They are for the best works published in the previous year in each category as determined by a selection committee from Sarpay Beikman ("Palace of Literature"), a division of the Ministry of Information that is concerned with promoting books in Burmese and other national languages.
Other winners of National Literary Awards were Hsaung Win Lat, Khin Khin Htoo, Salin Phone Kyaw, Daw Mi Mi Lay, Maung Thit Sar, Myinmu Maung Naing Moe, Than Aung (Anyamyay), Hlaing Thin, Maung Tun Thu, Ma Kyan, Kyaw Oo, Naing Shwe Moe, Kyu Kyu Thin and Dr Ma Tin Win.
Winners were:[10] The 2009 awards were presented at the hall of the Ministry of Information in Nay Pyi Taw on 31 December 2010.
The Lifetime Achievement for National Literary Award was presented to Dr Khin Maung Nyunt.
2013 award winners were:[15] Sithu U Tin Hlaing (Ledwinthar Saw Chit)U Myint Kyi (Tekkatho Myat Soe)