Island-wide ‘Walk for Peace’ Commences Under State Patronage 🕊️

• Event Overview: A week-long national spiritual procession, the "Walk for Peace," began today (22 April) in Dambulla. Led by Ven. Pannakara Thero, the journey carries a sacred Bodhi sapling and aims to promote national unity and harmony. • Key Timeline & Route: 22 April: Dambulla to Matale. 23-24 April: Kandy, including a ceremony at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic attended by the Prime Minister. 25-27 April: Transit through Kegalle and Yakkala, arriving at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara. 28 April: Grand finale at Independence Square under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. • Economic & Institutional Support: The initiative is backed by a collaborative effort between the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, and the Tri-Forces. Private sector and state involvement include the National Design Centre and the Clean Sri Lanka programme, reflecting a multi-sectoral approach to fostering social stability—a key pillar for the tourism and investment climate. • Global Outreach: Following the local ceremonies, the sacred relics and Bodhi sapling are scheduled for transport to the USA on 1 May, positioning the event as a diplomatic and cultural outreach effort. • Logistics: The Sri Lanka Veterinary Association has deployed a 24-hour medical unit and ambulance specifically to monitor the wellbeing of the procession’s rescue dog, "Aloka."