US-based Buddhist monks bring peace walk to Sri Lanka

Saffron-robed Buddhist monks began a week-long peace walk across Sri Lanka on Wednesday, accompanied by a rescued stray dog, Aloka that has become a celebrity in its own right.

Led by Vietnamese monk Pannakara, the group of 13 launched their march at dawn from a historic Buddhist temple in Dambulla, about 160 kilometres north of the capital Colombo. The group, promoting "peace for all beings, including animals", was expected to reach the capital on April 28, where they will be received by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, organisers told the media.