“Celebrating 60 Years of Independence”

Burma gained independence from British rule on January 4, 1948, and The Irrawaddy is marking the anniversary by publishing excerpts from contemporary speeches and documents.

▪ Burma’s first president, Sao Shwe Thaike, addresses the nation on January 4, 1948

▪ Burma’s first prime minister, Thakin Nu, addresses the nation on January 4, 1948

▪ Independence hero Aung San’s presentation of Burma’s first constitution, on June 16, 1947

▪ International Press Comment on Burma’s Independence

▪ Messages from ambassadors to Burma on the third anniversary of Burma’s independence, on January 4, 1951

▪ Voices of the Burmese People on Independence

▪ No Freedom, No Independence

▪ 60 Years on: Where did it all go wrong?

▪ ‘What Independence?’ Say Burma’s Youth

▪ Burma’s 60th Independence Anniversary: Where’s the Independence?

▪ Burma’s Road to Independence [Multimedia]