Central Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport meets
Yangon, 18 Jan - Central Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport held its meeting No 1/2003 at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha this morning, with an address by Chairman of Central Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
Chairman of Central Supervisory Committee Secretary-1 delivered a speech.
He said the meeting was to discuss progress of work on extension of Yangon-Mandalay Highway and work to be done for completion of the Highway as scheduled. Stockpile of materials and machinery were made available for repair and extension of roads during the past monsoon. He spoke of the need to make arrangements for speedy implementation of the tasks before the next monsoon from the opening season.
He said the government departments would provide necessary assistance. As the first phase, arrangements are being made to reach Mandalay from Yangon in ten hours. On completion of the Yangon-Mandalay Highway Project, one can travel from Yangon to Mandalay in eight hours. He urged officials concerned to undertake the tasks of upgrading the old road, extension of the road for emergence of the six-lane Highway and construction of by-passes in some areas after laying down the projects and objectives.
He spoke of the need for the Ministry of Construction and private entrepreneurs to coordinate matters relating to construction of major and small bridges along the highway. The government departments would provide necessary assistance to the private entrepreneurs for emergence of the upgraded Yangon-Mandalay Highway in accord with the objectives, he said. He called on construction entrepreneurs to carry out the tasks in unity in the open season.
In connection with construction of Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint reported on upgrading of Mandalay-Meiktila section undertaken by Hong Pang Co, Meiktila-Yamethin section by Yuzana Co and Yamethin-Pyinmana section by Asia World Co, tasks on construction of new road sections, supply of materials and axis of the by-pass road, arrangements by local authorities and continuous coordination for speedy implementation of the tasks.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than reported on tasks of Bago-Nyaunglebin section by Shwethanlwin Co, Nyaunglebin-Phyu section by Olympic Co, Phyu-Yedashe section by Kanbawza Co, upgrading of the existing roads, extension of big and small bridges, construction of Yenwe Bridge and Baingdar Bridge on the road sections, stockpile of materials, machineries and fuel and supervision and coordination.
Secretary of Central Supervisory Committee Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on implementation of the resolutions of 2/2002 meeting, coordination between Public Works and the private entrepreneurs in upgrading of Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway, project roads and bridges being undertaken by Public Works and financial matters.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo reported on fulfillment of requirements for the respective ministries and the national entrepreneurs.
Next, Kanbawza Pathfinder Co, Asia World Co, Olympic Co, Yuzana Co, Shwethanlwin Co, Dagon International Co and Hong Pang Co reported on expansion of the existing road to 24 feet, construction of new earth roads, progress of work, maintenance of culverts and roads, construction of the by-pass roads, tasks to be undertaken, stockpile of machineries, gravel, fuel, tar, cement, iron bars and other materials.
Those present reported on providing assistance to various sectors in construction of Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway. Then, the Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements and gave instructions.
Secretary-1 receives Chairman of SEA Education Ministers Council
Yangon, 18 Jan - Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Education Ministers Council of South-East Asia nations Thai Minister of Education Mr Pongpol Adireksarn and party at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha at noon today.
Region
Film artistes, technicians had actively taken part in independence struggle, endeavours to safeguard independence, restore peace and stability and bring progress to the nation in the past
Secretary-1 attends Motion Picture Award presentation ceremony for 2001
Yangon, 18 Jan - The Motion Picture Award presentation ceremony for 2001 of the Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise of the Ministry of Information was held at National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna here this evening.
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe attended the ceremony. Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan made an address and presented the awards to the winners.
At 5.15 pm before the ceremony, film artistes and musicians staged entertainment programme to the accompaniment of Myanma Radio Modern Music Band.
Then, the award presentation commenced at 6.30 pm. U Wint Aung and Daw Khin San Myint acted as programme announcers, and film and video artistes Ngwe Sin Thon, Hsu Latt Lwin, Yaminthu and Chit Sanoe Oo assisted the award presentation programmes.
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan made a speech. In his speech he said:
I wish spiritual and physical well-being and auspiciousness to Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, ministers, deputy ministers, heads of department, chairmen and executives of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, Motion Picture Asiayon, Thabin Asiayon, Music Asiayon, Artists and Artisans Association, film artistes and technicians, guests and movie fans, who are attending the ceremony to present Motion Picture Awards for 2001.
