Headlines
Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing host Union Day Reception and Dinner
Yangon, 12 Feb — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted the 56th Anniversary Union Day (2003) reception and dinner on the lawns of President’s Residence Compound on Ahlon Road this evening.
At 6.30 pm, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing arrived at the President’s Residence on Ahlon Road. The Senior General and wife were welcomed there by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council, Chairman of the Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Union Day Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and officials.
Then, the Senior General and wife cordially greeted leaders of national races, traditional cultural troupe members of respective states and Taninthayi Division, delegates of the Union Solidarity and Development Association of states and divisions and others who attended the Union Day reception and dinner. Next, the Senior General and wife hosted a dinner to the guests.
Before and during the reception and dinner, Myanma Athan Modern Music Troupe, vocalists and national race girls presented music and songs to the audience. After the dinner, students who won gold medals in the Tenth Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions presented Hlapa-Nunai-Pyinnya-Kywe dance; Kachin State traditional cultural troupe “Brethren of Myanmar in amity” dance item; Taninthayi Division traditional cultural troupe “Maungmagan Thu” dance item; Kayah State traditional cultural troupe “Kayah folk dance”; Rakhine State traditional cultural troupe “Rakhine mudra dance”; Shan State traditional cultural troupe “Land of national brethren”; Chin State traditional cultural troupe “harvest dance”; Mon State traditional cultural troupe “History of Mon attires and head dressing dance”; Kayin State traditional cultural troupe “Panglong stands evidence dance”; and artiestes of Fine Arts Department “To keep Union Spirit alive and dynamic” opera dance.
Union Flag conveyed to People’s Square
Yangon, 12 Feb — The Union Flag, which stopped over at the sport grounds in Taikkyi, Yangon (North) District, on 8 February, at the sport grounds in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, Yangon (East) District, on 9 February, at Thihadipa Sport Grounds in Thanlyin Township, Yangon (South) District, on 10 February, and at Salin Sport Grounds in Kyimyindine Township, Yangon (West) District, on 11 February, was conveyed this morning aboard the Union Boat from Salin Sport Grounds to the People’s Square on Pyay Road, where the 56 Anniversary Union Day Flag-Hoisting Ceremony was held. Then, the Union Flag was conveyed to the City Hall and replanted in the silver bowl on the dais at the Mayor’s parlour, where the flag will rest for a year.
A ceremony to convey the Union Flag, which stopped over at Salin Sport Grounds in Kyimyindine Township for a night, to the People’s Square was held at the sport grounds this morning. It was attended by Secretary of the subcommittee for conveying the Union Flag and putting up billboards and state/division emblems Head of Engineering Department (Building) of Yangon City Development Committee U Zaw Win, Joint-Secretary Head of Branch U Win Than and members of the subcommittee, members of Yangon (West) District Peace and Development Council, chairmen of the Township Peace and Development Councils in the district, Secretary U Tin Win and executives of the District Union Solidarity and Development Association, executives and officials of non-governmental social organizations and local people from the district.
First, those present, together with the Guards of Honour of Yangon Division, saluted the flag. Meanwhile, the military band of Defence Services (Air) played the National Anthem.
At 6.45 am, Chairman of Yangon (West) District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein saluted the flag and took it out from the silver bowl on the stage in Salin Sport Grounds. Flanked by four officers of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and Myanmar Police Force, and Union nationals, Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein carried the flag to and planted it in the silver bowl aboard the Union Boat at 6.55 am.
Afterwards, the flag, flanked by four officers of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and Myanmar Police Force, and Union nationals, was conveyed from Kyimyindine Township to the People’s Square aboard the Union Boat through Panpingyi Road, Upper Kyimyindine Road, Hanthawady Road, Hanthawady roundabout, and Pyay Road.
On arrival at the People’s Square, Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein saluted the flag and took it out from the silver bowl aboard the Union Boat. Then, flanked by four officers of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and Myanmar Police Force, and Union nationals, Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein carried the flag and handed it over to the flag relay team led by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay.
