Lorenz Pereira
The Vietnamese-American Venerable Pannakara Thero, who is on a world peace walk, returned to America today. The words he spoke at a special press conference there drew the attention of the entire world to Sri Lanka. The Venerable said that although he had travelled to many countries in the world, he had never found a country as full of humanity as Sri Lanka. Describing his experiences, he said that the most unforgettable sight he saw on his journey from Dambulla to Colombo was the banana leaf path.
“I have seen red carpets rolled out for kings and diplomats all over the world. But ordinary Sri Lankans had spread banana leaves for miles to cool our feet as we walked barefoot on the scorching sun. I saw them sprinkle cold water on those banana leaves. I see it as a cloak of respect that is a thousand times more valuable than a red carpet”
It is a fact that the world knows that Sri Lanka is in an economic crisis. Venerable Pannakara Thero made a wonderful point about this in his sermon. The Venerable said that even though the people of Sri Lanka lack money, the faith and kindness in their hearts cannot be compared to any other wealthy country in the world.
The Venerable recalled how everyone on both sides of the path he walked, from the little child to the old grandmother, gave alms to the best of their ability without any expectation of profit.
“Sometimes people loved us so much that they were crushed by our bodies. It was not pressure, it was an outpouring of devotion in their hearts,” the Venerable said.
In front of journalists in America, the Venerable further said that if the world wants to learn peace and kindness, it should look to Sri Lanka. He emphasized that the country is an example to the world, where people are so noble that they do not limit themselves to religious observances but spread banana leaves along a path and offer a drop of water to a victim.
Pannakara Thero concluded his speech by saying that even after leaving Sri Lanka, the banana leaf hospitality and humble smiles of the Sri Lankans will remain in his heart forever
. #VenPannakara #SriLanka #Humanity #SriLankanHospitality #pannakarahimi #follower
SEE … https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=989779160182812
&…………………………… https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122132696619117633&set=a.122095733307117633
TWO OTHER SNAPS Sent By Riyaz Aluher
I like the phrase‘Banana leaf hospitality’ genuinely amusing.
EMAIL COMMENT From Riyaz Aluher, 5 May 2026
As Muslims in Sri Lanka, we too join in support of the Walk for Peace. Islam teaches us the values of peace, compassion, unity, and respect for all humanity.
We are inspired by the journey of Venerable Pannakara Thero, whose words have drawn global attention to Sri Lanka. His heartfelt remark—that he has not found a country as rich in humanity as Sri Lanka—reminds us of the beauty of our shared coexistence.
At a time when the world needs greater understanding, let us stand together as one nation, beyond all differences, and continue to build harmony among all communities.
May peace prevail in our country and in the hearts of all.