28/04/2026
🇱🇰🙏☸️
📌 Entrusted with Sacred Treasures from the President of Sri Lanka
Today, on Day 8 (April 28, 2026), marks the final day of our week-long Walk for Peace journey through this beautiful island. This afternoon (local Sri Lanka time), we were deeply honored to participate in the Closing Ceremony at Independence Square in Colombo.
During this historic event, Venerable Bhikkhu Paññākāra was formally entrusted with the Sacred Relics of the Buddha and a sacred sapling from the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, presented by the Honorable President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
These sacred treasures are powerful symbols of peace, mindfulness, loving-kindness, harmony, and wisdom—the very same values that inspired the Walk for Peace across both the United States and Sri Lanka.
This is a profoundly significant moment, sharing Sri Lanka's precious Buddhist heritage with the international community. These sacred items will travel with us to Fort Worth, Texas, where they will be available for veneration and exhibition at Huong Dao Temple during our Vesak celebration from May 2–10, 2026.
We are profoundly grateful to the President, the Government of Sri Lanka, the venerable monks of the Sri Lankan Sangha, and the warm-hearted people of this nation for this immense honor and trust. The love and devotion we have witnessed here will remain in our hearts forever.
May these sacred blessings help spread the seeds of peace across the world.
May you and all beings be well, happy and at peace. 🙏✨
Photo credit: Prabath Manjula Gunasekara