Religion
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspects Pon Creek Bridge Construction Project
Yangon, 15 Feb — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye left here by helicopter and arrived at Heho Airport in Kalaw Township, Shan State, yesterday morning.
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Commandant of the Command General Staff College Commander of Kalaw Station Brig-Gen Nyan Win, senior military officers and departmental officials.
Accompanied by the commander, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party went to Pon Creek Bridge Construction Project, a part of Hsaikkhaung-Namhsan Railway Construction Project. Then, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party inspected progress in completion of the approach structure and piles of the bridge.
At the briefing hall, Deputy Minister for Rail Transportation U Pe Than reported to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye on construction of the bridge, work progress and arrangements being made for installation of iron beams to the bridge and construction of a railroad on the bridge; and officials, on progress of Hsaikkhaung-Namhsan Railroad Construction Project being undertaken by No 55 LID and construction of small bridges on the railroad. Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min gave a supplementary report.
Regarding the reports, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye said that in constructing Pon Creek Bridge, emphasis was to be placed on every task for ensuring durability as well as being a strong facility. He continued to say that duties had been assigned to the Directorate of Military Engineers and the Myanma Railways in addition to Public Works in order to do river and creek-crossing bridge construction through efficiency. Then the Directorate of Military Engineers and the Myanma Railways had been able to manage to successfully construct respective bridges on their own. In conclusion, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye called on the Myanma Railways, based on experiences in construction of the Pon Creek Bridge, to strive for ensuring construction of better river and creek-crossing bridges.
Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye viewed the maps of the Hsaikkhaung Railroad and the Pon Creek Bridge and left necessary instructions. The 103-mile railroad is a section of Shwenyaung-Taunggyi-Namhsan Railroad. Tatmadaw members of battalions and units under No 55 LID and engineers and employees of the Myanma Railways are making all-out efforts for timely completion of the project. The 19.19-mile Namhsan-Mongseik Railroad section of Hsaikkhaung-Namhsan Railroad has been completed and trains are now running on it. The laying of rails and construction of bridges have been completed in Hsaikkhaung-Pyinthaya railroad section.
The Myanma Railways is undertaking the Pon Creek Bridge Construction Project, and construction of the approach structure and piles has been nearly completed.
After inspecting the project, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party proceeded by helicopter to the PhaungdawU Pagoda in Inle Region, where they were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Tha Aung, Secretary of Shan State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Maung, Member of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commissioner of Shan State General Administration Department U Sein Thin, officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, the pagoda board of trustees and local residents. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party paid reverence and offered gold foils to the pagoda. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye then signed in the visitors’ book and presented cash donations to the chairman of the pagoda board. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye inspected the Sankyaung, in which PhaungdawU Buddha images are kept, and left necessary instructions. Then, he proceeded to the Alodawbauk Pagoda, an ancient and historic heritage, in Nangpan Village, Inle Region. They paid homage and offered gold foils to the pagoda. Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye viewed gems to be offered to the pagoda. They then visited the Gandakuti Kyaungdaw and paid homage to the Buddha images, and signed in the visitors’ book.
After that, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye presented cash donations to the pagoda through members of the pagoda board of trustees, who then presented replicas of the Alodawbauk Pagoda to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party left the pagoda by helicopter and arrived at Taunggyi in the afternoon.
Yangon, 15 Feb — Work coordination meeting on maintenance of the Thazi-Taunggyi-Kengtung section of Meiktila-Taunggyi-Kengtung-Tachilek Union Highway was held at the meeting hall of the Eastern Command in Taunggyi at 1 pm today. Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye attended the meeting and gave instructions on tasks for making the road serviceable for all seasons. Also present were Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads.
First, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe reported to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye on works being carried out for making the Thazi-Taunggyi-Kengtung section of the Union Highway serviceable for all seasons.
Then, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on tasks being carried out. In his report, Maj-Gen Saw Tun explained that the road section is 383 miles and 4 furlongs long. Maintenance tasks of the road had been carried out by Public Works since November 2002 and arrangements are being made not to hinder the traffic flow of the road in undertaking maintenance works. Works for extension of another 30 feet in breadth and 12-foot wide tarring will be undertaken. To effectively carry out the tasks, persons in charge of respective sections are to be assigned at the work-sites. The minister also reported on arrangements to make the road serviceable for all seasons within two years.