Union Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony held
Yangon, 12 Feb— The 56th Anniversary Union Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony was held at the People’s Square on Pyay Road this morning.
The ceremony was held in accord with the objectives of the 56th Anniversary Union Day— for all the nationals to safeguard the national policy— non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of the national solidarity, and perpetuation of sovereignty; to keep Union Spirit always alive and flourishing among the entire national people; for all the nationals to strive in harmony for the emergence of an enduring State constitution that will pave the way for the building of a new discipline-flourishing democratic nation and to ward off, with national unity, the danger of destructionists from inside and outside the nation who are disturbing the stability, peace, modernization and development of the State.
After the State Military Band took its designated place, the Union Flag, which rested a night each in Yangon North District, Yangon East District, Yangon South District and Yangon West District, reached the People’s Square at 7.20 am by the Union Boat.
The Union Flag relay team led by Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay accepted the flag from Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein.
The relay team, flanked by members of the Panel of Patrons of the Union Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, representative of the Union Day delegates U Kharaw Hla of Kachin State, Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) officers and police officers, Union nationals and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, conveyed the flag to the People’s Square. The troupe of Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture welcomed the flag playing royal drum.
At 7.30 am, the Union Flag was planted in the silver bowl on the stage with the backdrop decorated with the emblems of states— Manau post of Kachin State, Keinnaya bird of Kayah State, Phasi drum encircled by two buffalo horns of Kayin State, Hornbill bird of Chin State, Hintha mythical bird of Mon State, Thiriwitsa and conch shell of Rakhine State, Shan man playing the long drum of Shan State. Then, members of the Panel of Patrons took their designated places on the stage.
The delegates of traditional cultural troupes took their places among the members of the Work Committee for Organizing the Union Day Ceremony, senior military officers, departmental heads, rectors and principals and delegates of NGOs with the aim of further strengthening national unity among the people.
Altogether 3,000 people from townships in Yangon East District, 5,000 people from townships in Yangon West District, 1,000 people from townships in Yangon North District, 500 people from townships in Yangon South District also took their designated places.
At 7.30, master of ceremonies Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint announced the agenda of the Union Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony.
Those presented at the ceremony saluted the flag to the strains of the National Anthem played by the State Military Band. Then, members of the Panel of Patrons took designated places.
Next, Chairman Maj-Gen Myint Swe read out the message sent by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe.
At 7.40, the flag relay team led by Mayor U Ko Lay took out the flag from the silver bowl at the People’s Square and flanked by Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, representative of the Union Day delegates U Kharaw Hla of Kachin State, Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) officers and police officers, Union nationals and members of the USDA, conveyed the flag and handed it over to Chairman of Work Committee for Conveying the Union Day Flag and putting up the Billboards Secretary of YCDC Col Myint Aung.
Then, Col Myint Aung, flanked by officers of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and Police officers, Union nationals and students carried the flag onto the Union Boat and planted it in the silver bowl.
The Union Boat carried the flag to the Yangon City Hall through Pyay Road, Phonegyi Road, Maha Bandoola Street and Sule Pagoda Road.
The Union Day Flag was accorded a rousing welcome by members of Dagon, Lanmadaw, Latha, Pabedan and Kyauktada Township Peace and Development Councils, USDAs, departmental personnel, teachers, students, nurses, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades and local people waving miniature Union Flags and hoisting the flags at the masts at roadsides and homes.
When the flag reached in front of the City Hall Secretary of YCDC Col Myint Aung took out the flag and handed it to Mayor U Ko Lay. The mayor, flanked by officers of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and Police officers, Union nationals and students, conveyed the flag onto the stage in the mayor’s parlour. At 8.20 am, he planted the flag in the silver bowl and saluted it. Today, the Union flags were flown on the residential buildings and offices. In the evening, buildings, parks, roads, bridges, markets and schools were illuminated with multi-coloured lights.
Union Day delegates visit People’s Square
Yangon, 12 Feb — The 56th Anniversary Union Day delegates including traditional cultural troupes of national races and Union Solidarity and Development Association members this morning visited the People’s Square after attending the Union Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony. Head of Parks and Playgrounds Department of YCDC explained facts about People’s Square.
