Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing attend second Buddha Pujaniya of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image
Yangon, 16 Feb — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing attended the second Buddha Pujaniya of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township this morning.
First, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing paid homage and donated flowers, water and ‘soon’ to the Buddha image.
At 7.30 am, the ceremony to share merits was held at Gandakuti Kyaungdawgyi where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image is being kept. Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council Office U Arnt Maung acted as master of ceremonies.
The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Mingala conch shells were blown and gongs were beaten three times by Teingyar team.
Then, the Senior General and wife and party took the Nine Precepts from Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Masoeyein Taikthit Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa.
Next, the Senior General and wife offered replica Nila bowl of Maha Atula Patta Nila Bowl for the Buddha Image to Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara.
Afterwards, the Senior General and wife donated provisions to the Sayadaw.
Then, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San donated robes and provisions to Joint-Secretary Nyaungdon Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Osadhabhivamsa.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe offered robes and provisions to Vice-Chairman Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Masoeyein Taikthit Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa. Lt-Gen Tin Oo’s wife Daw Khin Than Nwe donated robes and provisions to Vice-Chairman Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Dawei Sayadaw Bhaddanta Açinnabhivamsa.
Next, Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the Commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials and wellwishers offered robes and offertories to the Sayadaws.
Later, Secretary Saya-daw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon.
Then, the Senior General and wife and the congregation shared merits gained.
The ceremony ended with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu. Mingala conch shells were blown and gongs were beaten three times by Teingyar team.
After the ceremony, the rice offering ceremony followed. Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party offered stainless steel bowls containing ‘soon’ and delicious meals to 500 members of the Sangha. Meanwhile, vocalist Daw Yi Yi Thant sang religious songs to the accompaniment of the music troupe. Similarly, Mingala conch shells were blown and gongs were beaten three times by Teingyar team.
Likewise, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, the Ministry of Defence, Office of Military Intelligence, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy)’s Office, the Commander-in-Chief (Air)’s Office, ministries, the Supreme Court, the Attorney-General’s Office, the Auditor-General’s Office, the Office of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, Yangon City Development Committee and Township Peace and Development Councils in Yangon Division and wellwishers donated provisions to members of the Sangha on the platform of the Buddha Image and along the northern stairway.
Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing, arrived at the Yadana White Elephants Garden and viewed Raza Gaha Thiri Pyitsaya Gaza Raza Yadana White Elephant, Theingi Malar Yadana White Elephant and Rati Marlar Yadana White Elephant. Then, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing fed the Yadana White Elephants.
Next, Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party viewed construction tasks of the Yadana White Elephants Garden and left there.
Secretary-1 inspects extension of six-lane Strand Road, sanitation of port area
Yangon, 16 Feb — Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt inspected extension of Strand Road into the six-lane one and sanitation of the port area this morning and gave necessary instructions to officials.
The commander reported to the Secretary-1 on tasks being carried out for extension of six-lane Strand Road, pleasantness and sanitation of the port area, proper flow of water at drains and beautifying works on both sides of the road with a view to upgrading Yangon City to be able to have the characteristics of the capital.
Then, Mayor U Ko Lay briefed the Secretary-1 on extension of a 16,000-foot-long Strand Road from Ywathit Creek in Lanmadaw Township to Razadarit Road in Botahtaung Township and arrangements for carrying out the sewerage system. Deputy Minister U Pe Than also reported on sanitation and beautifying of the port area. Head of Engineering Department (Road/Bridge) of YCDC U Bo Htay reported on progress in extension of Strand Road and future tasks. After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on efforts to be made for extension of the road in scheduled time and growing of trees.
Then, the Secretary-1 inspected progress in extension of Strand Road between No 7 Gate and No 6 Gate of the port and planting of coconut trees along the extended road and viewed Tatmadawmen participating in the extension works and trees planting tasks.
Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected road extension works between No 6 Gate of the port and Six-Complex Office and arrangements for changing the places of underground cables.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party saw over the Strand Road extension works from the Six-Storey Office on Strand Road to Wadan Street on Ywathit Creek in Lanmadaw Township by car.
