Walk for Peace Brings Message of Unity Across Sri Lanka

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — A week-long “Walk for Peace” is drawing attention across Sri Lanka, as Buddhist monks and supporters travel from the ancient city of Anuradhapura to the capital, promoting a message of unity, compassion and nonviolence.

The initiative, held from April 21 to April 28, forms part of a wider international movement that has already spanned thousands of miles in the United States earlier this year. Organisers say the Sri Lankan journey builds on that momentum, bringing the message to a country with deep spiritual and cultural ties to Buddhism.

Led by Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra and a group of monks, the walk passes through key locations including Dambulla, Matale, Kandy and Kelaniya, drawing crowds of well-wishers, religious leaders and local residents along the route.

During their visit to Kandy, the delegation paid homage at the Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. The visit marked a significant spiritual moment in the journey, reinforcing the religious and cultural importance of the initiative.

At each stop, participants engage with communities through blessings, discussions and symbolic acts intended to highlight the importance of peaceful coexistence.

Unlike conventional demonstrations, the Walk for Peace is not political in nature. Instead, it focuses on personal responsibility and collective harmony. Organisers describe it as a “living practice” of compassion, encouraging individuals to embody peace in their daily lives.

Small moments along the journey have captured public attention. In one instance, a monk was seen feeding a stray dog during the walk—an image that has circulated widely on social media, symbolising the movement’s emphasis on kindness toward all living beings.

The event also carries cultural and religious significance. Participants are accompanied by a sapling linked to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura, underscoring themes of continuity and spiritual renewal.

Observers note that initiatives such as the Walk for Peace are gaining broader relevance beyond religious communities. In a time of global uncertainty, they reflect a growing interest in values such as empathy, mindfulness and social responsibility—principles increasingly echoed in both public life and the business sector.

Sri Lanka’s role as host has also been highlighted, with the country positioning itself as a centre for spiritual reflection and dialogue. Support from local institutions and community groups has contributed to the scale and visibility of the event.

As the walk concludes in Colombo, organisers say the message remains simple: lasting peace begins not with institutions, but with individuals.

“Every step matters,” one participant said. “Peace is something we practise.”