An 11-year-old boy crashed a pickup truck into a group of monks on a pilgrimage walk in northeastern Thailand on Thursday, killing eight, officials said.

A total of 35 monks from Mukdahan province, about 600 kilometers northeast of the capital Bangkok, were on the pilgrimage. 

Five monks were killed at the site, while three others died at a hospital, according to Mukdahan Governor Worrayan Boonnarat. Fourteen others were hospitalized, with four in critical condition.

The group started the 260-kilometer walk to Ubon Ratchathani province about 30 minutes before the crash.

Security camera footage shared by a local rescue group, Ruam Jai Mukdahan Rescue Association, shows the monks walking in a single line on the side of a road before the truck crashes into them.

Local police said the boy is now in custody and will be questioned when state child protection officers arrive.

The police said the cause of the accident is still under investigation, but said they were told by the monks that they saw the vehicle swerving before it slid off the road and crashed into the group. (ABC News) 

An 11-year-old boy crashed a pickup truck into a group of monks on a pilgrimage in northeastern Thailand, killing at least eight. The group of 35 monks was walking in Mukdahan Province when the crash occurred. Five monks died at the scene, while three later died in hospital,… pic.twitter.com/CGC78p7Hkw

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) July 2, 2026

The post 11-year-old boy driving pickup truck crashes into group of Thai monks, killing 8 appeared first on Newswire.

Twenty‑three (23) monks arrested in connection with smuggling Kush and Hash drugs from Thailand were today ordered to be remanded until May 26 by Negombo Magistrate Subhani Abeysekara.

The suspects were produced before the court after being taken into custody at Katunayake Airport on April 25, when 112 kilograms of Kush and Hash were discovered in their luggage upon arrival from Thailand.

Police investigations revealed that the operation had allegedly been organized by a monk named Amithananda. He was later arrested while hiding at a temple in the Gampaha area.

The group of monks had reportedly returned from a tour in Thailand when they were intercepted by airport authorities. 

All 23 suspects were remanded once again today. (Newswire)

The post 23 monks remanded over Thailand drug smuggling case appeared first on Newswire.

A group of monks from the Walk for Peace delegation has embarked on a sacred journey from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Texas, to Sri Lanka.

Led by Phra Ponchai Khamyeam, the delegation carries with them a message of peace, compassion, and mindfulness. Their mission is to continue spreading harmony and spiritual unity in the land of the Buddha’s teachings.

Organizers of Walk for Peace expressed hope that the monks’ presence in Sri Lanka will inspire goodness, strengthen community bonds, and encourage inner peace among all who encounter them.

“May this journey bring immense merit, harmony, and blessings to all beings. Safe travels and blessings to all the Venerables,” the delegation said in a statement. (Newswire)

The post Walk for Peace monks begin sacred journey to Sri Lanka appeared first on Newswire.

A group of Buddhist monks, including Prof. Agalakada Sirisumana Thera of the Colombo University have staged a march in Colombo calling for the reinstatement of Deshabandu Tennakoon as the Inspector General of Police (IGP). 

Foreign and child monks were seen participating in the procession which commenced near the Fort Railway Station and headed towards the Bo Tree in Colombo-Fort.

After holding religious observances near the Bo Tree, the group said that the Supreme Court should have allowed the IGP to complete his tenure.

They further said that several obstacles are being faced in the operations launched by Tennakoon as the IGP to tackle drugs and underworld-related activities. 

Last week, the Supreme Court issued an order restraining Deshabandu Tennakoon from exercising the powers, functions, and responsibilities of the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). (Newswire)

The post Monk group calls for reinstatement of Deshabandu Tennakoon as IGP appeared first on Newswire.

Four distinguished Sri Lankan Buddhist monks undertook a visit to Yangon, Myanmar on Tuesday (Jan 16) as part of the Temple-to-Temple Diplomacy Programme launched by the State Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Yangon, this visionary initiative was set in motion by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya, with the cooperation of the President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. 

Under the guidance of the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Myanmar Janaka Bandara, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Yangon coordinated with the temples in Myanmar to arrange the visit.

The visiting monks were warmly welcomed by the Pa Thein Monastery in Yangon.  During their stay, the Sri Lankan monks will explore temples in Myanmar including the most sacred Swedagon pagoda in Yangon which is said to enshrine relics of the four previous Buddhas.

The temple-to-temple diplomacy programme stands as a unique approach to international relations, highlighting the profound cultural and religious ties between nations. This program serves as a bridge towards greater understanding, cooperation, and cultural exchange, fostering regional peace and stability.  It is poised to pave the way for enhanced economic collaboration, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

The Sri Lankan Embassy added that it is actively collaborating with temples across various states of  Myanmar to expand this diplomatic outreach. (NewsWire)

The post SL & Myanmar launch Temple-to-Temple diplomacy to strengthen cultural ties appeared first on Newswire.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has engaged in discussions with a diverse delegation representing the Global Tamil Forum (GTF) and esteemed Buddhist monks. 

