The awarding ceremony of the “Hlapa Thaya Pyi Myanmar” (Beautiful and Pleasant Myanmar) colour photo contest marking the 78th Anniversary of Independence Day 2024 was held at the assembly hall of Printing and Publishing Department on Theinbyu Street in Yangon yesterday.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister for Information U Maung Maung Ohn said a total of 145 professional photographers and enthusiasts across Myanmar participated in the photo competition with their 480 entries. Among them, prizes will be presented first, second, third places and five special prizes. The competition aims to emerge a new generation of young photographers. He appreciated the efforts of panel judges who carefully selected and evaluated the best photos among those entries to the competition. He also urged professional photographers and new generation of young enthusiasts to continue their creations reflecting the development, pleasant and peace of the country as well as charming traditional cultures and customs through their photos.

Then, member of the Panel of Judges photographer U Sai Kham Lin briefed the attendees on the selection process.

Chairmen of Myanmar Writers Association, Myanmar Press Council, Myanmar Motion Pictures Organization, Myanmar Libraries Foundation and Myanmar Music Association presented special awards to Htet Thu (Shwekyaunggyi), U Myint Maw Tun, Aung Kyaw Tun (Panthukyi), U Chan Tha (MDY) and Min Min Tun, respectively.

The Union minister then awarded first prize winner U Soe Moe Aung, first runner-up U Kyaw Naing Lin (Layeikpyar) and second runner-up U Myo Min Htaik (The Eagle). First prize winner U Soe Moe Aung expressed words of thanks on behalf of the recipients.

The Union Minister and party then viewed the displayed photos at the event.

The Union minister met literary scholars from National Literary Award Selection Committee and the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award Selection Committee and presented them with honorariums. They discussed the development of Myanmar literature at the meeting hall of the department.

MNA/ KZL

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