The President of Myanmar has decided to present eight awards, including the Agga Maha Panditha Honorary Award, to four eminent Buddhist monks in Sri Lanka.

It coincides with the Myanmar's 73rd Independence Day celebrations.

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that four eminent Sri Lankan Buddhist monks have been awarded the Aggamaha Pandita Award, the highest award given by the Government of Myanmar to Theravada Buddhist monks.

Accordingly, the title of Aggamaha Panditha has been conferred on the chief prelates, Ven. Mihiripenne Sobhitha Thera of Sri Mahabodhi Maha Viharaya, Dehiwala, Ven. Dr. Kollupitiye Mahinda Sangharakkhitha Thera of the Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya and the Kithsirimevan Rajamaha Viharaya, Ven. Ananda Thera of Trincomalee and Ven. Dodampahala Chandrasiri Thera.

In addition, the President of Myanmar has presented the Maha Saddhamma Jothika Flag Honorary Award to a lay person, retired Professor Asanga Tilakaratne of the Damrivi Foundation.