A mass novitiation ceremony sponsored by Min Aung Hlaing’s family for 5,500 novices was held in Yangon on April 2, where each novice was promised 100,000 kyats, but parents have revealed that they received nothing as promised. The ceremony was organized under the management of the Yangon Region Military Council, with participants selected through a lottery system from basic education schools across Yangon Region. The selection process involved choosing 25 students from each school, with school principals and officials from across Yangon Region being summoned to participate in the organization.
The organizers had promised to provide 100,000 kyats per novice as ceremony expenses and claimed that Min Aung Hlaing’s family would cover all costs including robes and necessary items. However, parents report that they had to bear all expenses themselves, including purchasing the required items for their children. The ceremony, which was presided over by Sayadaw Thazin, not only failed to provide the promised financial support but also resulted in parents losing money on transportation and other related expenses. Parents have expressed their disappointment, noting that they had to cover all costs despite the initial promises made by the organizers.
Notably, the military council proceeded with this ceremony despite the devastating earthquake that struck Sagaing Region on March 28, which resulted in numerous casualties and widespread destruction. The ceremony and procession were held at Shwedagon Pagoda under tight security, with township administrators required to attend. However, concerned about public criticism for holding such an event during the aftermath of the earthquake, the Yangon Region Military Council deliberately avoided making any public announcements about the ceremony. The contrast between the military council’s priorities and the ongoing natural disaster has drawn attention to their apparent disconnect from the immediate needs of the people affected by the earthquake.
