If only every street dog in the world was treated like Aloka…

• On Tuesday (21), 10 street dogs were poisoned in Kalawewa. 

Sri Lanka is once again in the global spotlight with the ‘Ehipassiko’ Global Walk for Peace currently parading the streets across the country. Led by Ven. Pannakara Thera, the Walk commenced in October 2025 when monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Centre in Texas walked 2,300+ miles to Washington DC. The main objective of this Walk is to promote unity, compassion and mindfulness amidst social division. 
One of the main highlights of this walk is the story of Aloka, the peace dog. Once a stray dog in India, Aloka had initially followed these Vietnamese-American monks in 2022 during a pilgrimage across India. During the journey, Aloka was hit by a car and was seriously ill, but it had continued following the monks. This had compelled the group of monks to adopt this dog;  as a result, it toured back to USA. Since then, Aloka had been a constant along this walk for peace. 
Aloka became a social media sensation in no time.  and ever since word went round that the monks would be coming to Sri Lanka, many Sri Lankans anticipated Aloka’s arrival. But there is a problem. A majority of people frown upon street dogs on our streets. From throwing stones and even hot water to poisoning them, street dogs have always been at the receiving end of cruelty. 
There are no official estimates to determine the actual number of street dogs in the country. Some reports indicate that it is between 1-2 million while some reports suggest that it is as many as six million. Every day, hundreds of puppies are born on the streets, but many do not survive. Uncaring pet owners add to rising numbers by dumping unwanted, injured and sick pets in streets and public places. Without food and shelter, these street dogs often meet a painful end. 
In most instances street dogs are perceived as a nuisance and they don’t receive the love, attention and care that they deserve. It is only a handful of animal welfare groups that actually look after street dogs with their personal funds. Various attempts by municipal councils to spay, neuter and vaccinate street dogs have led to dead-ends due to lack of funds and resources. There was a time when street dogs were rounded up and translocated to different parts of the country during major national events in attempts to ‘clean’ the streets. 
When Aloka’s arrival was announced, certain animal welfare groups raised concerns about attempts to remove street dogs already living on the streets. The authorities later denied these claims. But right now, many Sri Lankans are already gathering on the streets in an attempt to witness Aloka and the monks. 
From what has already been recorded on video, the peace walk in Sri Lanka has become a media show. This is despite Ven. Pannakara’s request to allow them to walk freely on the streets. He particularly mentioned that social media content creators should steer clear from their path as they are doing this walk to practice mindfulness. He said that the monks are mindful about every step and every breath they take, highlighting the significance and purpose of this pilgrimage.
On Tuesday (21), 10 street dogs were poisoned in Kalawewa. A probe is underway to apprehend perpetrators but the innocent beings have already died. Sri Lanka is yet to pass its Animal Welfare Bill which was drafted with an objective of promoting animal welfare and prevent animal cruelty in the country. Despite cabinet approval the Bill,  has faced significant delays. 
So in this backdrop, while Aloka the peace dog receives the global attention that it deserves, it would be nice to see people taking care of Alokas on our streets and treating them with love and compassion.

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