First, I would like to express thanks for the large attendance of the audience here at the ceremony.
The awards will be presented to the outstanding film artistes and technicians of the movies released and screened in the year 2001.
As the awards have been presented since 1952, the present ceremony is the anniversary before the Golden Jubilee. The history of Myanmar motion picture industry began in 1920, and it has been heading towards the Ruby Jubilee after passing the Silver Jubilee, the Golden Jubilee and the Diamond Jubilee.
If we look back the very start of the Myanmar motion pictures, it was U Ohn Maung, a cameraman engaged in still photography who improvised two incomplete and damaged movie cameras and shot the pictures. The period of 1920 in which the motion picture industry began coincided with the awakening of nationalism among the people who began to struggle for freedom from the colonialists. A Myanmar delegation known as Pe-Pu-Shein team went to England and demanded restoration of Independence. U Tun Shein, a member of the Pe-Pu-Shein team, passed away in 1920. U Ohn Maung, motivated by nationalism, documented the funeral procession of U Tun Shein. The documentary was shown together with a foreign movie at the cinemas in September 1920. The documentary won the acclaim of the Myanmar audience. So, it may be said that the history of Myanmar motion picture began with the awakening of nationalism and independence struggle.
Since then, the Myanmar films have reached the screen and passed the different stages - silent movies, musicals, talkies, colour movies and movies in cinemascope. Innovative means were employed with zeal and perseverance throughout the history of the Myanmar film industry.
The Myanmar motion pictures had not only overcome the material hardships in the technological and technical sectors alone on their way to advancement, but also faced suppression of the colonialist government in the spiritual issues and managed to create movies igniting the national spirit and the spirit to restore independence.
Beginning 1928, ten years after the start of Myanmar motion picture industry, Myanmar films had been released and shown not only at home but also in foreign countries. The Myanmar films that had been shown abroad since 1930 were "Nan Nyunt Yin", "Mya Dali", "Swedaw Tha-maing", "Hsu Htoo Pan", "Japan Yin-thwe Hnit Lela Yathi Japan Pyi", "Arein-dama", "Myaing-yan-bwa", "Thuriya Kunma', "Ma-he-thi", "Mon-pyit-tha-let", "Phu", "Mya-ga-naing", "Shwe Hninzi", "Ne-gya Myaing", "Sein Shwe Shwe", "Wei-ba-gi" and "Mya-sein-taung". The movies were mainly exported to Thailand and India.
After the World War II, China bought "Thu Chit", "Bawa Than-tha-ya" and "Nga Ba" and released them in Chinese language. "Chit Pan Thazin" and "Nga Ba" were imported by the Soviet Union and shown in Russian language. "Pinlon Hteik-hta Oo" was shown at Beijing, Moscow and Helsinki youth festivals.
Three Myanmar films - "Akyaw Amaw", The-hsuang He-man" and "Yadanabon" - took part at the film festival in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Soviet Union. "Shwe-chi Ngwe-chi Tan-ba-loh", "Doe", "Son-ye", "Dan-da-yi", "Thin-gyan Moe" and "Bagan Hma Tha De La" took part in other international film festivals.
Myanmar movies could be released in foreign countries even in the eras, during which, the Myanmar film industry lacked equipment and film technology. But nowadays, there is much weakness in releasing Myanmar films abroad. Here, I would like to urge the artistes and technicians of the film world to try to release a larger number of movies abroad as if we can show more Myanmar films, documentaries and news films in foreign countries, the foreigners will know more about us. The entrepreneurs will then earn more foreign exchange.
At present, the number of foreign films, video tapes and CDs entering Myanmar is very great. A total of 35,149 foreign video and CDs and 732 foreign movies totalling 35881 during the period from 1988 to 2001. So, I would like to urge artistes and technicians of the film world to make efforts to release their standard features and documentary films in foreign countries.
