Nay Pyi Taw January 4
As a gesture of honouring the 78th Anniversary of Independence Day, a ceremony to confer honorary titles on recipients took place at Thabin Hall of the Office of the National Defence and Security Council in Nay Pyi Taw this morning, attended by Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing who delivered a speech and presented honorary titles.
Also present at the ceremony were Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, the wife of the Senior General, SSPC Vice Chairman Vice-Senior General Thiri Pyanchi Maha Thray Sithu Soe Win, Commission Member Prime Minister Zeya Kyaw Htin Tharay Sithu U Nyo Saw and his wife, the Commission Member Executive Chief and his wife, the Commission Secretary and his wife, Commission members and their wives, Union-level dignitaries, Union ministers and their wives, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, title recipients and their families.
On the occasion, the Senior General delivered a speech. He said: Today marks the 78th Anniversary of Independence Day, a historic and auspicious day for the nation. It has been 78 years since the State regained its sovereign authority and was able to stand once again with dignity in the community of nations as an independent country. On this auspicious Independence Day, which is fully endowed with honour and glory, a ceremony is being held to confer honorary titles. The Senior General expressed his immeasurable joy and pride at being able to personally confer these honors upon the distinguished recipients.
The independence and sovereignty of the State constitute the very lifeblood of the nation and must be safeguarded and protected at all times. Myanmar is situated between two major powers and, against the back-drop of a complex political history, occupies a geopolitically significant location, while also facing internal armed conflicts. If stability cannot be effectively maintained, the nation could once again face the risk of dis-integration. Therefore, it is necessary to draw lessons from the historical experiences of our country and, looking to the future, shape and build a modern, developed, stable, and peaceful State, leaving a positive legacy for the nation. Only then can their era and their generations be regarded as loyal and responsible to the country.
In order to ensure the enduring stability of independence and sovereignty, which are as vital as life itself, the Myanmar Tatmadaw have, hand in hand with the ethnic national peoples, made selfless sacrifices and steadfast efforts to confront and defend against challenges. It is therefore well known to all the distinguished award recipients and honoured guests that independence and sovereignty have been preserved to this day as a result. For the stability of independence and sovereignty, the Our Three Main National Causes—non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity, and the perpetuation of sovereignty—which serve as the main pillars, are clearly a national duty that all ethnic national peoples must solemnly uphold and safeguard. Accordingly, in building a Union based on a genuine, disciplined democracy and a federal system that strengthens the power of national unity, all Union-born ethnic national peoples must give special emphasis and work together in unity to faithfully comply with and implement these principles.
Nation-building and state-building endeavours cannot be carried out by a single individual or a single group alone; rather, the collaborative efforts of knowledgeable experts, skilled professionals, and capable individuals from all sectors and all frontsare essential. The government has long accepted and firmly believed that mobilizing and uniting such collective strengths in implementation will lead to greater effectiveness and success, and in practice, this approach is indeed being put into action accordingly.
It is precisely because of such cooperative efforts that the State has been able to respond to and effectively address the armed terrorist threats and difficulties currently confronting the country, while also safeguarding the interests of its citizens. Moreover, the fact that the entire population, together with the government and individuals from all sectors, was able to work hand in hand to confront and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, cyclone-related disasters, and the extremely powerful Mandalay earthquake disasters that occurred in the not-too-distant past stands as clear evidence of unity and solidarity.
In recognition and appreciation of individuals who have rendered outstanding service in building a peaceful, stable, and modern, developed State; those who have made selfless efforts to safeguard the Our Three Main National Causes, which constitute the national policy; those who have made exceptional contributions, in line with political, economic, and social objectives, toward ensuring community peace and tranquility, the rule of law, and the emergence of a modern and developed State; those who have successfully achieved world-class accomplishments in scientific, academic, or other fields of knowledge through innovation and creativity; and those who have attained exceptional excellence in literature and the fine arts, honorary awards are being conferred not only annually but also on every auspicious occasion.
In commemoration of the 78th Anniversary of Independence Day today, among 76 title recipients in total, insignia for respective honorary titles and certificates of honour will be presented to recipients for 13 Sithu title, nine for Thiri Pyan chi title, two for Zeya Kyaw Htin title, four for Wunna Kyaw Htin title, four for Alinka Kyaw Swa title under Notification 60/2025 issued on 17 April 2025, three for Wunna Kyaw Htin title under Notification 95/2025 on 2 July 2025 in commemoration of the Myanmar Women’s Day, one for Thiri Pyanchi title, seven for Zeya Kyaw Htin title, 10 for Wunna Kyaw Htin title, six for Alinka Kyaw Swa title, 17 for Theikpa Kyaw Swa title, under Notification 203/2025 on 14 November 2025 in commemoration of the National Victory Day.
