Paying Homage to Shwedagon Pagoda: MoRAC UM held meeting with Pagoda Board of Trustee

Union Minister for Religious Affairs and Culture, U Tin Oo Lwin, accompanied by departmental officials, visited and paid homage to the Shwedagon Pagoda and held a meeting with the Board of Trustees on January 25.

The Union Minister first offered flowers, water, and oil lamps to the Maha Bodhi Banyan Tree Buddha Image at the Southern Arch. He then observed and encouraged pilgrims using the Pagoda Digital Directory (PDD), which assists visitors in navigating the historic site.

At a coordination meeting held in the Board of Trustees’ office, the rotating chairman, U Kyaw Zeya, presented a briefing on the current management and operations of the pagoda.

In response, the Union Minister urged the board to complete tasks based on the guidelines provided by the Head of State in a timely manner. The Shwedagon Pagoda is a historic symbol of Myanmar, he stated that the Board should not wait for higher-level orders to act. Instead, they should proactively decide on necessary repairs and renovations through board meetings to ensure the peace and comfort of pilgrims.

For any work involving ancient heritage, the board must submit proposals to and obtain permission from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Culture. Security staff at the four cardinal arches were instructed to assist pilgrims so they can pay their respects peacefully and quietly. He reminded the board that as responsibilities are already divided by department, they must work in unity to ensure the long-term structural integrity of the pagoda and religious buildings while ensuring that ancient Myanmar cultural heritage designs are not lost during renovations.

Following the meeting, the Union Minister conducted a field inspection of the renovation works at the Sae Taw mu Prayer Hall and the Daw Pwint Prayer Hall. The restoration of decaying Myanmar traditional motifs at the Rakhine Prayer Hall, which are being replaced with teak wood while maintaining the original craftsmanship.

The Minister concluded the visit by providing necessary instructions to ensure the quality and authenticity of the restoration works, it’s reported.