The National Defence and Security Council held an alms-offering ceremony to mark the first anniversary of monks, nuns, and those who died in the Mandalay earthquake at 9:30 am yesterday at Uppatasanti Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw Union Territory.

The ceremony was attended by Uppatasanti Pagoda Ovadacariya Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maharattha Guru Bhaddanta Rajinda from Pauk Myaing Monastery in Lewe Township, Nay Pyi Taw, along with other Sayadaws, the Chairman of the National Disaster Management Committee and Union Minister for Home Affairs Lt-Gen Phone Myat, Union Ministers U Ko Ko Hlaing, Dr Kan Zaw, Dr Wah Wah Maung, Dr Thida Oo, U Tin Oo Lwin, U Hla Moe, Dr Charlie Than, Dr Chaw Chaw Sein, Dr Myo Thein Kyaw, U Myo Thant, and Dr Soe Win, as well as other officials.

Attendees first observed the Five Precepts, administered by Presiding Patron Uppatasanti Pagoda Ovadacariya Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maharattha Guru Dr Bhaddanta Adiccavanssa from Thirimingala Wegyi Monastery in Pobbathiri Township, while listening to the Metta Sutta recited by the Sayadaws.

Union ministers then presented and donated offerings to the Sayadaws, led by the Sayadaw from Pauk Myaing Monastery in Lewe Township.

Afterwards, the attendees listened to a dedication sermon delivered by Presiding Patron Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Vicakkhana from Aungsitha Pariyatti Buddhism Learning Centre in Pobbathiri Township, Nay Pyi Taw, and shared merit in dedication to the monks, nuns, and people who had passed away due to the Mandalay earthquake.

MNA/MKKS

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