Buddhist monks participating in the Peace March, which has drawn participants from across the United States and around the world, received a grand welcome from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C., on February 10, 2026, during their visit to the United States.
The Sri Lankan Embassy contributed traditional Sri Lankan cuisine to a luncheon organized for more than 200 Buddhist monks by the Sri Lankan community in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. The event was held at the National United Methodist Church.
At the invitation of the District of Columbia Secretary, Ms. Kimberly A. Bassett, the Ambassador also attended an interfaith ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral. Thousands gathered around the cathedral in support of the Peace March. Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Madhuka Wickramarachchi.
During a reception organized by the Embassy, the Chief Monk and other members of the Maha Sangha paused briefly. On the occasion, the Ambassador offered the Atapirikara Pooja and placed the Sri Lankan national flag emblem on the robe of Pannakara Thero. Embassy staff and members of the Sri Lankan community welcomed the procession by offering flowers. The Embassy also distributed water bottles to devotees participating in the march, a gesture that was widely appreciated.
Following the reception, the Ambassador, Embassy officials, and members of the Sri Lankan community joined the monks in the procession.