The independence struggle in Myanmar gained extra momentum at the end of the WW II. The films which were produced and shown during the time were "Pyauk-kya Bo", "Thwe-thauk", "Yanthu Nanbat Tit", "Bo Gyoke', "Taung-dan Bo", "Bamar Thit', 'Thwe-ta-set", "Bama Thwe", "Ye Lulin", "Thwe Nyi-naung", "Sit-pyan", "Dah Thon-let" and "Ta Thwe Ta Mye", all these portraying the courage and revitalizing patriotism of Myanmars.
In 1937 A-1 Company directed and produced a talkie "Aung-tha-bye". It was banned while on screen under the order of the British governor, for, its scene of the last Myanmar King Thibaw being taken from Myanmar was so striking that it revitalized the national spirit of the people. There have been many instances in which the Myanmar film world joined hands with the people throughout the independence struggle.
Film artistes and technicians joined the Burma Independence Army, formed to restore independence, and took part in driving out the colonialists and Fascists. When the nation nearly lost her independence again and faced near disintegration of the Union resulting from internal insurgency, the film artistes joined hands with the Tatmadaw and the people to safeguard the nation.
We will have to acknowledge the role of the musical performance, presentation of plays, dramas and movies of the film world in safeguarding the independence and the Union for their perpetuity, and consolidating national unity and promoting and propagating Union Spirit.
The Union of Myanmar has accomplished to a certain extent in building a peaceful, stable, modern and developed nation. Like the writers, musicians, drama artistes and technicians, artists and artisans, the film artistes and technicians have taken part in the task together with the people.
Hence, the State has been presenting academy awards and rendering all-round assistance to the film artistes and technicians throughout the history.
Soon, the academy awards for 2001 will be announced one by one and presented to the winners. The objectives of presenting the awards are: to acknowledge the outstanding performance of artistes; to try to make the rest of artistes emulate the award winners; and to promote the standard of Myanmar motion picture through their performance.
Securitization and selection of the awards are based on the seven basic principles prescribed in the 1996 Motion Picture Law. The basic principles are: to raise the standard of the Myanmar films; for flourishing of Myanmar culture; to vitalize the spirit to love the race and the country; to consolidate the national unity; to give correct thoughts and promote sound knowledge; to help towards purifying the moral character; and to contribute to perpetuation of sovereignty and national peace and development.
Based on the principles, securitization and selection experts have scrutinized the films for the respective awards in accord with the nature of the prize.
The awards for 2001 were selected after 19 films - 16 released in 2001; and three which were left to be screened in 2000 - had been watched and scrutinized again and again. I would like to urge the award winners to continue their efforts and the film artistes and technicians, who have not won the award yet, to make extra efforts to become an award winner in the coming years. In the past, the awards were presented in seven categories, but since 1988, eleven have been presented. The practice of awarding two best performers for a particular category has been practised continuously if there are worthy persons. It is the State's goodwill towards the film artistes and technicians.
In this world today, technology is developing with greater momentum. Thus, I would like to request the members of the Myanmar film world to make efforts till the industry reaches the world standard, instead of being complacent with the current stage of technology and techniques. They should introduce technological and technical innovations and make more studies without fail to catch up with the advancing situation. They will have to hold workshops, seminars and training courses to disseminate knowledge.
The countries that are producing standard movies have complete film studios. The members of the film industry should also make efforts and preparations for emergence of advanced and complete studios in Myanmar. The State will also render assistance to the most possible degree to their endeavours to raise the industry's standard.
The film artistes and technicians had actively taken part in the independence struggle, the endeavours to safeguard the independence, restore peace and stability and bring about progress to the nation in the past. So also, they are energetically participating in the undertakings to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation at present. In the future too, they will have to continue to realize the political, economic and social objectives, the four-point People's Desire and the six resolutions of the Bagan mass meeting, while placing in the fore "Our Three Main National Causes" and keeping in their hearts Union Spirit.
In conclusion, I would like to urge the film-loving people to provide assistance for raising the standard of the Myanmar films; the members of the film industry to study the basic securitization and selection principles and act accordingly, while striving to become outstanding ones striving for modernization and development of the industry; the film artistes and technicians to preserve and promote Myanmar cultural heritage and national characters through their profession; Myanma motion pictures are to penetrate the foreign markets as in the past; and the film artistes and technicians to join hands with the government, the Tatmadaw and the entire national people for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation, which is the task and the goal of all the people of the country.
