The seven-day march by the monks will visit several historic and cultural locations in Sri Lanka, including: Anuradhapura & Dambulla: where commencement and initial religious ceremonies took place, Matale & Kandy: engaging with local communities and promoting interfaith dialogue and finally the capital city of Colombo which is the final stop for the Buddhist ‘Walk for Peace’ pilgrimage.
The internationally acclaimed “Walk for Peace” pilgrimage officially arrived in Sri Lanka on 21st April 2026 ,marking the start of a seven-day spiritual journey across the island. Led by the Most Venerable Paññākāra Thero, a delegation of Buddhist monks arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport, to a warm reception, signaling the beginning of a mission focused primarily on mindfulness, unity, and non-violence.
The delegation, which includes monks from the United States and Vietnam, recently completed an arduous 2,300-mile trek from Texas to Washington, D.C. They have now brought their message of “Ehipassiko” (come and see) to Sri Lanka, accompanied by their symbolic and charismatic canine companion, “Aloka”, the peace dog.
Aloka, affectionately known as the “Peace Dog,” is a four-year-old rescued Indian Pariah dog who transitioned from the streets of India to becoming a global symbol of tranquility. His extraordinary journey gained international fame when he joined Buddhist monks on a 2,000-mile “Walk for Peace” across the United States, trekking alongside them as a steadfast companion. Celebrated for his remarkably calm demeanor and resilient spirit, Aloka has transformed from a humble rescue into an internet sensation, embodying the very message of harmony and mindfulness he helped spread across the continent.
A Sacred Journey Under State Patronage
The pilgrimage, held from April 21 to April 28, 2026, is being conducted under full state patronage. The journey began at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, where the monks received a sacred Bodhi sapling. This sapling, along with revered religious relics, is being carried throughout the march as a symbol of spiritual harmony.”Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a state of inner harmony that begins within each individual,” stated a representative of the delegation. “By walking these sacred paths, we hope to inspire a collective commitment to compassion and mutual respect.”
Culmination of the Walk for Peace in Colombo
The event will culminate on April 28 at Independence Square in Colombo with a grand State Ceremony. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to attend the closing proceedings, where the sacred Bodhi sapling will be officially presented. Supported by the Presidential Secretariat, the “Clean Sri Lanka” initiative, and the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, the “Walk for Peace” aims to showcase the island’s rich Buddhist heritage to a wider international audience. Alongside the pilgrimage, a cultural exhibition will be held at the Gangaramaya Temple, highlighting traditional Sri Lankan crafts and arts.
Local citizens are encouraged to join the monks along the route, where “peace bracelets” are being distributed as tokens of the shared journey toward a more compassionate world
By Nelum Buddhadasa
