The “Walk for Peace in the Island of Peace” officially commenced this morning from Dambulla, led by Ven. Pannakara Thero together with members of the Maha Sangha and the certified service canine Aloka.
The spiritual journey began at dawn following a traditional Sanghika Dana ceremony and is being conducted under the guidance of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, with logistical support provided through the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme.
The Maharaja Media Network has been appointed as the official media and coordination partner for the Sri Lankan chapter of the pilgrimage.
Preparatory religious activities were held yesterday in the sacred city of Anuradhapura, where Ven. Pannakara Thero and his delegation engaged in observances. During a ceremony at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the Chief Prelate of the Atamasthana, Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Thero, presented a sacred Bodhi sapling to the delegation. The group also paid homage at the Ruwanweli Maha Seya.
Following its departure from Dambulla, the procession is scheduled to reach Aluvihare Rock Temple by this evening. The journey will continue tomorrow towards the Sri Dalada Maligawa, before proceeding to the Beligammana Rajamaha Viharaya on the following day.
In the days ahead, the procession will pass through Tholangamuwa Central College on April 25 and Yakkala Chandrajothi College on April 26, before arriving at the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya on April 27.
The pilgrimage will conclude on April 28, when the group departs Kelaniya and arrives at Independence Square by 4:00 p.m. At the final ceremony, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is expected to formally hand over the sacred Bodhi sapling to the delegation.
The concluding leg of the “Walk for Peace” will proceed from Independence Square, passing the Maharaja Media Network Head Office, and culminate at the Gangaramaya Temple.