Then, film artists who had won academy awards announced the list of award winners of Myanma Motion Pictures for 2001. The Best Cameraman Award went to Ko Ko Htay for his performance for the film "Kaungkin-htetka- pandabwint"; the Best Script Writer Award to Khin Lay Theint to the film "Pan-ta-pwint-ko Phan-hsin-gyin"; the Best Supporting Actor Award to Nay Aung for his role in the film "Hna-lon-hla Lu-maik"; the Best Supporting Actress Award to May Thinza Oo for her performance to the film "Hna-lon-hla Lu-maik"; the Best Supporting Actress Award to Soe Myat Nanda to the film 'Achit-ko-mway-phwar-gyin"; the Best Film Award to the film "Hna-lon-hla Lu-maik"; the Best Film Director Award to Maung Tin Oo for his role in the film "Hna-lon-hla Lu-maik"; the Best Actress Award to May Than Nu for her role in the film "Chit-chin-ei Achar-me-hneik"; the Best Actress Award to Htet Htet Moe Oo in the film "Tha-mee-meik"; the Best Actor Award to Min Maw Gun for his performance to the film "Hna-lon-hla Lu-maik"; and the Best Actor Award to Lwin Moe for his role in the film "Pan-ta-pwint-ko Phan-hsin-gyin".
Next, some good scenes that helped them win the awards were shown.
Then, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan gave away Academy Award and K 100,000 each presented by Hnin Hnin Khaing Co Ltd Group (VeVe) to the award winners.
Afterwards, the award winners spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to an end.
After the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe cordially greeted the Academy Award winners for 2001.
Secretary-1 inspects upgrading tasks in Hlawga Wildlife Park
Yangon, 18 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt inspected arrangements for upgrading of Hlawga Wildlife Park in Mingaladon Township this morning and gave necessary instructions to officials.
The Secretary-1 arrived at Hlawga Wildlife Park of Forest Department at 1.30 pm. At the briefing hall, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported to the Secretary-1 on the location of the park, geographical condition, type of soil, the area, climate and geographical features, kind of forests, sorts of stones in the area, thriving of herbal plants, animals in the park, transport and background history and aims for upgrading the park, supporting tasks of eco-tourism industry on the bird tower, pathways in the park, forest resorts, the bird showroom, traditional cottages, elephant rides and boat rides, forest research work, sufficient supply of power and water, repaving of the roads in the park, land preparation, upgrading of the rest houses, construction of the Shukhintha Tower, amusement facilities for children.
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and national entrepreneurs reported on opportunities for participation in upgrading the park. After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on construction of play grounds and amusement facilities for visiting families and children, upgrading of the park to a modern one and cooperation of departments concerned in promotion of eco-tourism industry.
Next, the Secretary-1 climbed the five-storey Shukhintha Tower which is 65 feet high and 25 feet wide in the park and inspected progress of the park. Later, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions to officials and left the park in the evening.
Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspect construction of airports, bridges in Sagaing, Mandalay Divisions
Yangon, 18 Jan - Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, inspected extension of the runway at Khamti Airport in Khamti on 16 January morning.
At the hall of the airport, Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Tint of Sagaing Division Public Works reported on progress in extension of the runway.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint fulfilled the requirements and gave instructions on timely completion of land preparation and construction of the runway. They then left Khamti and arrived at Homalin Airport in Khamti District.
At the briefing hall, Lt-Col Tin Aung reported on construction tasks of the airport.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint attended to the needs. They then inspected construction of the runway. Next, they met with departmental officials and heard reports on respective sectors.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint fulfilled their needs and gave instructions on coordination tasks to be carried out for gaining achievement for five rural development tasks. In the afternoon, they arrived in Mandalay.
Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected tasks of Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) Project and Panhsay Creek Bridge Project.
Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions to engineers. Later, they left Mandalay International Airport and arrived back here in the evening.
Commander inspects sanitation, proper flow of drains in Yangon
Yangon, 18 Jan - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa today inspected sanitation tasks being carried out in Yangon City by Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, workers of YCDC, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committees for Women's Affairs and local people.
