Three veteran writers win Lifelong National Literary Award

 November 19, 2017

The Lifelong National Literary Award and National Literary Awards and Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Awards were presented at the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Yangon yesterday morning, with an address by Vice President U Myint Swe.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice President U Myint Swe said Gupyaukgyi Pagoda in Bagan has a stone inscription written in four languages – Pyu, Myanmar, Mon and Pali. It is a firm proof that Myanmar literature is a heritage that has at least 900 years of history. Myanmar literature continued to flourish throughout the ages from Pinya period to Kaungboung period. Excellent works of the respective periods also appeared all along its history. Myanmar Translation Association which later became the Sarpay Beikman came into being in 1947. Initial preparations were then made to present Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Awards. The Vice President then recounted the history of presenting Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Awards and the selection systems. He said at present the country presents 16 categories of National Literary Awards and 13 categories of Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Awards. He said three winners for the Lifelong National Literary Award for 2016 came out. This year’s winners include new writers, writers with some experience and veteran writers. The presentation of literary awards is for the continuous progress of Myanmar literature and emergence of brilliant writers. The awards have enhanced the confidence of writers and their creativity. So it is a drive towards the appearance of excellent literary works. The vice president expressed hope that literary world will produce more works in the interest of the community, race and country, create works that meet the international standard and provide support for the establishment of a democratic federal country. He then presented Lifelong Awards to veteran writers U Tha Noe (Maung Tha Noe), U Thein Than Tun (Thein Than Tun) and U Kyaw Win (Nyo Win).

Afterwards, Union Minister for Information Dr Pe Myint, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, Rakhine Ethnic Affairs Minister of the region cabinet U Zaw Aye Maung and Region Auditor General Daw Khin Than Hla presented category-wised awards to winners.

U Tha Noe (Maung Tha Noe) on behalf of award winners spoke words of thanks. The Vice President and party posed for documentary photo together with the winners. Also present on the occasion were Hluttaw representatives, departmental heads, the chairman and EC members of Myanmar Writers Association, officials, families of the award winners and invited guests.

Myanmar News Agency

Ref; The Global New Light of Myanmar