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, the Shan State chief minister and the commander of the Triangle Region Command, yesterday 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.
At the construction site for the Lawkatharaphu Pagoda to be built in the Buddha Park, the Senior General 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 the necessary measures to be taken for the pagoda construction to the Wasipaik Sayadaw and guided the officials. The Senior General stated that to prevent water seepage and erosion, it is essential to systematically implement proper water inflow, outflow, and drainage systems from the outset 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. Moreover, when laying sun-exposed tiles on the platforms, it is necessary to prepare proper designs in advance and carry out the work in an orderly and systematic manner.
He also viewed around the construction site and observed the construction of religious structures in the park, and four magnificent venues of the Lord Buddha as birthplace, venues for enlightenment, preaching and attainment of Parinibbana.
The Senior General and party paid homage to the Buddha Image at the Thatta Thattaha Maha Bawdi Pagoda in the precinct of the Buddha Park and donated cash to the fund of the pagoda for overall renovation.
They paid homage to the Buddha Image on the upper terrace and went round the pagoda clockwise. The Senior General beat the peace bell.
He viewed the operation of the Thiladhamma charity clinic in the park and the construction of the Thihadhamma Hospital, and left necessary instructions and visited the Thukha Hmatsu Flower Plantation in the park and the Buddha Museum.
The Senior General offered flowers, water and oil lights to the Abhaya Razamuni Buddha Image. He also looked into the Buddhological episodes portrayed by marble stones in the cave of the Buddha Image.
In the evening, the Senior General paid homage to the Mahamuni Buddha Image in Kengtung. He donated cash to the overall renovation of the image to members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
The Senior General and party went to the 42nd traditional Lahu 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. — MNA/TTA