First, the commander, the vice-mayor and party arrived at Nyaungdon Road in Hlinethaya Township this morning.
Then, the commander and party inspected sanitation tasks being carried out by over 1,000 workers from Pi Moe Nin Road junction to Kyan Sit Tha Road on Nyaungdon Road.
The commander heard reports by Head of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) U Bo Htay of YCDC on tasks undertaken for proper flow of the drain along Nyaungdon Road and tasks to be carried out. The commander then gave necessary instructions.
Next, the commander and party saw over sanitation work and unblocking of drains along No 4 Highway in Shwepyitha Township.
Afterwards, they proceeded to Central Fish Market in Kyimyindine Township. The commander viewed sanitation tasks being carried out at the market and gave instructions on emphasis to be placed on keeping the market pleasant and clean.
At the meeting hall of Mann Myanmar General Trading Company Ltd near the market, Managing Director U Thein Htay of Myanma Port Authority reported on berthing of ships and boats at the jetties at the wharf in Kyimyindine Township and pleasant and cleaning tasks being supervised; No 3 Military Region Commander Col Yan Naing Oo on sanitation tasks being undertaken at the Central Fish Market as other markets; Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein on repair of the entrance road to the market; and Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa on assistance to be provided by YCDC to the respective sectors, hanging of educative signboards on sanitation and cooperation of shopkeepers in sanitation and pleasant works.
The commander explained the importance of sanitation tasks at development affairs markets in Yangon, proper flow of the drains and tasks to be carried out for keeping the wharf and the market in Kyimyindine Township pleasant and clean. Later, the commander and party inspected sale of fish at the jetty of Mann Myanmar General Trading Company Ltd and attended to their needs.
Computers and accessories donated for e-Government project
Yangon, 18 Jan - The Republic of Korea donated computers and accessories for the e-Government project at the Communications and Postal Training Centre of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs in Pazundaung Township this afternoon.
The Korean Ambassador first explained the purpose of the donation and presented 75 computers, 38 printers and 75 AVRs to Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw. The minister then presented a certificate of honour to the ambassador and spoke words of thanks.
Construction tasks in Thantaung town inspected
Yangon, 18 Jan - Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Aung Min and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, together with Director-General of Development Affairs Department Col Myo Myint arrived at Thandaunggyi in Kayin State and inspected building of Thantaung hill station in Thantaung yesterday.
The commander and party inspected the stone garden at the entrance to the town and tarring of road. At the briefing hall the commander and party heard reports by the DAD director-general on construction of roads, water and electricity supply, greening tasks, completion of guest house construction and future tasks and gave necessary instructions. They then met with national entrepreneurs and gave instructions and fulfilled their requirements.
The commander and party then proceeded to King Like Hotel, which is under construction, where the hotel in charge reported on supply of electricity and water and installation of telephone line. They next inspected the recreation centre being constructed by Shwe Than Lwin Co and the department store and the cinema by Super One Co. They then gave instructions to officials. The commander and party met with departmental officials in Thandaunggyi and explained matters pertaining to educational, health and regional development affairs. Thantaung hill station lies at an altitude of 4050 feet and has cool weather.
It is 28 miles from Taungoo and can be reached in a five-hour drive. The hill station is being constructed as a mountain resort and hotels are also being constructed there. Local and foreign visitors can visit it soon.
Military Band Competition continues
Yangon, 18 Jan - The 12th Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day continued for the eighth day at the People's Square this morning.
No 2 Band Company of Coastal Region Command, No 1 Band Company of Eastern Command, No 1 Band Company of North-West Command, the band of South-West Command, the band of Western Command, No 1 Band Company of Triangle Region Command and No 1 Band Company of Central Command participated in the competitions. Member of the Organizing Committee for the Competition Deputy Adjutant-General Col Khin Soe presented prizes to leaders of the bands of Ahlon BEHS No 4, Yankin Education College Practising Middle School (Yankin) and Thingangyun BEHS No 1.
Information Minister meets staff in Lahe
Yangon, 18 Jan - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, during his tour of Lahe on 15 January, met with the staff of the Ministry of Information at the township office of the Information and Public Relations Department and discussed matters related to the work requirements.