Due to the irregularities that occurred in the 2020 general election, the Tatmadaw had to carry out its national duties in accordance with the 2008 Constitution. Throughout the course of the nation’s history, various political systems have been applied, and since 2010, the country has progressed along the multi-party democratic path that the people have long desired. The Tatmadaw, entrusted with the responsibility of defending and safe-guarding the State, is an integral part of the nation, and its members also emerge from among the people themselves.
Therefore, the Tatmadaw has taken the necessary steps, stage by stage, to ensure that the country can progress along the multi-party democratic path desired by the people. The Tatmadaw has also led the resolution of political challenges and difficulties that the State has faced. It is important to emphasize that all citizens should accurately study, know, and understand the historical experiences that the nation has gone through.
Throughout the period for which we were responsible, we set objectives and took actions aimed at establishing the multi-party democratic system desired by the public, promoting the development of the State, advancing key sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and production, and improving vital areas for every citizen, including education, healthcare, and socio-economic life. Efforts were also directed toward ensuring a smooth transfer of power to the government emerging from multi-party democratic elections.
However, it is well known that the country has not yet fully succeeded as it should because of certain foreign countries that do not wish the nation or its people well, some domestic armed groups who have strayed from the right path, and a small number of ill-informed terrorists and their supporters. Among today’s award recipients, there are those who have made selfless efforts for the nation’s peace and stability, as well as individuals using their knowledge and skills to advance the country across various sectors. At the same time, there remain selfish, ill-informed individuals, both domestic and abroad, who engage in destructive actions and betray the State. In the face of such challenges, we urge everyone not to be discouraged or give up, but to unite, work together in harmony, and collectively help build a successful and prosperous future for the nation.
It is widely known that, in line with the processes that have been adopted and implemented, the multi-party democratic general election Phase (1) was successfully held recently. In addition, Phase (2) is scheduled to be held on January 11, while Phase (3) will continue on January 25. The State is placing special emphasis on ensuring that the elections are free, fair, and conducted with dignity. It is also widely known that, in order to ensure that eligible voters do not lose their right to vote and with a view to national development, amnesties, sentence reductions, and exemptions have been granted in accordance with the law to those serving sentences and those with pending cases.
The strength and participation of all citizens are import-ant for the State. It is therefore earnestly urged that, under the new government to be formed through the elections, the public continue to actively and energetically cooperate in nation-building efforts as they have done thus far.
In carrying out nation-building tasks, it is emphasized that the efforts of the government alone are not sufficient. Intellectuals, professionals, capable individuals from all sectors, and all ethnic brothers and sisters are required to contribute their full abilities and work together in unity. Only in this way will it be possible to realize, within a short period of time, the democratic Union that all aspire to achieve.
Nation-building efforts are not short-term tasks that can be deemed completed on a specific date; rather, they are long-term processes that must be continuously implemented. Therefore, those who are already working hand in hand with the State are encouraged to continue their cooperation for the national interest. Those who have not yet engaged deeply are also urged to promptly join hands with the government with a view to the national and State interests. Furthermore, organizations and individuals holding differing views and opinions are once again invited to engage in dialogue and negotiation instead of conflict.
The address concluded with wishes and prayers that the distinguished award recipients and honoured guests enjoy happiness and well-being in both body and mind, live long and healthy lives, and continue to carry and promote the interests of themselves, others, and the State.
Subsequently, Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar SSPC Chairman Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing, personally conferred honorary titles on the recipients. These included 13 recipients of the Sithu title under the Pyidaungsu Sithu Thingaha honours; three recipients of Tatmadaw gallantry titles—two awarded the Thiha Thura title and one the Thura title; as well as 10 recipients of the Thiri Pyanchi title, nine of the Zeya Kyaw Htin title, 17 of the Wunna Kyawhtin title, eight of the Alinkar Kyawswa title, and 11 of the Theikpa Kyawswa title.
Afterwards, the Senior General posed for a group documentary photograph together with the honorary title recipients.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the Senior General warmly greeted attendees, the award recipients, and their family members.
