Ven. Pannakara Thero Meets President
Ven. Pannakara Thero Meets the President Following the Conclusion of the “Ehipassiko” Peace Walk
Following the state closing ceremony of the seven-day “Ehipassiko” Peace Walk held in Sri Lanka, during which a message of peace was shared with people across the world and the heritage of Buddhism was carried to the international community, Venerable Pannakara Thero visited the Presidential Secretariat last night (29) and met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Venerable Pannakara Thero expressed his gratitude for the state patronage extended in support of the successful organization of the “Ehipassiko” Peace Walk in Sri Lanka, noting that it had been a truly encouraging experience.
He also conveyed his appreciation for the presentation of a sacred sapling of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to the “Dhammachetiya” project in Texas, United States, an initiative serving as a living bridge of Dhamma connecting Sri Lanka with the world. Furthermore, he expressed gratitude for the permission to exhibit sacred relics of the Buddha at the international Vesak celebration held at the “Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center” in the United States.
He also commended the love, care, and compassion shown along the route towards “Aloka” and other animals during the Peace Walk.
Venerable Pannakara Thero extended his thanks to the Maha Sangha, the people of Sri Lanka, including President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the security forces, as well as the veterinary and medical teams and all media institutions that contributed with great dedication. He also expressed appreciation for the generosity, faith, and warm hospitality extended throughout the event.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that the expectation is to sustain the Buddhist awakening created in Sri Lanka through the Peace Walk and to elevate the country as an island of peace and humanity. On behalf of all Sri Lankans, he expressed gratitude for the dedication of Venerable Pannakara Thero to this cause and to global peace.
Venerable Melpitiye Wimalakiththi Thero, Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Chairman of the National Crafts Council Sisira Amarabandu were also present at the occasion.