Afterwards, Superintending Engineer of Public Works, Shan State (East), U Thaung Htay, Superintending Engineer of Public Works, Shan State (South) U Soe Tint, and Deputy Superintending Engineer of Road Special Group-13 U Aung Ngwe reported to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye on maintenance works being carried out for 114 miles long Takaw-Kengtung section, 212 miles 4 furlongs long Kalaw-Takaw section, 57 miles long Thazi-Kalaw section, formation of persons in charge in respective sections, work done and future tasks.
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye fulfilled the requirements. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye said Public Works had been assigned duties for maintenance works of Thazi-Taunggyi-Kengtung section of the Union Highway and urged Public Works of the Ministry of Construction to strive for turning the road into one serviceable for all seasons successfully in accord with its reputation in bridge construction tasks. After the meeting, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, wife Daw Mya Mya San and party arrived at Heho Airport by helicopter. At the reception lounge of the airport, Director of Asia World Co U Kyay reported to Vice-Senior General Maung Aye on extension of the runway of the airport. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye attended to the needs. Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, wife Daw Mya Mya San and party left for Yangon by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived back here in the evening.
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San pay homage to Sayadaws at 16th Shwekyin Nikaya Gana Sangha Meeting
Yangon, 15 Feb — The final-day session of the 16th Shwekyin Nikaya Gana Sangha Meeting was held at Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Nyaungshwe, Shan State (South), today, attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San.
Also present on the occasion were State Ovadaçariya Shwekyin Nikaya Dhipati Ukkatha Maha Nayaka Dhamma Senapati Abhi-dhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Sasana-baing Nyaungshwe Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik Saya-daw Bhaddanta Vimala-bhivamsa and Sayadaws of Shwekyin Gana, State Ovadaçariya Sayadaws, members of the Sangha of Shwekyin Gana, the chairman and members of Shan State Sangha Nayaka Committee, Shwekyin Gana member Sayadaws of Sri Lanka, Japan, Thailand, the US, Canada and the UK totalling 460, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and wife Daw Khin Hnin Wai, members of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min and Commander-in-Chief (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint and wife Daw Win Win Nu, ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, local authorities, officials of the Leading Committee and Sub-committee for Organizing the 16th Shwekyin Nikaya Gana Sangha Meeting, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, wellwishers and disciples.
Sasanabaing Nyaung-shwe Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa presided over the meeting together with co-chairman Joint-Sasanabaing Mandalay Maha Withokdayon Taikthit Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Waso Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agghiya. Secretary of the Gana Mandalay Maha Withokdayon Taikthit Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Aggañana-bhivamsa acted as master of ceremonies.
First, Tipitakadhara Dhamma Bhandagarika Bhaddanta Sumanga-lalankara read out the Ovada Katha of Joint-Sasanabaing Yangon Shwehintha Tawya Thirimanta Sankyaung Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa. In the Ovadakatha, the Joint-Sasanabaing Sayadaw expressed that the Shwekyin Gana has been in existence for over 140 years and still flourishing as known to all. He urged all to make harmonious and concerted efforts with a view to ensuring the Shwekyin Gana to continue to flourish for hundreds and thousands of years in the future.
Then, the master of ceremonies Sayadaw announced the appointment of Bago Kyakhat-waing Sayadaw Bhaddanta Jotipala as the Joint-Sasanabaing of Shwekyin Gana. Next, the Sasanabaing Sayadaw presented certificates of Shwekyin Nikaya foreign missionary patron to Secretary of Sri Lankan Shwekyin Nikaya Ashin Inguruvatte Piyananda of Sri Lanka, Bhaddanta Ñanita of Mandalay Kyaungtaik of Thailand, Bhaddanta Kavinda of Tisanara Vihara Monastery in the UK and Bhaddanta Nandasiri of Maha Dhammika of Canada. Afterwards, members of the Sangha of Sri Lankan Shwekyin Nikaya offered religious gifts to the Sasanabaing Sayadaw, two Joint-Sasanabaing Sayadaws and the Chancellor Sayadaw of Sitagu World Buddha University.
Ashin Çandasiri (MA) of Sitagu World Buddha University read out the supplications of members of the Sangha of Jamaica and Nepal and Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panñavamsa of Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik read out the supplication of Nyaungshwe Reception Committee. Then, members of the Sangha approved the decisions of the meeting.
At 9.30 am, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife and party paid homage to members of the Sangha. Joint-Sasanabaing Waso Sayadaw Bhaddanta Agghiya administered the Five Precepts. Then, members of the Sangha recited Parittas.
