Colombo: 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.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, 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 carry the heritage of Buddhism to the international stage, took place 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.

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 V
enerable Pannakara Thero. In his address, the President stated that the pilgrimage undertaken by Venerable Pannakara Thero and his group had generated a renewed enthusiasm for the Dhamma within the country. It also demonstrated the deep devotion and respect that the general public holds for disciplined and learned members of the Sangha. The President invited all to commit themselves to building an island of peace and humanity by cultivating mindfulness.

The President also noted that certain isolated incidents occurring in the country from time to time can erode public confidence in religious revival. He emphasised that religious leaders bear a significant responsibility to safeguard the dignity, value, and essence of religious institutions and teachings and assured that the government would provide all necessary support in this regard.

Delivering a special sermon, Melpitiye Wimalakiththi Thero remarked that in the future, whenever Buddhism is talked about in America, this historic occasion which involved th
e arrival of sacred relics and a sacred Bodhi sapling from Sri Lanka will be remembered. He described it as a moment of pride for Sri Lanka in the global Buddhist context.

Further addressing the gathering, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed his gratitude to Venerable Pannakara Thero for accepting the invitation to visit Sri Lanka and undertake this peace mission, as well as to Venerable Melpitiye Wimalakiththi Thero for coordinating the event. Sri Lanka has had many experiences that highlight the value of peace. The country has endured the tragic consequences of a prolonged war. Therefore, there is a deep understanding of how important peace is and how vital world peace is for humanity. In this regard, gratitude and respect were expressed for the efforts undertaken by Venerable Pannakara Thero and the accompanying monks.

The event was attended by the Trinikaya Maha Sangha led by the Anunayake of the Malwathu Maha Viharaya Chapter of the Shyamopali Maha Nikaya Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijitha Siri
Thero, the Anunayake of the Asgiri Maha Viharaya Chapter Most Venerable Narampanawe Ananda Thero, the Incumbent of the Historic Somawathi Rajamaha Viharaya, Venerable Dr. Pahamune Sri Sumangala Nayake Thero, and Venerable Melpitiye Wimalakitthi Nayake Thero. Also present were the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Provincial Government, A.H.M.H. Abayaratne, Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and the Governor of the Western Province, Haniff Yusoof, along with other Ministers, State officials, Heads of the Security Forces, and a large gathering of lay and monastic participants, including Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Nilanga Dela Bandara.