In celebration of the 78th Anniversary of Shan State Day, a new 22-foot-wide asphalt concrete road to Shwephonepwint Pagoda in Taunggyi was inaugurated yesterday morning.
During the ceremony, State Administration Council Member Union Minister for Border Affairs Lt-Gen Yar Pyae presented a commemorative certificate of appreciation to U Sai Ywet from Sein Hninzi Mining Co Ltd and Loi Kham Advanced Housing Project.
SAC members and Union Ministers then awarded certificates of appreciation and cash award to the Pagoda trustee board, Myanmar Engineering Society (Taunggyi Branch), Shan State Development Department Director, Music Troupe from Basic Education High School No 4, Shan ethnic cultural troupes and traditional dance troupes such as the Kinnara and Kinnari dance troupes.
The attendees then made floral and oil lamp offerings at the pagoda and paid homage to the sacred site. They also observed the diamond a ord and umbrella being hoisted atop the pagoda.
Subsequently, they attended a religious ceremony at the Dhamma Hall of the Pagoda, where they offered alms to members of the Sangha. State Ovadacariya Sayadaw, the presiding monk of Sun Lun Gu Meditation Centre in Taunggyi gave the Five Precepts and the congregation listened to paritta before making donations to the monks. The Sayadaw of Theintaung Monastery in Taunggyi shared the merits of the donations.
As part of the Shan State Day celebrations, the SAC members then travelled to Kalaw Township for the opening of the new asphalt-paved South Myay Char–North Myay Char road (1/6.82 miles) along the Heho-Bawsai Road.
Lt-Gen Yar Pyae and officials then participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and posed for a commemorative group photo.
During the second part of the event, Union Minister U Hla Moe delivered an opening speech, followed by remarks from Shan State Chief Minister U Aung Aung. U Myo Min Thant, Director of the Southern Shan State Rural Road Development Department made an explanation of the road and bridge projects implemented in the 2024-2025 financial year. A village representative then delivered a speech of gratitude.