Calay News
The military-controlled government of Myanmar, currently facing strife and civil war, unveiled a new giant sitting Buddha statue on a 228-acre site in the capital, Naypyitaw. The statue, which is set to be consecrated on August 1, holds significant nationalistic symbolism in a devout nation like Myanmar.
Headed by Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who is also the patron of the project, the military government supervised the installation of various parts of the site despite the ongoing civil war, which has resulted in thousands of casualties, millions of displaced people, and widespread destruction, including to religious sites like Buddhist monasteries, Christian churches, and Islamic mosques.
The project features small pagodas, ordination halls, rest houses, water fountains, lakes, and a park. Min Aung Hlaing has been quoted in state media as claiming that this will be the tallest sitting marble Buddha statue in the world, although this assertion is difficult to verify.
The construction of large Buddha statues is a common practice in Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country. The military generals view themselves as protectors and patrons of Buddhism and have been actively building pagodas and supporting respected monks to gain religious merit and popular support. This also strengthens their alliance with right-wing monks who share their ultranationalist views, forming a powerful political force.
The military government’s efforts to promote Buddhism and build giant statues aim to win hearts and minds amid their fierce attacks, particularly in rural areas where villages have been burned down and people displaced. However, the ongoing civil resistance against the military coup makes this task challenging.
Despite claims of promoting Theravada Buddhism and ensuring prosperity and stability for the country and the world, the military government’s actions have faced criticism from the international community, and countries like the European Union have rejected Myanmar’s diplomatic role and continue to withhold recognition of the military regime.
