Burmese monks conclude long march in Colombo

Phanida
Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)

January 8, 2008 - In a show of solidarity, Burmese monks in Sri Lanka today entered capital Colombo, successfully concluding a five-day long march dedicated to peace and freedom in Burma.

Over 50 Burmese monks on January 4, on Burmese Independence Day, began the 75-mile long march from Sri Lanka's southern coastal town of Galle to capital Colombo. The monks concluded the march today with a little ceremony held in front of the United Nations office in Colombo.

Ashin Okkathah, spokesperson of the monks explaining about the conclusion of the march said, "a former parliamentarian who is a local Abbot Dr. Ashin Thamithah during the ceremony condemned the Burmese military government for their brutal suppression of monks and people during the September protests."

The closing ceremony of the march was attended by activists, and other well wishers including about 100 Sri Lankan monks who recited Metta Sutta for peace and freedom of the people in Burma.

The Burmese monks said Sri Lankan people have been supportive through out the march and provided them with food, and shelter for temporary meditation. Besides, local residents including office workers would rush out to greet them as they passed through the towns and villages.

"Our main aim for conducting the march is to free Burma from the grip of military dictators, and to obtain genuine democracy in Burma along with peace in the world. Though we cannot say we have achieved all our aims, we feel satisfied with what we have done. Because through our action, we could draw the attention of the local people and even the attention of the media," Ashin Okkathah said. Sri Lanka is currently host to over 100 Burmese monks including those learning in various monasteries.