Esteemed national brethren in Mon State,
On the auspicious occasion of the 52nd Anniversary of Mon State Day, which falls on 19 March 2026, I extend my heartfelt wishes and loving-kindness for all Mon ethnic brethren in Mon State and across various regions, as well as for all ethnic peoples of the Union throughout the country, to enjoy good health and physical and mental well-being, and to have all their good intentions and aspirations fulfilled.
The Mon State Day is an honourable and auspicious day with significant identities for Union-born Mon ethnic people.
Mon State is located in lower Myanmar, between Bago Region, Kayin State, and Taninthayi Region. The ancient name of the Mon ethnic group was “Raman” in the Mon language, which, through successive changes, came to be known as “Mon,” according to historical records. The region where the Mon people first settled, known as “Ramanya,” means a pleasant or delightful land. In earlier times, before it was designated as Mon State, the territory that now forms Mon State was part of Taninthayi Region.
In order to gain a separate Mon State, various Mon organizations including the All Ramanya Mon Association, the Mon National Asiayone, and other Mon groups collectively made efforts and appeals so that the Mon ethnic group could preserve and promote their literature and distinct cultural heritage more widely. As a result, under the 1974 Constitution of the Socialist Republic of the Union of Myanmar, No 1 Taninthayi Division was designated as Mon State.
After the State was officially designated as a separate state by the government, Mon ethnic people within Mon State determined that 19 March 1974 the date on which the draft Constitution was submitted would be observed as Mon State Day. From then onward, commemorative ceremonies have been held annually in a grand and lively manner, and in 2026 the celebration has reached its 52nd Anniversary.
Within Mon State, the majority of the population consists of Mon and Bamar people, while other ethnic groups such as Kayin, Shan, and Pa-O also live together in harmony and peace. The Mon are among the earliest peoples to have settled in Myanmar, and historical evidence from ancient Mon stone inscriptions and literary sources indicates that they possessed a high level of cultural development and were among the first to adopt Buddhism.
Mon State which had been formed with 10 townships in two district was reorganized with two additional districts starting from 30 April 2022. So, it totals 10 townships in four districts with accelerating efforts for overall development to ensure peace and stability and improve economic and social measures.
Mon State is located along the coastline and serves not only as a coastal region but also as an important hub with favourable transport routes for trade and commercial processes, including a key central port. In addition, it enjoys a pleasant climate, with scenic mountains and rivers, lush green forests, abundant natural resources, and plentiful local fruits and produce, making it a region with rich natural endowments and favourable conditions.
In terms of religion and the Buddhism, Mon State is distinguished by many prominent and historically significant temples and stupas, including the revered Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, Kyaikpawlaw Hmeshintaw Pagoda, Hsandawshin Kyaikthanlan Pagoda, Kyaikmaraw Hsutaungpyae Pagoda, and Kyaikkhami Mid-streamed Pagoda. These sacred sites reflect the flourishing glory of the Buddhism. Owing to the dedicated efforts of religious figures and the Venerable Shin Arahan, historical records clearly show that the region became a centre where the true Theravada Buddhism prospered and spread, which is a matter of great pride.
Esteemed national brethren,
At the present time, our country is in a period of transition towards becoming a nation that practises a democratic system, in accordance with the aspirations of the people, where the fundamental principles of justice, liberty, and equality can flourish. In building a democratic nation, it is essential for all citizens to uphold unity, maintain discipline, respect and abide by the rule of law, and possess sound knowledge and awareness.
In line with the objective of the National Defence and Security Council, and in order to advance along the democratic path desired by the people, the multi-party democratic general elections 2025 were successfully held in three phases. The Pyithu Hluttaw convened on 16 March 2026, and the Amyotha Hluttaw on 18 March 2026. Hluttaw sessions, including the process of electing the President, are being carried out according to schedule, and in the near future, a new Union Government led by the newly elected President will emerge.
Esteemed national brethren,
In order to effectively and successfully implement national tasks within a short period of time, I would like to earnestly urge intellectuals and intelligentsia from various sectors, and ethnic peoples across the country to actively and unitedly cooperate with the new government that will emerge.
