April 26, Colombo (LNW): The fifth stage of the ‘Ehi Passiko’ Peace Walk set off this morning (26), with Venerable Pannakara Thero and a contingent of monks visiting from the United States continuing their journey from the vicinity of Tholangamuwa National School.
Participants are expected to conclude today’s leg at the Abeysekaraaramaya in Yakkala, drawing increasing attention from local communities along the route. Organisers say the walk has steadily gained momentum, with more lay supporters joining in short stretches to show solidarity.
The following day’s programme (27) will see the group resume their journey from Yakkala, heading towards the historic Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya, a key spiritual landmark. Preparations are already under way at the temple to welcome the monks and accompanying devotees.
On April 28, a special interactive session is planned at the Kelaniya temple, bringing together school pupils and university students for discussions centred on peace, mindfulness, and social harmony. Following this engagement, the walk will proceed towards Independence Square in Colombo.
A state-sponsored ceremony marking the culmination of the Peace Walk is scheduled to take place later that day at Independence Square, with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expected to attend as chief guest.
The initiative began on April 21 at the Dambulla Raja Maha Viharaya in a ceremonial launch, led by Venerable Pannakara Thero—who has been actively involved in international Buddhist outreach—alongside a group of monks.