The commander supplicated on religious affairs. In his supplications, the Commander expressed delight for having the opportunity to pay obeisance to Reverend Sayadaws from States and Divisions at the 16th Shwekyin Nikaya Gana Sangha Meeting.
Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife donated eight requisites to the Sasanabaing Sayadaw. Then, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe offered eight requisites to Waso Sayadaw and Kyakhatwaing Sayadaw.
The members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air) and the ministers donated eight requisites to the Sayadaws.
Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye accepted cash donations of K 1 million for publishing treatises compiled by Shwekyin Gana Sayadaws donated by International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Rector Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Silanandabhivamsa (D-Litt); and K 1.5 million for publishing 10 research papers submitted by 10 Sayadaws at the 16th Shwekyin Nikaya Gana Sangha Meeting donated by Mibayeik Saw Mill owner U Naing Oo and Daw Aye Thein of Dagon Myothit (South) Township.
Then, the Sasanabaing Sayadaw presented certificates of honour to wellwisher U Khin Myint and Daw Than Than Win of Yadana Win Co; U Nay Win Tun and Daw Aye Aye Myint (Padamya Naga Co); Kanbawza Bank Ltd Chairman U Aung Ko Win and Daw Nan Than Htwe; and Ngwehsin Co Chairman U Soe Myint and Daw Nan Than Kyi who donated K 7.5 million each for holding the meeting.
Next, Sitagu Sayadaw Dr Bhaddanta Ñanissara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.
Then, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife and party and wellwishers offered provisions to members of the Sangha who attended the meeting at the Dhammayon.
Later, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife and party offered ‘soon’ to Sasanabaing Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife pay homage to Sula Muni Lawkachantha Pagoda in Taunggyi
Yangon, 15 Feb — Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party paid a visit to the Sula Muni Lawkachantha Pagoda in Taunggyi this morning.
First, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife and party paid homage to Kassapa Buddha Image at the pagoda.
Next, cash donation was made for the Seinbudaw of the pagoda. Donations included K 5 million each by Kanbawza Bank Ltd Chairman U Aung Ko Win and wife Vice-Chairperson Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Nan Than Htwe; Jade Dragon and Ruby Dragon Co Ltd Chairman Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Nay Win Tun and wife Daw Aye Aye Myint; Ngwehsin Co Ltd Chairman U Soe Myint and wife Daw Nan Than Kyi; and Aden Group Co Ltd Managing Director U Chit Khaing and wife Daw Khin Soe Wai.
After that, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and party signed in the visitors’ book of the pagoda.
Then, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife and party went round the pagoda clockwise and paid homage to the pagoda.
Commander attends 18th Buddha Pujaniya of Maha Wizaya Pagoda
Yangon, 15 Feb — The opening ceremony of the 18th Buddha Pujaniya of Maha Wizaya Pagoda in conjunction with the Htamane contest was held at the southern archway of the pagoda this evening, attended by Chairman of Construction Committee for Maha Wizaya Pagoda Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe. He opened the ceremony by cutting the gold chain.
First, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and Chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Phone Kyaw opened the Buddha Pujaniya and the Htamane contest by cutting the gold chain.
Then, the commander and party paid homage and offered flowers, lights and incense sticks to the pagoda.
Next, the commander and party viewed the Htamane contest in the precinct of Maha Wizaya Pagoda.
In the evening, Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein, the Chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and members presented prizes to the respective teams.
Nuns who passed religious exam honoured
Yangon, 15 Feb — A ceremony to honour the nuns who passed the 59th Saddhammadhaja Agama + Sabhava examination, organized by Thameik-dawdaya Thukhitayama Daw Nyanasari Nunnery, was held at the nunnery this afternoon.
Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Pañindabhivamsa administered the Nine Precepts.
The wellwishers donated provisions to the Sayadaws.
Then, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Lt-Gen Tin Oo’s wife Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of the Minister for Religious Affairs Daw Yin Yin Nyunt, wife of the Mayor of Yangon Daw Khin Khin and officials offered completion certificates to 21 nuns. Next, Administrator of the Nunnery Agga Maha Ganthavaçaka Pandita Nun Daw Jayavati spoke words of thanks. Then, Shwehlaing Sayadaw Bhaddanta Samvarabodhi delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merit.
After the ceremony, offertories were presented to the nuns who passed the exam.
