Ven. Bhante Gunaratana, Chief Sangha Nayaka for North America has requested all Sri Lankans to support the second phase of the International Walk for Peace scheduled to begin in Sri Lanka this week.

The following is the text of a statement issued by Ven. Bhante Gunaratana: “As a distinguished assembly of Venerable monks embarks upon the second phase of the International Walk for Peace across our beloved island, I respectfully and earnestly implore all Sri Lankans to lend their wholehearted support to this sacred endeavor in a spirit of collective unity and boundless goodwill.

Sri Lanka has, throughout the ages, been a civilisation profoundly shaped and enriched by deep-rooted spiritual traditions. In this significant moment, let us draw sustenance from those timeless and enduring values, and respond to one another, and to this noble mission with kindness, patience, and heartfelt compassion.

We humbly and respectfully request that you receive the Venerable monks with the utmost reverence and dignity, extend every possible assistance along their journey, and engage with this sacred undertaking in an abiding spirit of harmony, goodwill, and mutual understanding.

May this auspicious occasion serve as a profound opportunity to strengthen the bonds of trust, fellowship, and goodwill that unite all communities across this nation.

Through the practice of patience, the cultivation of compassion, and the observance of respectful and virtuous conduct, may we as one people collectively contribute to the healing of wounds long borne and to the realization of an enduring and lasting peace.”

Former MP Premalal Jayasekera was arrested by Nuwara Eliya police yesterday (21) for threatening people with a pistol.

Sources said that the weapon had been issued by the Defence Ministry, before the change of government in September, 2024.

The ex-MP had no permit to carry the weapon this year, sources said, adding that during an argument between Jayasekera and a group of people who had come to Nuwara Eliya, the weapon had been displayed.

Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador to Sri Lanka) Monsignor Andrez Jozwowlez yesterday (21) said that Easter Sunday attackers could be forgiven after the truth behind the attacks is established. The Vatican Ambassador said so at St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade, Colombo, at a commemorative event held with the participation of Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith.

“This commemoration should not be marked with vengeance, but with hope that justice will be served to those who were affected by the attacks,” he said at the seventh anniversary of the Easter Sunday carnage.