Colombo, September 3, 2025 – The annual Pindapatha Charikawa (alms round) organised by the Kandy Buddhist and Welfare Associations was held this morning, beginning near the Sambuddhaloka Temple in Fort and proceeding to the Presidential Secretariat.
The event, a longstanding religious and social tradition, is aimed at supporting the welfare of students studying in Pirivens and Dhamma Schools in remote areas across Sri Lanka.
Presidential Secretariat Participation
Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, took part in the procession by offering pirikara to the Maha Sangha as the alms round passed through Fort. Staff members of the Presidential Secretariat, including Senior Additional Secretaries Roshan Gamage, K. M. N. Kumarasinghe and Prasanna Chandith, also participated in the offerings.
A Gathering of Devotion
This year’s procession featured the participation of nearly 100 members of the Maha Sangha, who walked through Colombo Fort to receive alms and pirikara from devotees. Along the route, staff from several government and private institutions joined together in making offerings, underscoring the unity of purpose and collective spirit of the event.
Supporting Education Through Tradition
By aligning an ancient Buddhist practice with modern welfare initiatives, the annual Pindapatha Charikawa not only strengthens cultural and spiritual values, but also ensures tangible support for students pursuing Buddhist education in rural areas.
The Presidential Secretariat’s involvement reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, while extending meaningful assistance to the next generation of learners across the island.
