Today we stand together at the completion of the Walk for Peace in Sri Lanka. It has not been simply a physical journey across your land.
It has been a connection from one heart to another heart. Step by step, as we passed from city to city, we witnessed the enduring strength of loving-kindness and compassion that remains alive within Sri Lanka.
We walked in the rain, we walked in scorching heat and we walked barefoot on asphalt roads that tested the body and mind. Yet, with every difficulty, the people of this beautiful country responded not with disregard, but with kindness.
Roads were watered and banana leaves and flower carpets were laid down to soften the path and ease our pain.
Respect was shown. Smiles were offered. Care was given openly. This is what true strength looks like. This is what a peaceful nation looks like, and for this I offer my deepest gratitude, not only on behalf of myself and the Walk for Peace team, but, on behalf of everyone who has been touched by this journey.
Today, I would like to reflect something very important our Lord Gauthama Buddha did not only teach individuals how to live peacefully, he also gave guidance on how a nation can be survivalist and maintain peace.
There are seven essential qualities that sustain harmony in a society. And although they were taught long ago, they are deeply relevant today.
First, a nation must come together regularly in unity to discuss and reflect on what is right and beneficial to promote harmony. When people stop communicating with wisdom and understanding, divisions begins.
Second, when they gather they must meet in harmony, act in harmony and disperse in harmony. It is not enough to meet, how we treat each other matters.
Third, a peaceful nation must respect and uphold justice and ethical principal. It should not give rise to disorder through impulsive actions or any conduct that causes harm to any living being.
Fourth, respect must be given to elders, those who carry experience and wisdom. A society that neglects its elders loses its values.
Fifth, women and children must be protected. Where there is safety and dignity there is stability and growth.
Sixth, spiritual and cultural values must be preserved, sacred places, traditions and teachings serve as anchors to a nation’s cultural identity and heritage.
Seventh, a nation must respect and protect those who live a life of virtue, as virtuous citizens form the foundation for liberty, stability and moral strength in society.
If these qualities are upheld, peace does not need to be something we chase, but it becomes a natural way of life.
But, today, I want to take this one step further. Each one of us also has a world inside. Within this body and mind there is a territory. There are borders, there are conflicts, there is peace. If we cannot grow in our own inner world with wisdom, how can we expect the outer world to be peaceful.
So, ask yourself, do I meet my own thoughts with mindfulness, do I respect what is good and avoid what is harmful. Do I listen to wisdom, both within and around me? Do I cultivate kindness and patience? If each individual establishes peace within themselves, it naturally extends to families, communities, nations and ultimately the world, as peace is built not from the outside in, it is built from the inside out.
During this journey we were not alone, a very special being walked with us “Aloka”. Aloka has no voice to speak our language. Yet, he has communicated something very profound to all of us. Through his presence, we were reminded that loving kindness and compassion must not be limited. It must extend to all living beings. The way a society treats its animals reflect the depth of its humanity. And here in Sri Lanka, we have witnessed something truly inspiring. The love, the care, the protection that was shown to Aloka and the animals along the way, has been deeply moving.
Let this not end with this walk. Let it grow. Let it become a stronger. Animals are not objects, they are living beings with feelings, with fear, with trust. They depend on our kindness. Compassion is not complete unless it includes all beings, no matter how big or small.
We also express our sincere gratitude for the offering of a sacred sapling of the Sri Maha Bodhi for the “Dhammachetiya” project in Texas, United States. This is not merely a gift, but a living bridge of the Dhamma connecting Sri Lanka with the wider world. We are likewise grateful for the opportunity granted to display the Sacred Relics at the International Vesak Festival held at the Hung Dao Vipassana Meditation Centre in the United States. This is a meritorious act that will illuminate the hearts and minds of thousands.
We extend our deep gratitude to the Maha Sangha, Hon. President, Hon. Prime Minister and the people of Sri Lanka for their generosity and trust. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to the Sri Lanka Navy, law enforcement authorities and the security forces, as well as to the veterinary, medical, and media teams for their dedicated service and commitment.
We extend our sincere gratitude to all religious leaders who welcomed us with warmth, to those who extended hospitality, to every donor and volunteer and to all those present here as well as those around the world who supported this initiative through online platforms. You are all true partners in this journey of peace. No one walks this path alone.
Finally, I leave you with a simple practice. Throughout this journey, I have repeatedly shared the same message. It is simple, yet profoundly powerful if sincerely practised.
Be mindful. Be mindful of your thoughts, mindful of your words, and mindful of your actions. And regardless of background, belief, or identity, let loving-kindness and compassion towards oneself, towards others and towards all living beings be your guiding principle. Unity does not mean that we are all the same.
Unity is the choice of peace despite the differences that exist among us. If each of us can do this, even in small ways, what we have begun here will not end here. It will continue in your homes, within your communities, and in your hearts.
Therefore, as we conclude this Peace Walk, I invite you to carry this message forward not merely as a memory, but as a daily practice. As I have often said during this journey, begin each day by writing down and reciting aloud this simple sentence:
“Today will be my day of peace.”
Thank you. May goodness, happiness, and peace be with you all.
