Nay Pyi Taw January 18
Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by Presiding Patron of Thiladhamma Kontha Tawya Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja Wasipaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kovida, Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo and his entourages, the Shan State Chief Minister, the commander of Triangle Region Command and officials, this afternoon, visited Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda and Abhaya Razamuni Buddha Image in the precinct of Buddha Park and Mahamuni Buddha Image, the magnificence of Kengtung in Shan State (East) and paid homage.
Construction site of Lawkatharaphu Pagoda
The Senior General and party arrived at the construction site for Lawkatharaphu Pagoda to be built in the Buddha Park, and inspected progress in undertaking land preparations, construction of the main pagoda, placing of the platform, construction of the encircled Cetis, and filling the gravels at the terraces.
The Senior General supplicated necessary measures for the pagoda construction to the Wasipaik Sayadaw and gave guidance to officials. The Senior General said that to prevent water seepage and erosion, it is necessary to systematically carry out proper water inflow, outflow, and drainage systems from the very start of construction works. In addition,
construction must be carefully designed to ensure a certain level of resilience against weather impacts, natural disasters, and earthquake hazards. Trees should also be systematically replanted on the slopes within construction areas. More-over, when laying sun-exposed tiles paving on the platforms, it is necessary to prepare proper designs in advance and carry out the work in an orderly and systematic manner.
The Senior General viewed round the construction site and gave necessary guidance.
The Senior General and par-ty observed construction of religious structures in the park, and four magnificent venues of the Lord Buddha as birthplace, enlightenment, preaching and attainment of Parinibbana and gave instructions to officials to systematically maintain the structures for long term existence.
Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda
The Senior General and par-ty paid homage to the Buddha Image at the Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda in the precinct of the Buddha Park and offered water, flower and oil light. The Senior General and party donated cash to the fund of the pagoda for overall renovation to a member of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
The Senior General and par-ty paid homage to the Buddha Image on the upper terrace and went round the pagoda clockwise.
The Senior General beat the peace bell.
The Senior General viewed operation of the Thiladhamma charity clinic in the park and construction of the Thihadhamma Hospital and left necessary instructions.
The Senior General and party visited the Thukha Hmatsu Flower Plantation in the park and the Buddha Museum.
Abhaya Razamuni Buddha Image
The Senior General and party offered flower, water and oil lights to Abhaya Razamuni Buddha Image and went it round clockwise. The Senior General and party also looked into the Buddhological episodes portrayed by marble stones in the cave of the Buddha Image.
The Senior General donated cash for overall renovation of the image to members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
Magnificent Mahamuni Buddha Image in Kengtung
In the evening, the Senior General and party paid homage to Mahamuni Buddha Image in Kengtung where they were welcomed by members of the Image Board of Trustees. The Senior General offered water, flowers and oil light to the Image and paid homage.
The Senior General then donated cash to the overall renovation of the image to members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
The Senior General signed the guest book of the image.
The Senior General and party went to the 42nd Lahu Traditional New Year Festival at the Shan State ground in Kengtung and viewed round sales of traditional foods, textiles, utensils and shops and cordially greeted vendors and people, and Lahu ethnic people and residents who enjoyed the festival.
