President's Office Staff Participate in Annual Alms Round Pilgrimage

Staff from the President's Office in Sri Lanka participated in the annual Pindapata (alms round) pilgrimage, a significant event organized by Buddhist and welfare associations in Colombo. The pilgrimage, centered around the Sri Sambuddhaloka Viharaya in Fort, Colombo, is now in its 26th year.

The primary objective of this annual Pindapata pilgrimage is to gather support and donations for the welfare of students attending pirivenas (monastic schools) and dhamma schools located in remote areas throughout the island. This initiative underscores the commitment to supporting religious and educational institutions that serve underprivileged communities.

This year's pilgrimage saw the participation of approximately one hundred members of the Maha Sangha (the Buddhist clergy). They were joined by staff from the President's Office, including Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumaranayake, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Coordinating Secretary for Presidential Parliamentary Affairs (Anti-Corruption and Special) K.M.N. Kumarasinghe, and Additional Secretary Prasanna Chandith. These individuals, along with other staff members, offered alms to the monks.

Members of the Maha Sangha were seen receiving alms from staff of various private and state institutions along the route in Colombo. The event highlighted a collective effort to support Buddhist education and the well-being of young students, reinforcing the cultural and religious fabric of Sri Lanka.