Region
Special Refresher Course No 51 for Basic Education Teachers opens at CICS in Phaunggyi
Yangon, 15 Feb — The opening ceremony of Special Refresher Course No 51 for Basic Education Teachers was held at Central Institute of Civil Service (Phaunggyi) in Hlegu Township, Yangon Division, this morning, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
First, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt made an opening speech. In his address, the Secretary-1 said: the State Peace and Development Council has been making all-out efforts to ensure progress of all sectors after systematically laying down plans to enable the nation to keep abreast with the nations of the world.
In the process, it is needed to make national economy strong, to improve the education, health and social standard of the entire nation and to uplift the morale and morality of the entire people for the development of the nation and the people. Thus, it is incumbent upon all the teachers to carry out these tasks in the knowledge age.
In accordance with the national duties, endeavours are being made in education sector to produce highly-qualified human resources who can effectively undertake tasks for the development of the nation, to turn out national force equipped with health, fitness and dynamism, to produce strong economic force that can stand on its own feet.
In other words, efforts are being made to turn out good citizens who can build and protect good foundations of political, economic and social sectors in order to meet the national goal — emergence of a peaceful and modern nation through education sector.
In implementing education tasks designed to realize national objectives, it is needed to be in conformity with national education policy and education goal. Thus, seminars, workshops and training courses are being systematically organized for teachers, scholars and educational administrators who have to carry out tasks and have responsibilities in education sector in accord with the education policy.
At a time when the teachers have unique opportunity to attend such refresher course which is very important for progress of the education sector in accord with the national policies, the teachers are to disseminate educational and organizing knowledge of the course to the students in the regions where they are assigned duties.
At present, the State Peace and Development Council has laid down plans and been implementing them systematically not only for keeping abreast with other world nations but also for the harmonious development of all the national races and regions of the country.
In implementing these projects, educational infrastructures have also been built together with transportation and development infrastructures, economic infrastructures, infrastructure in the health sector and social infrastructure which will contribute much towards the development of the region and the local people.
As the Government is making systematic arrangements for national development, all are to preserve and promote the good foundations for national development. This amounts to nurturing the new generation youths who will shoulder the duty of building and safeguarding the nation in the future. The teachers will have to nurture the new generation youths to be imbued with the will to serve the interest of the country and the race.
It is natural that every citizen of a country wants to see the prosperity of their own country and its people. Except destructive elements who betray national causes and want to live under the servitude of the others receiving the support from them, every citizen wants to see their nation to stand tall among the nations of the world.
The Government is to take the responsibility for national development as well as to safeguard the nation from any danger in order that the nation will be able to stand tall among the other nations and to perpetuate sovereignty.
However, the destructive elements and self-seekers are trying to undermine the peace and prosperity of the nation to the liking of some neo-colonialist countries.
The destructive elements, without considering the interest of own national brethren, are again hatching up plots inside and outside the country to drive a wedge among national people to cause disintegration of national solidarity which is the life blood for the perpetuation of the Union.
In reality, if one would be deceived by the instigation and the national solidarity broke up, peace, prosperity and the rule of law which had to be built by the Tatmadaw and national race leaders only after overcoming many difficulties will be shattered and the people will fall again under the miserable conditions.
Moreover, with the instability in border areas, eradication of narcotic drug programmes that have been meeting with success due to the collective efforts of the Government and local people will be delayed and foiled.
With prevalence of peace and tranquillity in border areas the living standard of local people improved and significant progress has been made in drug eradication tasks which never met with success in the past, he noted.
It is required for the trainee teachers to organize the people with national awareness in order to do away with the danger of driving a wedge among the national races by the colonialists with the every intention of undermining the national unity and putting the people in miserable conditions again.
He spoke on fabricated stories of internal and external destructionists. He said recently, there were rumours about the banks due to their fabricated news. Assuming that the rumour was true, people began to draw a large amount of money from the banks. On account of the rumours, something that should not be done was done. People have experienced mistakes. The Secretary-1 cautioned the people that if the banks suffer losses due to the rumours maliciously spread by destructionists, the country will also suffer losses.
Internal and external destrctionists are undermining the peace and prosperity of the nation, better economic foundations, border region development and national solidarity and are attempting to delay the efforts for combating narcotic drugs in collaboration with internal and external destructionists and neo-colonialists. He spoke of the need for the people and national races in border areas to ward off such destructive acts after realizing them. At the same time, he urged the teachers on their part to organize and educate the pupils to gain new strength in warding off such acts.
