COLOMBO : President Attends State Ceremony Marking End of “Ehipassiko” World Peace Walk
Sacred Relics (Sri Sarvajna Dhatu) and a sapling of the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi were ceremonially presented by the President to Venerable Pannakara Thero.
“Let us transform Sri Lanka into an island of peace and humanity – The President
“The respect shown by the people of Sri Lanka, the smiles on their faces and the openness with which they extended their care demonstrate what true strength is. This is what a peaceful nation looks like. For this, I offer my heartfelt gratitude on behalf of myself, the peace walk team and everyone who took part in this journey.”
“If every individual cultivates peace within themselves, families become peaceful, societies become peaceful, nations become peaceful and ultimately the entire world becomes peaceful. Peace is not built from the outside in, but from the inside out.” – Venerable Pannakara Thero
“In the future, this significant event will be recalled whenever Buddhism is talked about in America” – Venerable Melpitiye Wimalakiththi Nayaka Thero
The closing state ceremony of the “Ehipassiko” Peace Walk, which was held in Sri Lanka over seven days to spread the message of peace to the world and to carry the heritage of Buddhism to the international stage, took place this afternoon (28th) at Independence Square in Colombo, with the participation of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Based on the Buddha’s teaching, “Charatha Bhikkhave Charikam Bahujana Hitaya Bahujana Sukhaya Lokanukampaya”, the peace walk began on the 22nd near the Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya. Led by Venerable Pannakara Thero of Vietnam and joined by twelve foreign monks, the walk covered over 210 kilometres before arriving at Independence Square this afternoon.
At the ceremony, the Sacred Relics and the sapling of the Sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi were formally handed over by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to Venerable Pannakara Thero.