The Secretary-1 and party arrived at the Traffic Department Office of Myanma Port Authority on Wadan Street. At the briefing hall, Deputy Minister U Pe Than reported on sanitation works being carried out at the port area. He said that the port area was very weak in cleanliness in the past.
After forming the committees to keep the port area pleasant and clean at different levels, the plan was laid down on systematic allotment of shops along the port, strengthening of the walls, maintenance of the motor way and sanitation works.
Sanitation works are being carried out not only in port area but also in Yangon River. In addition, the educative works including the designating of mottoes to keep the port clean are being carried out for public participation.
Then, the commander reported on participation of Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations in sanitation tasks of Yangon City as well as community welfare tasks.
Next, the Secretary-1 called on departments concerned to coordinate cleaning tasks of Yangon City and the port and attended to their needs.
Afterwards, the General viewed plying of water crafts at Wadan Jetty No 6 and in Yangon River and gave instructions on safe plying of water crafts, growing of shade trees along the port, systematic allotment of shops and parking of cargo trucks.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected sanitation works carried out at the port area. The Secretary-1 then saw over the extension works along Strand Road from Wadan Jetty to Theinbyu Street in Botahtaung Township.
At the junction of Theinbyu Street and Strand Road, the General inspected the six-lane extension works and gave necessary instructions to officials.
A 11,324-foot-long Strand Road section from Ywathit Creek in Lanmadaw Township to Theinbyu Street in Botahtaung Township is being extended into a 72-foot-wide six-lane road and a 4,676-foot-long Strand Road section from Theinbyu Street to Razadarit Road in Botahtaung Township is being upgraded.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspects regional development in Dawei
Yangon, 16 Feb—Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence together with officials on 14 February morning left here by Myanma Airways for Dawei, Taninthayi Division.
On arrival at Dawei Airport they were welcomed by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye and division and district level departmental officials.
Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party attended the ceremony to open multimedia classrooms of No 3 Basic Education High School in Dawei.
The Headmaster and the Chairman of SBT formally opened the multimedia classrooms. Then, the students formally opened the stone inscription bearing ‘‘Our Vision”. Next, Lt-Gen Maung Bo unveiled the signboard of the multimedia classrooms.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Maung Bo made a speech. He said that the multimedia classrooms of basic education schools were opened the length and breadth of the nation with the leadership of the Government and the assistance of teachers, parents and wellwishers. It amounts to making an investment to produce highly qualified human resources to keep abreast with the world nations.
Thus, every youth regard- less of age and qualification has the opportunity to pursue education in any region in cost-effective ways.
In the knowledge age in which information and communication technology is making progress with the passage of time the teachers are to make efforts for enabling the youths to pursue education through the multimedia classrooms.
The Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs was formed to bring about harmonious development across the nation including border areas. In addition, the five rural development tasks, the 24 development regions have been designated and work is well underway for national and regional development. The teachers are to strive together with the people in unity for development of human resources in the region and for emergence of highly qualified human resources.
He urged all teachers to make efforts together with wellwishers and students for ensuring the durability of the education facilities, the realization of the objectives of education plans and the emergence of an education system capable of creating the learning society.
Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye expressed his thanks to wellwishers who provided assistance to opening the multimedia classrooms at schools in Taninthayi Division.
Next, Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U C Thang Za Tuan reported on education goal of the state.
Then, Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Kyaw Kyaw Htay reported on efforts made for installation and building of the multimedia classrooms.
Next, National Holdings Ltd Chairman U Khin Shwe and party presented K 1 million for all round development of the school to Headmistress Daw Win Nyunt.
After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party had the documentary photo taken together with the headmistress, teachers, the members of SBT, students and guests.
Accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye and party, Lt-Gen Maung Bo went to Minyat village in Launglon Township by car and met with local farmers. He gave necessary instructions. The local farmers reported on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy and requirements. The commander and officials gave supplementary reports.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo fulfilled the requirements of the local farmers.
