On June 19th, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and Burma's democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi will spend her 63rd birthday as a political prisoner in Burma. Millions of people throughout the world will mark the birthday of Burma's democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The campaign around the world, which will take place in almost every major city in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America, is trying to highlight the plight of one of the world's best-known freedom fighters, languishing under house arrest in her lakeside residence in Rangoon, Burma.

Aung San Suu Kyi has spent 13 years of the last 19 years under house arrest. She has been in virtual solitary confinement, seeing her doctor irregularly and meeting the UN special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari five times in the last two years.

For the Burmese people, Aung San Suu Kyi represents their aspirations, and above all their desire for freedom and democracy. She was placed under house arrest ten months before her party, the National League for Democracy (NLD) overwhelmingly won the national general elections in 1990 – but was never allowed to form a government.

"An outstanding example of the power of the powerless," in the words of the former Czech President Vaclav Havel.

In Toronto, Burmese Community and supporters will celebrate her birthday at the Burmese Buddhist Temple according to Buddhist traditions: to pray for her release, health, safety, and for the people of Burma.

WHEN & WHERE:

Saturday, June 21st 2008, 4 pm – 6 pm
Maha Dhammikka Temple
12 High Meadow Place, Toronto M9L 2Z5

Program includes Dhamma Talk (Buddhist Sermon) and Sharing of Merit to Aung San Suu Kyi and others. There will be food and non-alcoholic beverages for the participants / guests after religious ceremony.

CONTACT:

Zaw Wai Kyaw, at 416-358-2318, email: zaw.w.kyaw@gmail.com
Aung Tin, at 647-343-7871, email: uaungtin@yahoo.com