Vietnamese monks arrive for ‘Ehipassiko’ peace walk, accompanied by dog ‘Aloka’

By T.K.G. Kapila

Katunayaka, April 21 (Daily Mirror) - A group of Vietnamese monks based in the United States, including Venerables Pannakara and Ratanaguna, arrived in Sri Lanka early this morning (21) to take part in the global peace initiative “Ehipassiko”, A Global Walk for Peace.

The delegation, accompanied by a group of lay followers and a dog named “Aloka,” landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) at 5.47 a.m., arriving from Istanbul, Turkey.

They were received at the Special Guests’ Lounge by Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Secretary to the President Dr. Sanath Nandika Kumara, and a group of government officials.

In an unusual highlight of the arrival, “Aloka” had travelled seated in a passenger seat alongside other passengers on the flight. Upon arrival, the dog was escorted to the airport’s special guest area, where officials from the Animal Quarantine Institute provided food and refreshments.

Veterinary officers later conducted a full health assessment, including blood tests and other required examinations to facilitate the animal’s legal entry into the country. The medical reports were subsequently handed over to Venerable Pannakara.

Airport officials noted that while the dog had reportedly resisted similar procedures in other countries, it remained calm during the examinations, attributed to the care and attention provided by local veterinary staff, as well as the presence of its handler, Venerable Pannakara.

Authorities had also arranged a standby ambulance for the animal as a precautionary measure. However, “Aloka” ultimately joined the monks and their group on a bus departing the airport.

The visiting delegation is expected to participate in a series of events across the island as part of the “Ehipassiko” peace walk, aimed at promoting global harmony and spiritual reflection.