The minister urged the staff of IPRD to strive for the realization of the objectives of the department, organize the people and disseminate knowledge for them by using educative measures through media, carry out the tasks with political, organizational, economic and administrative approaches and take pride in the discharge of their duties. Then, the minister fulfilled the requirements of the staff of IPRD in Hkamti, Nanyun, Homalin and Leshi Townships and provided cash assistance to them.
Then, the minister proceeded to the Television Retransmission Station of the Myanma Radio and Television in Lahe and attended to the needs. The minister also presented cash to the staff welfare funds of IPRD in Lahe.
Traditional Snacks Contest & Festival
Yangon, 18 Jan - The Myanmar Traditional Snacks Contest and Festival was opened at the People's Park and People's Square, here, this morning.
Wife of the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Daw Khin Thet Htay, wife of the Minister for Hotels & Tourism Daw Mu Mu Win, Chairperson of MWEA Daw Sein Sein and Chairman of Myanmar Hoteliers Association U Khin Shwe formally opened the contest and festival.
Over 50 Myanmar traditional snacks makers will sell various kinds of traditional snacks beginning 7 am on 19 January. Admissions is free. Variety songs will be presented to the audience.
International Relations
ASEAN Minists, senior officials leave
Yangon, 18 Jan - The Second Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science and Technology (AMMST) was held in Yangon on 17 January.
Secretary of State Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy of Cambodia Mr Bunchin Nhep; Secretary to Ministry of Research and Technology of Indonesia Dr Ashwin Sasongko; Minister to the Prime Minister's Office President of National Science Council of Laos Prof Dr Souli Nanthavong; Minister of Science, Secretary (Minister) of the Development of Science and Technology of the Philippines Dr Estrella F Alabastro; Minister of State, Ministry of National Development of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Vice-Minister of Science and Technology of Vietnam Dr Bui Manh Hai and Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN Secretariat Mr Ahmad Mokhtar Selet and party, who attended the 2nd Informal meeting left here for their countries by air today.
Stake driving ceremony of Shwedagon Replica Pagoda held in Lahe
Yangon, 18 Jan - The stake driving ceremony of the replica of Shwedagon Pagoda on Dhammarakhita hill in Lahe, Hkamti District, Sagaing Division was held at the town on 16 January morning.
First, the ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of Namotassa , and the congregation received the Nine Precepts from Chairman of the Township Sangha Nayaka Committee TatU Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kavindacariya. Then, members of the Sangha recited parittas .
Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and the ministers presented offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.
At 7.20 am, Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and Naga national race leader U Hla Pe drove the stakes at the designated places.
The ceremony came to a close with the three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Tithatu. The pagoda will be 13.5 yards high on completion.
Sports Minister attends sports activities
Yangon, 18 Jan - Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint attended the MOC Chairman's Trophy Traditional Rowing Contest at Inya Lake this morning.
Then, the minister attended the opening ceremony of the National League Hockey Tournament, organized by Myanmar Hockey Federation and co-sponsored by Shine Construction and Kiss Company.
The minister gave a speech. Then, the band and pom-pom dance troupe of Tamway BEHS No 4 and the band of Yangon Division Police Force gave entertainment to audience. Next, the minister accepted K 1 million each for MHF donated by Shine Construction and Kiss Company. Commander of Naval Dockyard Command Rear-Admiral Paw Tun also accepted K 450,000 for the Defence Services (Navy) Hockey Team donated by Shwe Yamonna Co.
At the opening match, Defence Services (Navy) team played against YCDC team.
Yangon, 18 Jan - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Lashio Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 3 January morning searched the vehicle with number plates da / 1356 near Hopate village in Lashio Township.
The authorities seized heroin kept in 11 soap cases in the hand bag of Ma Jalat, 66 soap cases in 3 bags of maize grain and 55 soap cases in the basket totalling 132 soap cases weighing 2.649 kilos of heroin. Action is being taken against Ma Jalat, 40, daughter of U Zaw Maw of Jayan village in Lashio Township, and Ma Kaun Nue Nue of Namhu village who is at large under Section 15/19 (A)/ 20(A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Lashio No 2 Police Station.