In promoting national economic development, efforts are being made to implement key and fundamental sectors such as education, healthcare, rule of law, and the improvement of transport. In carrying out production activities, it is essential to ensure the development and success of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which form the most basic foundation of the economy.
To commemorate the 79th Anniversary of Union Day this year, a Union-level MSME Products Exhibition and Market Fair was held in Nay Pyi Taw, with ethnic entrepreneurs from various states and regions, including Mon State, participating to display and sell their products. Beyond economic development alone, the event brought multiple benefits, including fostering friendship and closer relations among entrepreneurs from different regions, strengthening unity, promoting mutual assistance, exchanging traditional customs, cultures and knowledge, establishing market linkages, and enhancing the ability to produce value-added domestic products capable of entering international markets. Given that Mon State possesses favorable natural conditions and abundant resources, expanding the agriculture, livestock, and production sectors would increase the income of local people, reduce poverty, and further improve socioeconomic living standards. Therefore, I would like to strongly urge that these activities be carried out with emphasis on integrating technology to produce value-added products.
Esteemed national brethren,
To promote the development of the education sector, the State is implementing compulsory education up to KG+9, with the aim of fostering a society enriched with knowledge and well-rounded in the five strengths. Efforts are being made to increase school enollment rates among all school-age children, ensure students achieve academic proficiency, improve grade transition rates, and facilitate the transformation from basic schooling to broader knowledge and intellectual development. I would like to urge continued emphasis on these priorities.
At present, it is necessary to nurture young people who represent the strength of the future by enhancing their character and capabilities so that they become well-rounded and capable individuals. In addition, systematic efforts are required to cultivate good moral conduct among youth, in still patriotism, and encourage a sense of responsibility to safeguard the nation and uphold its dignity.
It can be assessed that the internal conflicts and the lack of national stability experienced over successive periods have stemmed, in part, from weaknesses in education among those concerned. When knowledge and awareness are lacking, individuals may follow incitement and agitation by destructive elements without critical thinking or sound judgment, thereby undermining national stability. The State is therefore prioritizing efforts to ensure equal access to education across the country, including in ethnic regions.
Accordingly, I would like to urge Mon State as well to work in cooperation towards achieving progress and success in the education sector in line with set objectives.
Esteemed national brethren,
In the health sector, the State has been consistently undertaking measures to ensure that all citizens have access to basic healthcare services, including supplying hospitals with adequate medicines and medical equipment, providing free medical treatment, and appointing healthcare personnel.
To improve the socio-economic conditions of all citizens, the government has also been upgrading the transport sector. As part of efforts to promote all-round development in Mon State and facilitate the flow of goods both domestically and internationally, two key bridges the new Gyaing (Zathabyin) Bridge and the new Attaran Bridge were inaugurated on 8 March. With the opening of these two bridges, travel will become more convenient, enabling easier access from Mon State and Kayin State to the Mawlamyine Special Economic Zone and the Dawei Deep-Sea Port, as well as to other parts of the country, thereby accelerating the flow of goods both domestically and abroad.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that, as history teaches us, unity among ethnic groups is critically important for preserving the Union, maintaining national stability and peace, and upholding the rule of law. Achieving peace and unity is essential to ending armed conflicts and violent disturbances so that all ethnic peoples can live safely and securely within the Union. As the ethnic brethren in Mon State participate in building a Union based on democracy and a federal system the system desired by all ethnic peoplesI urge them to act with a spirit of national solidarity and patriotism, ensuring that the interests of the State, the region, and the entire nation and its people are upheld. Moreover, I extend my heartfelt wishes that Mon State and all Mon ethnic peoples may always enjoy lasting peace, prosperity, and happiness, and I respectfully pay tribute on the occasion of the 52nd Anniversary of Mon State Day.
Senior General Thadoe Maha Thray Sithu
Thadoe Thiri Thudhamma Min Aung Hlaing
Acting President, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Chairman, the State Security and Peace Commission
