Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar and State Security and Peace Commission Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing presented honorary titles to the individuals who diligently served the interests of the State and defence and security duties of the State, as well as monks and laypersons, for their outstanding performances on 4 January 2026.
In this regard, a ceremony to offer the Sithu title to Presiding Patron of the Kengying Monastery of Kengtung long-life Sayadaw Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Khemacara was held at Dhammayon of Kengying Monastery this morning, attended by the Senior General.
The ceremony was also attended by members of the Sangha, Commission Secretary General Ye Win Oo, the entourage of the Senior General, the Chief Minister of Shan State, the commander of Triangle Region Command, officials and residents.
The Senior General and party took the Five Precepts from the State Ovadacariya of Kengtung Tuya Monastery Sayadaw Aggamaha Ganthavacaka Pandita.
Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin read the paper to offer the title to the Sayadaw.
The Senior General offered the Sithu title and insignia, offerings, and cash for nine prerequisites to the Sayadaw, who returned the Dhamma gift to the Senior General.
The Commission Secretary and officials offered alms to members of the Sangha.
The title recipient, Kengying Sayadaw, gave an Ovada Katha, saying that looking back at history from the Bagan period through the Konbaung period, it is neither seen nor heard that a long-lived senior monk has been conferred a state honour by the government. Therefore, this must be recorded as a unique and significant event for both himself and the government that administers the country. At present, he has reached the age of 101, and he was deeply pleased and honoured that the Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Chairman of the State Security and Peace Commission, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, personally came to confer the “Sithu” title and its insignia upon him. He also extended prayers and loving-kindness, wishing the Acting President and all the people of the country good health and prosperity, success in carrying out their duties, and the fulfilment of all their wishes and aspirations.
The Senior General and attendees listened to the Anumodana from Presiding Patron of Sasana Weponla Pariyatti Buddhism Learning Centre of Kengtung Aggamaha Ganthavacaka Pandita Aggamaha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Vijaya and shared merits gained.
The title recipient Sayadaw established Peinsan Buddhism Learning Centre in Mongping, Yanglao and Palyanlon Buddhism Learning Centres in Yanglao Village-tract in Kengtung Township to perpetuate Buddhism in the state. The Sayadaw is the chief of Gon Shan Sangha and leads the drawing of the yearwise Samdittha calendar in Gon Shan language and renovation of Hnee Buddha Image in Mongkhat as part of serving the religious duties as well as the interests of the region. As such, the Acting President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar offered Sithu title to the Sayadaw. — MNA/TTA
