Myanmar's generals unveil giant Buddha statue as they seek to win hearts and minds during civil war

A laborer works below the sitting Maravijaya Buddha marble statue, Friday, July 21, 2023, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. The Maravijaya Buddha statue is said to be the world’s highest sitting marble Buddha image according to local media. - AP

YANGON (AP): The military-controlled government of strife-torn Myanmar on Friday showed off a new giant statue of a sitting Buddha that is scheduled to be consecrated on Aug. 1, a powerful symbol of nationalism in a very devout nation.

Journalists were given a preview of the 228-acre (92-hectare) site in the capital, Naypyitaw, which includes small pagodas, ordination halls, rest houses, water fountains, lakes and a park.