Afterwards, they proceeded to Dawei University near Kamyawkin village on Dawei-Maungmakan road in Launglon Township. Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspected progress in building of archway and entrance road of the university and gave necessary instructions.
At the briefing hall, Pro-Rector U Kyaw Kyaw Htay of the university reported on construction works of the university.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo gave necessary instructions. He then inspected the construction of Dawei University.
Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo met with the division, district and township Peace and Development Council members, and departmental officials at the Dawei District Peace and Development Council office.
In meeting with them Lt-Gen Maung Bo said Taninthayi Division is a region which is rich in natural resources, and where agricultural and livestock breeding tasks can be carried out. Efforts are to be made for self-sufficiency of rice in the region. He then gave instructions on cultivation of monsoon paddy to exceed the target, boosting the per acre yield, cultivation of good quality strain of paddy like Kyawzeya, effective use of natural fertilizers and organizing the farmers to actively participate in cultivation. He continued to say that field trips are to be made and plans are to be drawn for not only regional self-sufficiency in rice but for a surplus. Perennial crops such as pepper, edible oil and rubber are to be grown to meet the target. As regards the rural development tasks, departmental staff are to cooperate with local people and farmers in implementing the tasks for education, health, economic and transportation sectors as well as for water supply. The State will also provide necessary assistance, he added.
Next, Taninthayi Division Agriculture Service Manager U Than Naing reported on cultivation and purchase of paddy and condition of regional self-sufficiency; and Head of Division Settlement and Land Records Department U Than on cultivation area of the division, reclamation of vacant land.
Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye explained matters related to management, economy, education and social affairs and future tasks.
Then, Lt-Gen Maung Bo made a concluding speech. He said according to the third four-monthly report for the year 2002-2003, there is 75 per cent of food self-sufficiency in the region. In coming cultivation season, plans are to be drawn for cultivation. He then gave necessary instructions.
Later, Lt-Gen Maung Bo inspected Myanma Electric Power Station of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise in Dawei and supply of electricity.
Goodwill of wellwishers will surely contribute towards enabling students to pursue education with peace of mind Hlinethaya BEHS-2 gets new two-storey building
Yangon, 16 Feb— A ceremony to hand over new two-storey building of No 2 Basic Education High School, Hlinethaya Township and to open multimedia teaching centre was held at the school this afternoon, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
The building, 140 feet long and 30 feet wide, was built at a cost of K 41.9 million. First, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the centre. The Secretary-1 and party inspected computer aided instruction room, language lab, study room, electronic media (video) and training of students.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected domestic science room and art studio. Wellwisher Managing Director of Benhur Co U Kyaw Aung and Headmistress Daw Khin Htay formally opened the new school building. Then, the Secretary-1 and party viewed round the building.
Then, the students entertained with songs and a student presented his skill demonstration by playing Myanma traditional chinlon.
Afterwards, a ceremony to hand over the school building and opening ceremony of multimedia classrooms followed. First, U Kyaw Aung briefed on the construction of the school building. Then, the Secretary-1, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and ministers accepted the cash donations — K 46,148,000 for school building and furniture by U Kyaw Aung-Daw Yin Hwun and over K 68,813,830 by 47 wellwishers. Next, U Kyaw Aung and Daw Yin Hwun handed over documents relating to the building to Director-General U Tin Win No 3 Basic Education Department. Headmistress Daw Khin Htay spoke words of thanks.
Next, the Secretary-1 delivered an address. On behalf of the government, he expressed his thanks to wellwishers for donations.
There are over 5,000 students attending the school and more classrooms are needed. The wellwishers donated new buildings and other wellwishers presented about K 70 million. Hlinethaya Myothit was established in 1989-90. Factories and job opportunities for the people emerged with the establishment of Hlinethaya industrial zone. The people in Hlinethaya lay emphasis on education and they want their children to receive good education.
