Daw Aung San Suu Kyi laid a wreath at the tombs of the martyrs, including that of her father Bogyoke Aung San, and eight other leaders who were assassinated in 1947, state media reported.

The State Counsellor paid her respects as hundreds of spectators, officials, observers and security personnel looked on.

With the Myanmar flag flying at half-mast, a guard of honour paid tribute with a gun salute. Those present observed two minutes of silence to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.