They then visited Pyidaungsu Ayeyeiknyein.
Union Day Exhibition continues
Yangon, 12 Feb — The 56th Anniversary Union Day Exhibition attracting interesting people continued for the sixth day at Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road here today.
Central Booth on Propagation of Union Spirit and booths of states and divisions, Panglong Conference, the ministries, drug elimination museum, news and periodicals enterprise and internet connection through Bagan Broadband Wireless are displayed.
Over 4,780 people including students and teachers of basic education schools, red cross societies and tourists, members of the Sangha and local people visited the exhibition. It will be kept open till 15 February from 9 am to 5 pm and admission is free.
Yangon, 12 Feb — Asia Wealth Bank donated K 1.5 million to the funds of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association at a ceremony held at the head office of AWB Ltd this morning.
U Aik Tun explained the purpose of donation. The chairman and the vice-chairman of MWJA accepted the donation presented by U Aik Tun.
U Ohn Pe’s Scholarship winners announced
Yangon, 12 Feb— A list of outstanding students who won the first, second and third prizes in respective subjects in the 2001-2002 matriculation examination in the whole country was released on 10 February by the Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award Trust Fund Supervisory Committee, Ministry of Education. Starting from the 2001-2002 academic year, the first, second and third prizes in three compulsory subjects and only the first prize in seven optional subjects will be given.
In Myanmarsar, Maung Ye Min Htet of Monywa BEHS- 2 stood first, Ma May Thwin Zaw of Danubyu BEHS second and Maung Moe Min Win of Monywa BEHS-1 third. In English, Ma Ei Sandar Nyein of Dagon BEHS-1 stood first, Mg Pyi Phyoe Kyaw of Botahtaung BEHS-6 second and Ma Aye Pyi Phyoe Khaing of Monywa BEHS-1 third. In Mathematics, Mg Phone Zaw Soe of Aungmyay Thazan PhaungTawOo Affiliated BEHS stood first, Ma Su Phyoe Aung of Mogok BEHS-1 second and Ma Li Li Myint of PyinOoLwin BEHS-1 third. In Chemistry, Mg Thu Han Htet of Mandalay Chanayethazan BEHS-16 stood first. In Physics, Ma Naw Thitsa Moe Myint of PyinOoLwin BEHS stood first.
In Biology, Ma Thwe Zin Win of Mawlamyine BEHS-8 stood first. In Geography, Mg Kyaw Thu Win, an external student, of Taungdwingyi stood first. In History, Mg Aung Thein Win of Myeik BEHS-1 stood first. In Economics, Ma Khin Hnin Oo of Wakhema Meittalay exam centre stood first. In Optional Myanmar, Ma Zin Shan Hone of Institute of Education Practicing School, Kamayut Township, stood first.
If the students got the same marks in a same subject, the students who got more marks in total was chosen; and even if the total mark was the same, the choice was made depending on the income of parents and the size of family.
Four students — Ma Hay Man Oo (applicant to the Dagon University), Mg Than Zaw Lin of Bago Degree College (UDE), Mg Kyaw Swa Win (applicant to the UDE Section of the Yadanabon University) and Mg Kyaw Min Tun (UDE Section of the Hinthada University) awarded Pakokku U Ohn Pe Scholarship in Myanmarsar for the 2001-2002 academic year.
Prize winners are to report to the Education Planning and Training Department (Telephones: 554314 and 541283).
Prizes will be given away at the ceremony to present Pakokku U Ohn Pe’s literary awards to be held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Road at 1 pm on 22-2-2003. Prize winners are requested to attend the rehearsal which is to be held at 10 am on 21-2-2003 at the National Theatre.
Religion
Ceremony to mark successful conveyance of Maha Atula Pattanila Bowl and to put up Dagundaing held
Yangon, 12 Feb — A ceremony to mark successful conveyance of Maha Atula Pattanila Bowl and to put up Dagundaing (post) was held on the platform of the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township at 7.45 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Meanwhile Teingya Htidaw Hoisting Group blew the conch shell and beat the drum and brass gongs three times.