He found that students undergoing training at the centre possessed high qualifications. Students of the school are good at their education and they also are winners of the State-sponsored art competitions and other contests to mark the significant days. Such achievements have been made due to the encouragement of the parents and efforts of the students. He said he believed that the school would produce brilliant students who would serve the interest of the nation. The multimedia teaching centre would enhance intelligence and qualifications of the students.
The goodwill of wellwishers will surely contribute towards enabling the students to pursue education with peace of mind. He spoke of the need for teachers to nurture their pupils to become intellectuals and intelligentsia with better material and spiritual foundations. He said now cooperation between the government and the people foster the national development. He called for continued cooperation for emergence of a modern developed nation which is the goal of the State.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party had photos taken together with the headmistress, teachers, members of the Board of Trustees and students.
Literary affairs lectured in Kyaunggon
A talks on literary affairs was held at the gymnasium in Kyaunggon Township on 26 January evening. At the ceremony, writers Thanlyin Maung Maung Oo, Maung Nyein Thu (Gyobingauk) and Maung Sein Win (Padeegon) lectured on literary affairs to the audience.
Rural development road built in Lewe
Under the leadership of Lewe Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, the 2,000 long and 30 feet wide development road from Thawutti Sama Hill to Thayetgon Village was built at the venue on 19 January. Township USDA Secretary U Hla Than and officials, social organizations and local people totalling 500 participated in the construction of the road.
Myat Lay Yon Village Library opened in Thanatpin
Myat Lay Yon Village Library was opened in Kayan Model Village, Thanatpin Township, on 28 January. Chairman of Thanatpin Township Peace and Development Council U Soe Myint Win, writer Daw Ma Myat Lay and Head of Township Information and Public Relations Department Daw Tin Tin Oo opened the library.
Outstanding students honoured in Kyaikto
A ceremony to honour outstanding students from Basic Education Primary Schools in Winkalaw, Aungnainggwa and Kyaungywa villages in Kyaikto Township was held in conjunction with the school family day at Winkalaw sports grounds on 18 January. Officials gave speeches. Then, students entertained sports performance and variety dances to the audience.
Nyaungbintha-Kanyindaing rural gravel road inaugurated
As a gesture hailing the 56th Anniversary Union Day, 1300-foot long Nyaungbintha-Kanyindaing inter-village gravel road constructed by Development Affairs Department and facilitated with a brick bridge contributed by the public in Phyu was put into service on 10 February.
New asphalt road opened in Tamu
Hailing the 56 th Anniversary Union Day, a 450-foot long and 12-foot wide asphalt road, Mahura 5th street, constructed with the K250,000 appropriated by the Development Affairs Committee and K 700,000 by the public in Tamu was inaugurated on 8 February.
Pinball-Pinkyaing rural gravel road put into service
To hail the 56th Anniversary Union Day, inauguration of Pinball-Pinkyaing inter-village gravel road built by the Development Affairs Committee in Mogaung Township was held on 1 February morning. The 4180-foot long and 12-foot wide road was constructed spending K 4,077,900 appropriation of the Mogaung Township Development Affairs Committee.
Union Day delegates leave for home
Yangon, 16 Feb — Members of the traditional cultural troupes from the states and divisions and USDA member Union Day delegates who attended the 56th Anniversary Union Day Celebration left for their native lands beginning this morning by air, by train and by car.
The delegates from Rakhine State, Taninthayi Division, Chin State and Kayah State started leaving Yangon International Airport by air; those who came from Shan State (North), Kayin State, Mon State and Shan States (East) and (South), Yangon Railway Station by train; and those from Magway Division by car.
The Union Day delegates were seen off by Chairman of the 56th Anniversary Union Day Reception and Accomodation Sub-committee Commander of Yangon Station Commandant of Defence Services Records Office Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Sub-committee members and officials.
International Relations
Foreign diplomats and their families tour Rakhine State
Yangon, 16 Feb - The foreign diplomats and their families in Yangon, together with Director-General Thura U Aung Htet of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and officials led by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar Mr U Mapa, left here for Rakhine State by air on 14 February morning and arrived at Sittway Airport at 8.30 am.
