NAY PYI TAW April 11
An auspicious ceremony to open Thiri Mingalar Dhamma Ratana three-storey monastic building donated by well-wishers led by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at Thiri Mingalar Mansu Shan Monastery in Lashio, Shan State (North) and to hoist the golden umbrella, pennant-shaped vane and diamond orb atop the Sulamani Pagoda build on the building was held this morning and the ceremony was attended by members of the Sangha led by Thiri Mingalar Mansu Shan Monastery Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Agga Maha Kamathanacariya Agga Maha Suddhama Jotikadhaja Dr Bha-ddanta Ponnya Nanda, Chairman of the State Administra-tion Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, family members, the entourage who accompanied the Senior General and local residents.
First, the Senior General and wife and party arrived at the monastery and were warmly greeted by Chief Minister of Shan State U Aung Zaw Aye, Commander of North-East Com-mand Maj-Gen Naing Naing Oo, departmental staff and local residents who were performing traditional dances.Then, the Senior General and party paid obeisance to the Buddha image made of bamboo strips in the prayer hall of the monastery and offered flowers, water and lights.
Afterward, the ceremony to donate the three-storey monastic building began with a three-time recitation of Namo Tassa by the congregation paying hom-age to Buddha images and the congregation took the sermons delivered by members of the Sangha led by the Sayadaw.Then, the Senior General and wife offered the jewelled diamond orb, alms and cash donations to the Sayadaw, who presented Dhamma gifts and a certificate of honour to the Senior General.Afterward, the Senior General and wife and the congregation took sermons from the Sayadaw and shared merits for donations.
Then, the Senior General and wife, family members and the congregation conveyed the gol-den umbrella, pennant-shaped vane and the jewelled diamond orb to be hoisted atop the pagoda and religious objects to be enshrined in the pagoda on auspicious palanquins from the prayer hall to the auspicious flying chariot. Then, the Senior General, the joint secretary of the SAC and SAC member Dr Kyaw Tun for-mally opened the three-storey monastic building donated by well-wishers led by the Senior General by cutting a ribbon.
Afterward, the Senior General and the congregation sprinkled scented water on the stone inscription of the three-storey monastic building. Then, on the auspicious time, the Senior General and wife and party, the attendees and locals conveyed the jewelled diamond orb and the pennant-shaped vane atop the pagoda by the decorated float and sp-rinkled scented water on them. Next, they performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark successful completion of the hoisting ceremony.
Then, the Senior General and party sprinkled scented water on the relics to be enshrined in the pagoda.
Afterwards, the Senior Ge-neral and party went round the pagoda clockwise and offered alms in an emerald bowl, water and oil light to the Buddha image in the Buddha shrine room of the three-storey monastic building. Next, a Eugenia tree was pla-nted to mark successful com-pletion of the hoisting ceremony.After the ceremony, the Senior General and wife and the atten-dees offered day meals to the Sangha and served the guests with lunch.
Afterwards, the Senior Ge-neral and party went to the Lashio Airport and inspected the expansion of the airport’s runway. Union Minister for Tran-sport and Communications and officials reported to the Senior General on the project.
Regarding the reports, the Senior General gave necessary instructions saying the airport in Shan State (North) plays a main role in promoting trade between Myanmar and China. Therefore, it is to upgrade and expand the airport in order that big cargo planes could land. Doing so will be helpful to domestic flights. The Senior General and party inspected the project of upgrad-ing Lashio Airport and gave instructions to officials on completing tasks planned within the opening season and other needs.
Later, the Senior General and wife and party arrived at the Northeastern Command and enjoyed the Thingyan water pouring event together with officers, other ranks and families of the command welcoming the traditional New Year.