Then, the Secretary-1 sprinkled scented water on the Bowl. Afterwards, Chairman of Mindhamma Hill Board of Trustees Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja U Shein Aung Bo read out the gatha on donating the Bowl to the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image.
Next, the Secretary-1 sprinkled scented water on the Dagundaing (post) donated by him and his wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and family. Siri Thudhamma Manizawtadara Teingya U Than Hla recited the gatha, the beginning of which is Jayohi Buddhassa. Then, the Secretary-1 stroke the religious bell three times for sharing merits gained.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.
After that, the 16th cash-presenting ceremony for all round construction of the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image followed at Gandakuti Kyaungsaung, in which the image is kept.
The donations totalled K 153,670,854, US$ 1,000 and 483 FECs including K 50 million donated by Yangon City Development Committee; K 20 million by U Ye Nyunt-Daw San Yee and family, K 2 million each by Cmdr Khin Maung Yee (Navy) and family, U Chantha-Daw Kyi May and family, and people; K 1 million each by Zaygaba Dr Khin Shwe and Daw San San Kywe; U Mya Han and Daw Khin Zabei Kyi; Thamada U Than Naing and Daw Kyi Kyi Swe; U Thaing Win and Daw Htay Htay Nyunt; U Sein Hla Win and Daw Phyu Phyu Khin; U Maung Weik and family; U Tun Tun and Daw Wai Wai; and U Htay Khaing of Aung Thabye Khaing Co; US$ 1,000 by Mr Nomura Kaname of Japan; K 300,000 each by U Taw Taw and family; Sayadaw Bhaddanta Yassa; and U Shein Aung Bo and Daw Htar Yee; K 120,000 by Daw Than Yi and family; K 100,000 each by Col Tun Khin (Retd) and family; U Maung Maung Soe and Daw Khaing Myo Myint; U Taw Taw and family; U Myo Thiha and family; U Khin Soe and Daw Aye Yi; Daw Myint Myint and family; Daw Nyunt Nyunt Myint and family; and U Tin Maung Latt and Daw Su Su Latt; and K 64,184,514 and 483 FECs by the public.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min and Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin accepted the donations. Chairman of the Fund-Raising Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa reported on donations for all round construction of the image. To date, the donations for the all round construction by wellwishers have amounted to K 1,083,962,498, and US$ and FECs 31,961.
Third white elephant named “Rati Malar”
Yangon, 12 Feb — The third white elephant was named “Rati Malar” at a ceremony held at the Yadana White Elephant Park in Insein Township, Yangon Division, this morning.
State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt poured scented water and paritta water on Rati Malar at the ceremony.
Mingala Drum Troupe of the Ministry of Culture played songs to mark the opening of the ceremony. Master of ceremonies Staff Officer of Religious Affairs Department U San Thin Hlaing declared the name of the white elephant. Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone and Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin attached a piece of paper bearing its name to the white elephant.
In accord with the tradition, each of the rich couples, Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhaja Dr Khin Shwe and Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw San San Kywe, Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhaja U Thein Win and Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Ni, Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhaja U Sein Hla Win and Daw Phyu Phyu Khin, Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhaja U Mya Han and Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Sabe Kyi, Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhaja U Tun Tun and Daw Wai Wai, Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhaja U Than Naing and Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Daw Kyi Kyi Swe, and Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhaja U Thaing Win and Daw Htay Htay Nyunt, presented K 1 million each for Rati Malar.
They also presented K 100,000 each for the first white elephant “Yaza Gaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza Yaza” and K 100,000 each for the second white elephant “Theingi Malar”. Person in-charge of the Yadana White Elephant Park Director of Forest Department U Myint Swe accepted the donations. Rati Malar was conveyed to a place near the dais. The Secretary-1 poured scented water and paritta water on her from the dais. At the time, a ratu praising the white elephant was sung.
General Khin Nyunt fed the white elephant. He then presented cash awards to the staff of the bodies to look after the white elephant. Present at the ceremony were ministers, deputy ministers, the Vice- Mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and others.
