The 45th Anniversary of Rakhine State Day was observed at U Ottama Hall in Sittway, Rakhine State, at 9 am on 15 December.

The event was opened with a performance of Tharliswa Rakhine State by the local cultural troupe. Rakhine State Chief Minister U Nyi Pu then read a message from President U Win Myint commemorating 45th Rakhine State Day.

This was followed by a historical explanation on the formation of Rakhine State by the lecturer of the Myanmar Literature Department, Sittway University, U Zaw Win Naing.

Next, the Chief Minister and wife, the Deputy Speaker of the State Hluttaw, State Chief Justice, state ministers and their wives, and the State Advocate-General conferred awards on winners of the outstanding performances regarding the 45th Rakhine State Day, including literary excellence, essay composition for the occasion, cartoon drawings and storytelling competitions.

This was followed by Grade-6 student Maung Ye Wunna Lin of B.E.H.S. (2) Sittway retelling his first place story, ‘Kyee-phyu-ywar’ to the audience, after which the Chief Minister took a documentary photo with all attendees.

The commemoration was attended by department officials, local elders, teachers, writers, receivers of outstanding awards and students.

Earlier at 5:30 am, Rakhine State cabinet members led the offering of the first meal for Buddhist monks at daybreak to commemorate Rakhine State Day at Khine Thazin Hall. —MNA (Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)