State Peace and Development Council Chairman sends felicitations to Brunei
Yangon, 23 Feb— On the occasion of the 19th National Day of Brunei Darussalam which falls on 23 February 2003, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.
Senior General Than Shwe inspects construction tasks in Ayeyawady Division
Yangon, 22 Feb — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, left Nanthida jetty here by ship and arrived at Dalla at 8.30 am today.
Then, the Senior General and party inspected the development of towns and villages in Yangon South District, upgrading of Dalla-Kawhmu-Kungyangon road and thriving fields of summer paddy and other crops by car. The Senior General and party arrived at Kungyangon Township side of Ayeyawady Bridge (Dedaye) Construction Project at 10 am. The Senior General was welcomed there by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Htay Oo and officials.
At the briefing hall of the project, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein reported to the Senior General on completion and arrangements for opening of the bridge. Pyapon District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Myo Myint and Dedaye Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Myo Chit reported to the Senior General on population, cultivation and yield of paddy in the Pyapon District and Dedaye Township. Commander Maj-Gen Htay Oo gave a supplementary report. The Senior General gave necessary instructions.
Then, the Senior General viewed the completed Ayeyawady Bridge (Dedaye) from the briefing hall.
Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected the main bridge of Ayeyawady Bridge (Dedaye) and environs of the both side of the Ayeyawady river.
The bridge, which is to be opened soon, is situated on Yangon-Dalla-Kawhmu-Kwangyungon-Pyapon road and 4,088.3 feet long.
Then, the Senior General and party inspected progress of Dedaye, where local welcomed the Senior General on both side of the road.
Then, the Senior General and party proceeded to Ohnbin Village in the township and viewed the thriving fields of summer paddy along the road to the village. The Senior General and party arrived at the village at 11.30 am. At the temporary briefing hall on the bank of the Pyapon river, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein reported to the Senior General on designating the place and survey works of Pyapon bridge to link Dedaye and Pyapon Townships. Director of the Directorate of Military Engineers of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Tin Tun reported to the Senior General on arrangements for production of steel beams to be used in construction of the bridge.
After giving guidance, Senior General Than Shwe inspected the chosen site for construction of Pyapon Bridge that will link Ohnbin Village in Dedaye Township and Ward 1 in Pyapon.
The Dedaye Bridge has been constructed on Pyapon-Dedaye-Yangon Road. On completion of Pyapon Bridge, one can travel between Pyapon and Yangon within three hours. In the past, one has to take over eight hours by ship for this distance.
Then, Senior General Than Shwe and party crossed Pyapon River by Z-craft and viewed round Pyapon.
Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe and party looked into the paving and progress in constructing bridges along Pyapon-Kyaiklat-Maubin Road.
They proceeded to the Maubin University Construction Project, where they were welcomed by departmental officials, Pro-Rector of the university U Soe Win, professors, associate professors, heads of the departments and faculty members.
At the briefing hall, Chairman of Dagon International Ltd reported on the area of the university campus, construction of the main building and lecture rooms, progress in construction of staff quarters and growing of trees for the greening of the campus.
Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance and saw over the scale models of the buildings of the university. Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on ensuring splendid buildings.
Then, they headed for the Government Technological College (Maubin) Construction Project. They were welcomed there by Principal Daw Thandar Nyunt, the vice-principal, heads of departments and faculty members.
At the briefing hall, Managing Director of Shwekyapyan Construction Dr Zaw Tun reported on construction of buildings of the college and work progress and the principal, on strength of the college and giving lectures to the students subject-wise.
Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance and inspected scale models and charts of the buildings and progress in construction of lecture rooms.
Altogether four lecture rooms have been completed and the students are learning in the college. The construction project will be completed in coming April.
Senior General Than Shwe and party viewed round Maubin by car.
Senior General Than Shwe and party went to the Nyaungdon junction of Yangon-Pathein Highway and inspected prawn and fish breeding ponds.
Then, Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected arrangements for construction of Yangon-Nyaundone section of Yangon-Pathein Highway. Senior General Than Shwe and party left the section and arrived back here at 6.30 pm.
Region
Secretary-1 stresses need to flourish national culture, national literature and national arts in order to forge national spirit and patriotism of all citizens
Yangon, 22 Feb— Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award, Scholarship Award and Pakokku U Ohn Pe Library Award Presentation Ceremony was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street this afternoon, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
Secretary-1 delivered an address. He said it was the tenth time to present Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award established by Pakokku U Ohn Pe for the development of Myanmar literature.
He expressed his pleasure for development of Pakokku Literary Award programme which emerged from cherishing Myanmar literature and genuine goodwill of Sayagyi U Ohn Pe. He also expressed his pleasure for the fact that U Ohn Pe himself is healthy and can rejoice at the presentation of awards to the winners in his presence.
