Shwe Mann, the current regional commander, who is widely tipped to follow the Than Shwe trajectory.
Until the Shwe gas comes on stream, Myanmar's biggest export market will remain Thailand.
Earlier, the United Nations said it was uncertain as to when any meeting with Shwe might take place.
"The situation is unpredictable and dangerous, " said Sein Shwe, a shop owner.
Then there was the emergence of Thein Sein, a former general who became the new president in March 2011, succeeding the hardline General Than Shwe.
In January, 2011, Than Shwe anointed a successor, General Thein Sein.
Due for completion in 2013, it will take gas from Myanmar's offshore Shwe field and will have the capacity to satisfy 10% of China's oil-import needs.
An international campaign group, the Shwe Gas Movement, has been putting pressure on Myanmar and its investors to compensate those displaced by pipeline, gas terminal and port.
FORBES: Myanmar's Ethnic Conflict Flares In Shadow Of Asian Oil Investments
Maung Aye, who is regarded as Than Shwe's heir apparent, was to officiate at the ceremony and I had hoped I might meet him and arrange an interview.
One visiting foreign minister has reported that Mr Thein Sein told him last year that it was ages since he had spoken to General Than Shwe (who was presumed still to be pulling the strings).
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