Then, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win and the study group members arrived at Lawka Nanda Pagoda in Sittway where they were welcomed by members of the pagoda board of trustees. They paid homage to Aung Setkya Muni Buddha Image. Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win signed in the visitors’ book of the pagoda. The study group then took a rest at Sittway view point and posed for a documentary photo there. Afterwards, the study group visited Rakhine State Cultural Museum. They were welcomed there by the chairman of the township Peace and Development Council and members, Director of the Archaeological Department of the Ministry of Culture Daw Nu Mra Zan and officials and staff. They viewed round the museum.
The deputy minister and diplomats then went to MraukU by Malikha craft in the afternoon. They then visited MraukU Cultural Museum. Director-General U Nyunt Han of the Archaeological Depart-ment and staff and officials welcomed and conducted them round the museum. Next, the study group paid homage to Shitthaung Stupa and Andawthein stupas.
Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Chairman Western Command Commander Maj-Gen Maung Oo and wife Dr Daw Nyunt Nyunt Oo hosted a dinner in honour of the study group at MraukU Hotel in the evening. MraukU Traditional Cultural troupe entertained the study group with Rakhine traditional dances and the Sri Lankan Ambassador presented a bouquet to the dance troupe.
On 15 February morning, the study group paid homage to ancient Buddha images at the pagodas and stupas in MraukU and posed for a documentary photo. The study group arrived back in Sittway by the craft in the afternoon. Lt-Col Thura Nay Win Myint of Sittway Station and the Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Secretary welcomed them. Later, the study group visited the Sittway Township Development Affairs Committee market and went to Sittway Airport at 3 pm.
At the passenger lounge of the airport, Lecturer Daw Hnin Hnin Aung of English Department of Sittway University and Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win explained facts about the Rakhine State.
The study group arrived at Thandwe Airport at 4.10 pm. They were welcomed there by Lt-Col Khin Sein of the Western Command, Secretary of Thandwe Distirct Peace and Development Council Major Tin San, officials of Ngapali Beach Hotel and staff. They took a rest at Ngapali Beach.
The diplomats were entertained to dinner by Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win at Ngapali Beach Hotel in the evening and they experienced the bonfire on the beach.
The diplomats played golf at Ngapali Golf Course this morning. They left Thandwe Airport by special aircraft in the afternoon and arrived back here at 3 pm.
Religion
Ovada Patimauk Akhadaw Day observed
Yangon, 16 Feb — The board of trustees of Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Pagoda observed Ovada Patimauk Akhadaw Day of the Fullmoon Day of Tabodwe at the prayer hall on Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill this morning.
Chairman of the pagoda board of trustees U Sein Oo explained the purpose of observing the Akhadaw Day, and wut teams recited the religious verses.Similarly, over 500 trainees led by instructor of Basic Buddhist Culture Course Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panñasami (Magadhi Thazi) observed Ovada Patimauk Akhadaw Day of Tabodwe at Maha Theindawgyi on Kaba Aye Hill this morning.
The ceremony was opened by three-time recitation of Namo Tassa, and the trainees recited religious verses in chorus.
Drug
Yangon, 16 Feb — A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Tachilek Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 12 August 2002 searched a Toyota Mark II saloon with the number plates NW/ 0273 driven by Kyalaw at Haung Lake check point. The authorities seized 4 bags of raw opium weighing 2 kilos.
Action was taken against Kyalaw, 20, son of U Kyataw of Wanlon village, Tachilek Township under Sections 15/19 (A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Tachilek Police Station.
The Tachilek District Court handed down 20 years’ imprisonment on him under Section 19 (A) on 2 January.
Similarly, a combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Tachilek Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 23 September 2002 searched Arkar at Wampon Kyunpinseik in Tachilek Township and seized 150 grams of raw opium.
Action was taken against Arkar, 41, son of U Bayson of Honar village, Tachilek Township under Sections 15/19 (A) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Wampon Police Station.
The Tachilek District Court handed down 5 years’ imprisonment on him under Section 15 and 11 years’ imprisonment under Section 19 (A) to serve separately on 24 January.