The teacher trainees need to make the national people including students understand the value of peace and tranquillity, the definition of the national unity and the good foundation of development and safeguard them, he said.
He also cautioned that the people are not to do something that should not be done, assuming that the rumours created by the internal and external destructionists were true.
In today’s world events the colonialists have sown discord and hatred among the national races to cause dissension among them and when peace and tranquillity is in jeopardy they slip into the country as saviours, he said.
In such a time, efforts will have to be made in order not to let the independence and sovereignty lose due to dissension among the national races. The entire national people are urged to make collective efforts with nationalistic spirit and Union Spirit to safeguard the nation from the dangers of own national people.
The Government is striving its utmost on self-reliance to enable the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with the nations of the world as a sovereign nation. Based on the strength of national development and national economy and social strength tremendous efforts are being made for perpetuation of the Union as long as the world exists.
At a time when efforts are being made based on the strength of national force the teachers are to dutifully undertake the national tasks of education sector and to foster the strength of national force, he stressed.
In conclusion, he called on the teachers to try their utmost for successful implementation of the education projects to produce human resources capable of turning the nation into the one of international level, to make concerted efforts for bringing about harmonious development across the nation and for successful implementation of border areas development project, the narcotic drug eradication project and special development zone project and rural development project, to organize the people to make them realize the scheme of driving a wedge among national races by colonialists and to equip them with the national outlook and to make efforts for forging the national unity and for flourishing Union Spirit and to make the people know that the rumours circulated among the public were fabricated ones.
Also present were the ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the auditor-general, the chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon mayor, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, members of CSSTB, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, Rector of CICS (Phaunggyi) Col Win Maung, pro-rectors, instructors and trainees.
After the opening ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt cordially greeted the trainees. A total of 1,504 teachers from states and divisions are attending the five-week course.
Secretary-1 hosts dinner to Union Day delegates
Yangon, 15 Feb — Chairman of the Central Committee for Organizing the 56th Anniversary Union Day Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt hosted a dinner in honour of Union Day delegates of states and divisions, members of traditional cultural troupes, members of Taninthayi Division Dawei traditional cultural troupe, members of Magway Division Taungtha cultural troupe and delegate members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, who attended the 56th Anniversary Union Day ceremony, at National Indoor Stadium-1 (Thuwunna) at 6.30 pm today.
After the dinner Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt cordially greeted the Union Day delegates. Then, artistes entertained those present with songs and dances and members of the traditional cultural troupes with national race traditional songs.
USDA Secretariat Member meets information staff
Yangon, 15 Feb — Secretariat Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, together with members of Sagaing Division and Monywa District USDAs, offered “soon” to 1,300 members of the Sangha at Chindwin Rice Offering Association in Monywa at 4 am on 10 February.
Then, the secretariat member visited Kyaukka Shweguni Pagoda and donated K 10,000 to it. Next, he presented K 100,000 for holding final rites of Presiding Sayadaw of Monywa Zawtikayama Monastery Member of the State Ovadacariya Vice-Chairman of Sagaing Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Muninda to the chairman of the final rites holding committee.
The secretariat member then attended USDA membership application presenting ceremony and the stone inscription opening ceremony at Monywa No 1 Basic Education High School. He accepted 1,319 membership applications.
Afterwards, the minister presented cash awards to 29 outstanding students who passed matriculation exam with one to six distinctions, two Dobat troupes that won goal medal and silver medal in Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, K 300,000 for uniforms of the teachers and 50 dozens of exercise books and publications to the library. The minister discussed measures to be taken for development of human resources, ensuring enrolment of all school-going-age children, and striving for improvement of technologies.
Later, the minister met the staff at Monywa District Information and Public Relations Department and spoke of the need for employees to make efforts for ensuring excellent media coverage, to successfully implement projects laid down by the ministry, to disseminate knowledge on information to every village at least once, to make sure that each village gets at least a newspaper, to effectively undertake mobile library services and to extend agriculture and livestock breeding for staff welfare.
In the afternoon, the minister attended the Yadanashan library in Ngashan Village, ChaungU Township and presented books to the library and discussed rural development and construction projects being implemented by the government.
Then, the minister inspected Sagaing District IPRD and left instructions on effective showing of newsreels that feature construction endeavours and development of the State and educative films for flourishing of Union Spirit at the grassroots level. He spoke of the need for township IPRDs to present video films which contribute to flourishing of Union Spirit and national consolidation and to extend staff welfare services.