He praised literati from various parts of the country who sent their entries and new generation literary enthusiasts for their enthusiasm about literature.
U Ohn Pe presented another K 2.9 million for scholarship fund in August 2002 and again he presented K 5 million more for literary awards. The government and literary world praised him for that and put this on record. For the development of publishing books and emergence of literary works of high quality, Pakokku U Ohn Pe Library Award will also be presented to a book chosen from those published annually beginning this year. This shows how he loves and cherishes Myanmar literature, he said.
The State Peace and Development Council is making endeavours for enabling the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast with the nations of the world. By doing so, the government is also laying emphasis not only on material development but also on spiritual uplift such as flourishing national culture, national literature and national arts.
Especially, due to the advancement of science and technology, globalization is taking place. Taking advantage of the situation, some big nations that have superior wealth and technology are planning to influence the developing nations culturally, socially and economically as well as in the way of thinking. He spoke of the need to flourish national culture, national literature and national arts in order to forge national spirit and patriotism of all the citizens. It is true that one will easily fall under the influence of others with the deterioration of the better foundations of patriotism and national solidarity. Therefore, the government is reviving and promoting the might of Myanmar literature that aroused national strength throughout the long Myanmar history. Moreover, it is creating the conditions for revitalization of priceless national cultural heritage, customs and traditions and nationalism among the new generation youths and better foundations of patriotism through the power of literature.
The government is giving encouragement to the development of Myanmar literature and carrying out the national duties effectively in the literary field. It is an effective way to present literary awards with the aim of continuously bringing out literary works of high quality.
Therefore the government widely presents National Literary Award, Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award, national motto award and prizes to the winners in essay and poem contests in commemoration of significant days such as the Armed Forces Day, the Independence Day and the Union Day. The Secreatry-1 recalled that systematic arrangements had been made for presenting Pakokku U Ohn Pe literary awards to the winners at his request.
The awards have been presented to the winners since 1993, he said, adding altogether 109 persons won the awards in five genres. The award-winning manuscripts have been published by Sarpay Beikman. Out of them, six books won the National Literary Award. After winning the manuscript awards, 77 books were published. In literary awards, life long contribution to literature award is significant. The awards were presented to 13 literati.
Pakokku U Ohn Pe literary awards contest has produced new writers. It is encouraging to note that U Ohn Pe realized the constructive ideas of the good literature and he himself became a regular writer after establishing the literary award and scholarship under his name.
There is a usage of literature and knowledge in Myanmar. Nowadays, it is obvious that literature and learning are related.
Efforts are to be made for gaining knowledge through books and improving morals that benefit human beings and the world in accord with the sayings “Books for All” and “Morals lie in literature”. In other words, all citizens are to cultivate the habit of lifelong learning while establishing Myanmar society as a reading and learning society through the might of literature.
Mutual beneficial relationship between education and literature consolidated and enriched Myanma cultural characteristics. In Myanmar society, rich experience, delicate thought, serious and profound beliefs have flourished based on learning of literature in the course of Myanmar history.
It is obvious that presenting Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award contributes towards the compilation and study of literature. Scholarships were awarded to outstanding new generation youths. Altogether 22 students— four who got the highest marks in Myanmarsar this year matriculation examination, 16 in ten respective subjects and two outstanding students in Myanmarsar from the University of Culture— will be awarded. Presenting literary awards and scholarship is an educational fulfilment that contributes toward the development of human resource. Literary works are familiar with the people.
It is necessary to publish books of fine literary works and disseminate thoughts and ideas and knowledge through the might of literature. It is a national duty of literati to create good literary works and to preserve invaluable traditional cultural heritage for readers.
Major roads and bridges were built as a network in states and divisions in the country. Similarly, books and other periodicals which contains knowledge are to be distributed to far-flung areas. With the material development and mental combinations into oneness among the brethren of the Union, the Union of Myanmar made up of 14 states and divisions will stand tall as long as the world exists.
The Secretary-1 urged the literati to uplift the national awareness and national strength through the might of literature for perpetuation of the Union, propagation of national solidarity and Union Spirit and for protecting the nation from the danger of neo-colonialists and internal and external destructive elements who would break up the Union.
In conclusion, he urged them to make efforts to promote nationalist spirit for spiritual development of the people in carrying out the tasks of Our Three Main National Causes— non-disintegration of the Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.
He wished the aims of Sayagyi U Ohn Pe who made donations for development of Myanmar literature, preservation of Myanmar culture and emergence of intellectuals and intelligentsia success. He also wished him to be healthy in the years to come.
