day.
This nationwide peace initiative is being supported by several major institutions including the Presidential Secretariat, the “Clean Sri Lanka” program, the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Public Administration, the Tri Forces, the Police, and the National Design Center, reflecting a unified national effort behind the movement.
Today at 3.00 pm, a sacred sapling of the Anuradhapura Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi will be ceremonially handed over to the monks participating in the peace walk, and at 4.00 pm, a religious program will be conducted near the historic Ruwanweli Seya, reinforcing the spiritual foundation of the event.
Tomorrow (22), the peace march will resume its journey from the Dambulla temple and proceed towards the Matale Alu Viharaya. On the following day (23), the procession will reach the Kandy Dalada Maligawa, where it will also visit the Malwathu Theros of Asgiri and take part in the Dalada pilgrimage.
On the 24th, the monks will visit the Beligammana Vidyawardena Pirivena in Mawanella, and on the 25th, they will continue their journey to the Tholangamuwa National School, engaging with communities along the way.
On the 26th, the march is scheduled to arrive at the Yakkala Abeysekararamaya, while on the 27th, it will proceed to the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya, further strengthening the spiritual and cultural significance of the walk.
A special interactive discussion with school children and university students will be held at the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya on the 28th at 11.00 am, promoting awareness of peace, non-violence, and national unity among the younger generation.
Following this, the peace march will resume from the Kelaniya Viharaya and make its way to Independence Square, where a state ceremony is scheduled to take place at 4.00 pm on the 28th with the participation of the President.
During this ceremony, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to formally present the Sri Maha Bodhi sapling to the delegation led by Pannakara Thero, symbolizing the official handover and spiritual significance of the initiative.
The walk will then continue again at 5.30 pm and is scheduled to arrive at the Gangaramaya Temple at 7.00 pm, followed by the commencement of the “We are the Design” program at 7.30 pm.
The monks who arrived for the peace walk on the morning of May 01 are scheduled to depart for America, marking the conclusion of their participation in this meaningful journey dedicated to peace and harmony.
