19^th March 2019

On 19^th March in the afternoon, H.E. State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi attended the opening ceremonies of the 55.34 miles long 230 KV Mawlamyine-Myawady transmission line and the 230/66/11 KV 11 MVA Myawady primary sub-station.

              At these ceremonies, H.E. said that since the beginning of this government’s term, road communication and getting electricity are designated as priority matters. Having electricity does not mean just having some light when the sun sets down. The aim is to develop the livelihood of the people by consuming electricity.

              Earlier this morning in Myawady, the Myanmar-Thai Friendship Bridge was opened. It aims to friendship between the two countries and to raise the development of our people’s livelihood through increasing friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Whatever we do, the main aims are for the development of the livelihood of our people. Progress and development means changing things according to the time and era.

              Constructing and opening a power line like this is a progress. Progress not only does not mean getting electricity and light but also catching up technically in accord with the time and era.

              Before independence, our leaders fought for independence to create our own destiny. At this moment, people need to review how much capable they can for self-determination. For self-determination, we require such as support in all directions.

              Our priority is to provide road communications and electricity, the most desire for the people.

              The Union Government, Hluttaw and State government have participated in the day’s ceremonies. This was an indication of our country’s federalism and democracy. As per democratic principles, we have administrative, legislative and judicial sectors. The aim is to establish a democratic country with these three pillars. A true union is being established through strengthening States and Regions and fulfilling the requirements of the people.

              Thus, our aim is for the development of the people’s lives and for the people to stand tall with dignity as cultured and civilized people in the world. Having road communication and electricity would not let our people enough to stand in a dignified way in the world. The main requirements are the quality of the people. Quality includes not only physical attributes but moral attributes too. All must strive towards developing both.

              Two countries have cooperated toward constructing the bridge. Related organizations in the countries need to cooperate. The people also must have the will and desire for it. As everyone played in their respective parts, the entire project was successfully implemented. Opening of a power line reflects opening sub-station. They were appeared due to our cooperation.

              Requirement for electricity is very high in Myanmar. The expectation for Ministry of Electricity and Energy is to fulfill 50 per cent of the country’s electricity requirement before the end of this year. It is our strong belief that this would be done. Through this power line and power station, more than 90,000 households would have electricity in Kayin State. This shows progress. Progress must be everywhere and efforts were being made towards improving road communication and electricity in the entire country, the 7 states and the 7 regions.

              During the trip, H.E. noticed that road communication has improved very much. The roads are straight and very convenient to travel. The roads meet the required standard. Whatever we do, we would like to meet such standard. We need to disappear the mind set to get things quickly or do things for the sake of completing it quickly. It is very important to remove those thoughts and way of doing things.

              In the short run, there may be some benefit for having something quickly but in the long run the cons will overcome the pros in doing things in such a way. All must strive toward doing things for the progress of the country.

              Everyone needs to strive for self and family. However you may put in for self and family, a portion needs to leave for the country. It needs not to forget the important requirements of the country. Set aside a portion for the country, the land for the people living with us together. Make sure this spirits in our mind and heart.

              It would be akin to lighting a candle in a dark room if we do something alone. However, it would be akin to switching on a light in a dark room if we do something together with others for the country. This would be the spirit that all must have. If you think at least once a day on what you could do for the country, it would greatly benefit the country.

              H.E. would like to highlight that the spirit of doing for the country in whatever we do would be an important point. If each of us does own duty, it would be like flipping on a light switch in a room. Collective efforts could bring light to the entire country. People need to bear this in mind.

              It would be unnecessary to say that peace would be important now in Kayin State. People had suffered for decades the effect of conflict in Kayin State. Due to this, they truly understood the benefit of peace. Only when we have faced actually, we would understand it. All are urged to strive together towards allowing the lights of peace enter into the country.

              Just as people in Myawady, Kayin State, get electricity and light starting from today, may the people get light of life that brought forth peace and development, wished the State Counsellor.

              Union Minister for Electricity and Energy U Win Khaing then explained about the work condition on laying and construction of power line and sub-station and benefit that would be obtained.

              On behalf of the local people of Myawady, Hluttaw representative U Thant Zin Aung spoke words of thank.

              Later, Kayin State Chief Minister Daw Nann Khin Htway Myint, State Hluttaw Speaker U Saw Chit Khin, Deputy Minister for Electricity and Energy Dr. Tun Naing, Kayin State minister for electricity and industry U Soe Hlaing, State Hluttaw representative U Aik Kyan Khan and U Thant Zin Aung cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the power line and sub-station.

              The State Counsellor, Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker, Union Ministers, State Chief Minister, Deputy Minsters, State Ministers, Hluttaw representatives and local people then posed for a commemorative photo.

              After taking a time for the commemorative group photo session, the State Counsellor, Amyotha Hluttaw Speaker Mahn Win Khaing Than, Union Minister for Electricity and Energy U Win Khaing unveiled the commemorative pillar of the sub-station and sprinkled scented water onto it.

              The State Counsellor then observed the sub-station from the project view point. After that H.E. left Myawady by helicopter and arrived back in Nay Pyi Taw in the late afternoon.