25 February

A ceremony to inaugurate the Adhipati Road (Chancellor’s Road) and the main building of the Dhammaduta Chekinda Buddhist University took place at Chekindayama Monastery in Dhammaduta Zaytawun Tawya in Hmawby Township of Yangon Region yesterday.

It was attended by members of the Sangha led by Dhammaduta Dr Ashin Chekinda, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Admiral Tin Aung San and wife, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the commander of Yangon Command, well-wishers and guests.

At the ceremony, Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Nyo Saw, Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Thet Pon and Director Maj-Gen Maung Maung Myint of the Directorate of Military Engineers cut the ribbon to open the Adhipati Road of Dhammaduta Chekinda Buddhist University.

The Senior General unveiled the stone plaque and title of the main building at the university.

A ceremony of sharing merits gained followed in commemoration of the successful opening ceremony of the Adhipati Road and the main building of the university.

Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abbot of Nyaungthonbin Samanekyaw Monastery Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Tejosarabhivamsa read the words of advice of Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abbot of Bhamo Monastery from Mandalay Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotita Dr Bhaddanta Kumarabhivamsa.

The Senior General supplicated giving a brief explanation of the purpose of the Adhipati Road and the main building of the university.

Next, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and wife offered documents related to the construction of the Adhipati Road of the Dhammaduta Chekinda Buddhist University and the main building of the monastery to 15th Shwegyin Sangharaja Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Agga Maha Pandita Weikzawtayon Sayadaw. The Sayadaw presented gifts to mark the opening of the Dhammaduta Chekinda Buddhist University and a certificate of honour to the Senior General and wife.

Afterwards, the Senior General and wife offered provisions to the Vice Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abbot of Thiri Mingala Kyaungtaik Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Obhasa. Then, senior military officers and well-wishers donated alms to the Sayadaws.

After that, those present listened to a sermon delivered by Upaukkatha of Shwegyin Nikaya Maha Nayaka Joint Shwegyin Sangharaja Abbot of Maha Withokdayon Taikthit Sishin Sayadaw and shared merits gained. After the ceremony, the Senior General and wife together with those present offered meals to members of the Sangha.

Following the ceremony, Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, accompanied by his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and senior military officers, went to the Military Hospital (1000-bed) in Yangon in the afternoon and comforted and gave words of encouragement to the Pa-O ethnic leader U Aung Hkam Hti receiving treatment for pneumonia.

The Senior General met with Pa-O ethnic leader U Aung Hkam Hti at the special intensive care unit of the military hospital and cordially asked about his health conditions. After fulfilling necessary requirements, the Senior General presented him with foodstuffs. Thanks to the medical treatment provided by military medical specialists, U Aung Hkam Hti is now in good health condition, according to the news released by the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services.—MNA (Translated by gnlm)