Rati Malar is about four years old. The girth of the white elephant at its chest is seven feet three inches.
The colour of her eyes is of pearl; and the eyelids, light pink. Her tail is two feet nine inches long, trunk two feet eight inches and back four feet three inches. The colour of the skin of the tamed and clever elephant is light pink.
The front two legs have five toes each and the back, four each. Its ears are large.
At 6 am before the ceremony, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun washed her head with scented water.
Rati Malar was then bathed in a pool in accord with the tradition. Afterwards, the white elephant was adorned with ornaments.
Ancient pagoda renovated and consecrated in NyaungU
Yangon, 12 Feb — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, wife Daw Kyi Kyi Win and family, having renovated ancient pagoda No 2480 in Bagan-NyaungU, held a ceremony to consecrate the pagoda on 7 February morning.
First, members of the Sangha led by Gukyaung Sayadaw consecrated the pagoda. Then, the minister, wife and family received the five precepts administered by the Sayadaw. Later, members of the Sangha recited parittas.
Afterwards, the minister and family presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Gukyaung Sayadaw State Ovadacariya Agga Maha Pandita Bhanddanta Zagara delivered a sermon. The minister and family shared the merits gained and performed the ritual of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. The minister and family then offered soon to members of the Sangha at Myazigon Monastery.
Information Technology
MICT Week 2003 promotes youths’ interest in IT knowledge
Yangon, 12 Feb — A meeting assessed the MICT Week 2003 this afternoon at MICT Park, with an address delivered by Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science Development Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
General Khin Nyunt said as many youths were studying the IT when the Bagan Teleport was opened, the MICT Park was set up to give them wider opportunity to study the science.
The IT is developing and changing in leaps and bounds in the world countries at present. In this regard, the leaders of the ASEAN countries signed the agreement with the aim of enhancing the IT knowledge among the youths, enabling them to enter the international IT area, and extending cooperation and mutual help among the nations.
The MICT Week 2003 has promoted the youths’ interest in the IT and their IT knowledge.
The exhibition has also enabled computer entrepreneurs to estimate the IT operation method in the future, the limit of IT extension and the means to impart IT knowledge among the youths.
The entrepreneurs also shared knowledge with their foreign counterparts, and sought areas where extension of links is possible.
As the youths have strong enthusiasm to study the IT, continued efforts are required to extend the IT learning areas for them.
As a means to disseminate the IT among the youths in the upper Myanmar and on a national scale, the MICT Part extension project must be launched based, with Mandalay as the centre.
The government bodies and the IT promotion associations should make collective efforts to promote the IT till reaching the international level. Chairman of MICT Week 2003 Organizing Committee Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on MICT Week 2003, matters relating to establishment of MICT Park in Mandalay and programmes for extended MICT Park as third phase.
Col Tin Oo of Bagan Cybertech reported on services of Bagan Cybertech at the MICT Week 2003; Chairman of Myanma Information and Communication Technology Development Co Ltd Brig-Gen Thein Swe on services of the company; Chairman of Myanmar Computer Federation U Thein Oo on ICT Caravan’s tour of townships with the aim of convincing importance and working power of ICT and user friendly condition; member of the board of directors U Aung Zaw Myint on extended programmes for MICT Park and Chairman of Computer Industry Association in Mandalay U Thein Htut on measures undertaken for establishment of MICT Park (Mandalay).
Those present at the meeting discussed development of MICT. The Secretary-1 also took part in the discussions. Then, the meeting ended.
International Relations
Htamane preparing competition held
Yangon, 12 Feb — Myanma traditional Htamane (Myanmar traditional sticky rice snack) preparing competition of Tabodwe month organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Myanmar-ASEAN Women’s Friendship Association was held on the lawns of Zizawa Yeiktha of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs this morning.
Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, flanked by national races, opened the competition and made a speech. The master of ceremonies explained the purpose of the competition. Then, the competition began. Members of Myanmar-ASEAN WFA acted as judges. The minister and officials presented prizes to the winners.
