“Ehipassiko” peace march reaches third day, proceeds towards Kandy

By Mahesh Keerthirathne

Colombo, April 23 (Daily Mirror) - The third day of the “Ehipassiko” peace march commenced this morning (23) at the historic Aluvihara Raja Maha Vihara.

The procession, which began on April 21, is led by Vietnamese national Pannakara Thera and is scheduled to travel from Matale to the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy.

The group of monks had earlier set out from the Dambulla Raja Maha Vihara and stayed overnight at the Aluvihara temple yesterday (22) before resuming the journey.

Adding a unique element to the march, the monks were accompanied by a dog named Aloka.

The procession moved through Matale town, where a reception was held at the Matale Sri Mutthumariamman Kovil. Another welcome event was organised near the Matale Buddhist Mandir under the patronage of Sri Punyawardena Society Chairman Isuru Jayawardena.

Residents lined both sides of the roads, offering support and facilities to the participants as the march continued its journey towards Kandy.