A ceremony to inaugurate the Sishay Bridge rebuilt in its original form took place near Shishay Gate at the western wall of the Royal Mandalay City in Mandalay Region yesterday morning, attended by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

Mandalay Region Minister for Development Affairs Mandalay City Development Committee Chairman Mayor U Kyaw Hsan reported to the Senior General on the construction of the Sishay Bridge.

Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung presented a commemorative gift to mark the opening of the rebuilt bridge to the Senior General.

Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture U Tin Oo Lwin, Mandalay Region Chief Minister U Myo Aung, Lt-Gen Ko Ko Oo of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army), Director of Military Engineers Maj-Gen Zaw Naing Oo and Mandalay Mayor U Kyaw Hsan cut the ribbon to open the bridge.

The Senior General unveiled the stone plaque of the bridge and sprinkled scented water on it. The Senior General, his wife Daw Kyu Kyu Hla and his entourage strolled along the bridge and cordially greeted residents.

Also present at the ceremony were SAC Joint Secretary General Ye Win Oo, council members and their wives, Union ministers and their wives, the Mandalay Region Chief Minister, senior Tatmadaw officers and their wives of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief and their wives, and officials.

King Mindon constructed the Sishay Bridge along the western wall of the Royal Mandalay City in 1221 ME (Myanmar Era), alongside the magnificent Myanansankyaw Golden Palace. This historical project stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of the era. These were damaged in World War II. Sishay Bridge is the main exit of the western wall of the royal city. Following the guidance of the SAC Chairman Prime Minister to rebuild the bridge in its original form and ensure its long-term existence, the Directorate of Military Engineers started construction tasks in August 2024.

The bridge was commissioned into service successfully yesterday. Four dimensions of the walls of the Mandalay Palace were built with three gates, totalling 12. Significant titles were given to the central one of three gates each. Thanks to the reconstruction of the Sishay Bridge, Myanansankyaw Golden Palace can be filled with better characteristics of national cultural heritage.

MNA/TTA

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