After that, the minister inspected the chosen site for construction of a printing house and buildings for the Printing and Publishing Enterprise in Aungpinle Ward, Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay Division, and gave necessary instructions to the officials.
On 11 February morning, the minister inspected arrangements for opening of the information booth in Mandalay Industrial Exhibition (2003) and attended to the needs.
A ceremony to mark the 57th Anniversary of Myanma Radio and Television
Viewers from 126 countries can enjoy programmes of MRTV-3, real situations of Myanmar will be made known to the world soonMinister for Information addresses 57th Anniversary of MRTV
Yangon, 15 Feb—A ceremony to mark the 57th Anniversary of Myanma Radio and Television was held at the Studio-A of the broadcasting station on Pyay Road here this afternoon, with an address by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.
In his address, Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan said that the MRTV has entered its 57th anniversary, passing silver and golden jubilees and entering its diamond jubilee. It emerged contemporaneously with the Tatmadaw, and it served the country together with the latter for over half a century. During half the century the MRTV has been steadfastly discharging the duties of the State and its people. It was a great pleasure to see that the heads and staff of the department have been making relentless efforts out of goodwill in successful implementation of the objectives laid down by the State and the ministry.
The ministry and the State have recognized the discharge of duties and honoured those worthy of honour. The ministry will continue to do so, he noted.
Those concerned need to know the objective and the essence of the ceremony. In reality, the aims of the ceremony are to put service of the staff on record, to make an assessment of tasks carried out during service of the staff and to take remedial measures. In doing so, more progress will be made through friendship and cooperation among service personnel of the department.
Achievement has been made in ensuring the powerful media tools, practicing thrifty measures, discharging duties with goodwill and taking pride in undertaking measures dutifully. In ensuring the powerful
Union Day delegates tour Yangon
Yangon, 15 Feb — The traditional cultural troupe members and Union Solidarity and Development Association member Union Day delegates who attended the 56th Anniversary Union Day paid homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this morning. Then, they viewed round the foot-prints, Maha Atula Pattanila Bowl and environs of the hill. Next, they viewed Yadana white elephants. Later, they visited Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw and Hanthawady Roads in Kamayut Township.
Yangon, 15 Feb — The 56th Anniversary Union Day Exhibition at Tatmadaw Convention Hall was crowded with visitors on the final day today.
Service personnel, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, teachers and students, members of the Sangha and foreigners totalling over 3,000 visited the booth on flourishing of Union Spirit, state and division booths, the Panglong Conference Booth, the booth on flourishing of Union Spirit and national unity, booths of ministries, the drug elimination booth and the booth of News and Periodicals Enterprise.
International Relations
Tourists arrive by chartered flight
Yangon, 15 Feb — Under the supervision of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, with the assistance of Ministry of Transport, under the arrangement of Myanmar Hotels and Cruises Ltd, 85 tourists arrived by two chartered flights of PB Air at Bagan-NaungU from Bangkok this morning. The tourists will study Myanma handicrafts in Bagan and visit Bagan and its environs by the boat “Road to Mandalay” and leave here on 16 February.
Tatmadaw boxing team leaves for India
Yangon, 15 Feb — The Myanma Tatmadaw Boxing team led by Principal of Defence Services Self-defence and Sports Institute Col Htein Lin left here for India by air this morning to participate in the friendly boxing match.
The boxing team was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Commandant of Defence Services Records Office No 4 Military Region Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint and senior military officers.
Heroin, marijuana seized in Myitkyina
Yangon, 15 Feb — A combined team comprising members of Local Intelligence Unit and Myitkyina Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched Tun Tun near Thaungcho creek, Ayemya-thaya Ward, Phakant on 14 January morning and arrested him together with 0.2 grams of heroin and K 40,000.
According to further investigations, the combined team searched the house of Daw Myo of No 107, Ayemyathaya Ward, Phakant who managed to escape and seized K 800,000 in a box.They searched the house of Tun Tun of No 90, Ayemyathaya Ward and seized 43 grams of heroin. Similarly, a combined teamed team comprising members of Local Intelligence Unit and Hpa-an Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched Zaya Soe (a) Kala Gyi driving a motorcycle with-out number plates at the junction of Bogyoke Street, Kawkareik on 28 January morning and seized him together with 1.552 Kilos of marijuana. In connection with the above cases, action is being taken against the suspects under the Section of Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Myanmar Police Forces.
