A Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka has completed a remarkable 1,000-kilometer barefoot trek across the island nation, accompanied by a stray dog he adopted along the way. The monk, known as Ven. Mahinda, began his journey in January 2026 and finished on April 28, 2026, in Colombo. His mission was to promote peace and reconciliation in a country still healing from decades of civil war and recent economic turmoil.
During the trek, Ven. Mahinda walked through rural villages and urban centers, often stopping to speak with locals about the importance of unity and compassion. The stray dog, which he named 'Sinhaya' (meaning 'lion' in Sinhala), became a symbol of loyalty and resilience. The monk said the dog joined him spontaneously and never left his side, even through difficult terrain and monsoon rains.
Upon reaching Colombo, Ven. Mahinda was greeted by a small crowd of supporters and local religious leaders. He called on Sri Lankans to set aside political and ethnic divisions. 'We must walk together, like this dog and I, without shoes or barriers, towards a future of peace,' he said. The monk plans to continue his advocacy through talks and community events.