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the significant diplomatic encounter took place at a pivotal juncture, where the Joint Himalayan Declaration was formally presented to the President. 

The Joint Himalayan Declaration, a collaborative effort between the Global Tamil Forum and the Buddhist delegation, advocates for a pluralistic Sri Lanka that actively promotes the well-being of all its communities. 

Emphasizing the importance of learning from the nation’s historical missteps, the declaration underscores the necessity for implementing measures that ensure accountability. 

The joint delegation comprised esteemed Buddhist monks, including Ven. Dr. Madampagama Assaji Tissa Thero, Anu Nayaka of Ambagahapitiya Chapter, Amarapura Nikya, Ven. Siyambalagaswewa Wimalasara Thero, Chief Sanganayaka of Northern & Eastern Provinces, Malwatta Chapter of Siam Nikaya, Ven. Kithalagama Hemasara Nayaka Thero, General Secretary, Siri Dharmarakshitha Chapter, and Chief Sanga Nayaka of Western Province, Ven. Prof. Pallekande Rathnasara Thero, Acting Mahanayaka of Vajirawansa Chapter of Amarapura Nikaya, Ven. Kalupahana Piyaratana Thero, Former Member of SL Human Rights Council 2023, Chairperson of Human Development Edification Centre, Ven. Narampanawe Dhammaloka Thero, Chief Sanganayaka of Pathathumbara of Central Province, Asgiriya Chapter of Siam Nikaya and Ven. Wadduwe Dhammawansa Thero, Deputy General Secretary, Ramagngna Nikaya. 

Additionally, the delegation included international representatives Suren Surendiran – (UK), Dr. Kannappar Mukunthan (Australia), Bhavan Bhavaguhan (UK), Prakash Rajasundram (Australia), Velupillai Kuhanendran (UK), Raj Thavaratnasingham (Canada) and Dr. Elias Joseph Jeyarajah (USA). 

The handover of the Joint Himalayan Declaration marks a significant step towards fostering dialogue and collaboration for a harmonious and inclusive Sri Lanka. 

The President expressed his appreciation for the initiative and committed to considering the recommendations outlined in the declaration. The diplomatic discourse sets the stage for continued efforts towards national reconciliation and progress. (NewsWire)

The post President engages in historic talks with Global Tamil Forum & Buddhist Monastics appeared first on Newswire.

The Embassy stated that Most Venerable Prof. Kumburugamuwa Vajira Maha Thero, Most Venerable Dr. Ittepana Dhammalankara Mahanayaka Thero, Most Venerable Omare Kassapa Anunayaka Thero, Most Venerable Balangoda Sobhitha Nayaka Thero, Most Venerable Iguruwaththe Piyananda Mahanayaka Thero, and Most Venerable Prof. Muwaetagama Gnanananda Thero are the title recipients.

The Conferring Ceremony was held on Sunday (05), in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.  The Venerable Theros were conferred the titles by the Myanmar Prime Minster, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Janaka Bandara and the other officials of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Yangon, coordinated this event successfully with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture of Myanmar.

The title recipient Buddhist monks are due to return to Sri Lanka on Sunday, the 12th of March 2023. (NewsWire)

The post Six SL monks conferred with Honorary Religious Titles in Myanmar appeared first on Newswire.

Three persons, including two monks, have been arrested for helping an individual who was in the custody of the Katunayake airport Police over several murders in Sri Lanka, to escape.

The Western Province South Crimes Division stated that the two monks and another person who had operated as the driver of the vehicle transporting the suspect, were arrested in the Hettipola area. 

The suspects are the Chief incumbent of the Hettipola Rittadeniya Shri Jaya Lankarama Viharaya, Poththewala Indrasara aged 40, monk Diwulwewa Deepananda aged 38, and 27-year-old Kamburugamuwa Weerasinghe Arachchilage Dhilan from the Kalubowitiyana area in Ambewala. 

The Police had seized the vehicle used to escort the wanted suspect, while they had also seized two bags belonging to the suspect who had attempted to flee to Dubai.

The suspect was wanted for shooting to death a hotel owner in the Hanwella area in December 2022. The Police had obtained a travel ban from the court after identifying the suspect and had informed the Department of Immigration and Emigration in this regard. 

However, the suspect had attempted to flee to Dubai under a fake identity and was arrested and placed in the custody of the Katunayake airport Police, during which two Buddhist monks had enabled his release and had aided his escape. (NewsWire)

The post Wanted suspect escaping from airport Police : Two monks arrested appeared first on Newswire.