Then, the Secretary-1 accepted K 5 million for Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award Fund and K 500,000 for literary development in rural areas by Dr Win Naing and family.
Next, the Secretary-1 presented Pakokku U Ohn Pe Life-long Literary Award to U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin).
Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe presented first, second and third prizes to Maung Ohn Thaung (Magway), Maung Soe Myat (ChaungU) and Thurein Kyaw (Kyauknaga) in the collected poem genre, and second and third prizes to Twingyitha Tin Win Oo and Pathein Yan Naung Soe in the collected short story genre.
Minister for Education U Than Aung presented first, second and third prizes in treatise genre to U Myat Kyaw (Myanmar Language Commission), Maung Min and Ma Yin Kyay (Kyaunggon) and first, second and third prizes to Aung Nyein Chan (Mann Tekkatho), Maung Chit Htwe (MA) and Tin Tun in the research genre.
Minister for Science & Technology U Thaung also presented Myanmarsar scholarship awards to Ma Hay Man Oo (Dagon University), Maung Than Zaw Lin (Bago Degree College Distance Education Branch), Maung Kyaw Swa Win (Yadana-bon University Distance Education Branch) and Maung Kyaw Min Tun (Hinthada University Distance Education Branch) and scholarship awards of University of Culture to Ma Win Maw Oo (First year student of Drama Major) and Ma Lwin Mei Tun (First year student of Music Major).
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented prizes to first, second and third winners Maung Ye Min Htet of Monywa BEHS-2, Ma May Thwin Zaw of Danubyu BEHS and Maung Moe Min Win of Monywa BEHS-1 in their outstanding performance in Myanmarsar.
Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut gave away prizes to first, second and third winners Ma Ei Sanda Nyein of Dagon BEHS-1, Maung Pyi Phyo Kyaw of Botahtaung BEHS-6 and Ma Aye Pyi Phyo Khaing of Mongywa BEHS-1 in their outstanding performance in English.
Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing presented first, second and third prizes to Maung Phone Zaw Soe of PhaungdawU Affiliated BEHS of Mandalay Division, Ma Su Phyo Aung of Mogok EBHS-1 and Ma Li Li Myint of PyinOoLwin BEHS-1 in their outstanding performance in Maths.
Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung presented first prize in Chemistry to Maung Thu Han Htet of Mandalay BEHS No 16, the first in Physics to Naw Thitsa Moe Myint of Anisakhan BEHS of PyinOoLwin and the first in Biology to Ma Thwe Zin Win of Mawlamyine BEHS-8.
Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa gave away the first prize in Geography to Maung Kyaw Thu Win of Taungdwingyi, the first in History to Maung Aung Thein Win of Myeik BEHS-1, the first in Economics to Ma Khin Hnin Oo of Peiktalay BEHS (Branch) of Ayeyawady Division and the first in optional Myanmar to Ma Zin Shan Hon of Yangon Institute of Education Practising Education High School.
Wellwisher Pakokku U Ohn Pe presented Pakokku Library Book Award to Dr Mya Mya Win.
Then, Pakokku U Ohn Pe accepted K 500,000 each for Pakokku U Ohn Pe Library donated by Executive Director Dr Khin Maung Htwe of Home Lawyers Yangon and actor U Shwe Thwe of Mya Tharaphu Film. Next, Pakokku U Ohn Pe explained the purpose of the literary prize presentation. On behalf of the winners, Pakokku U Ohn Pe Life-long Literary Award winner U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Sin) spoke words of thanks.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1, the ministers and the deputy ministers posed for documentary photos together with the literary award winners, the scholarship award winners and the Pakokku Library Book Award winner.
Secretary-1 inspects progress of Union National Races Village
Yangon, 22 Feb — Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, arrived at Union National Races Village of the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs near Yangon-Thanlyin Bridge in Thakayta Township at 10 am today.
At the briefing hall, Minister Col Thein Nyunt reported to the Secretary-1 on construction of traditional houses of Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan national races, progress in construction of the buildings to mark the respective regions, the Union National Races Museum, breeding of natural birds and animals with cages and growing of flowery plants.
Director-General Col Than Swe of Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department reported on number of national races and foreigners who visited the Union National Races Village beginning 28 December 2002, earning of income, repair of roads, sales of traditional handicraft and opening of shops, construction of the earth road along Bago River and greening tasks. The minister gave a supplementary report.
After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on construction for Nanmyint Tower to enable the visitors to enjoy scenes of the village and growing of shade trees and flowery plants for greening the village. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the places for construction of the museum, the Nanmyint Tower, the building to mark Mon Village and Kyaikhtiyoe Replica Pagoda.
Next, the Secretary-1 and party viewed round the village by car and left there at 11 am.
Upgrading of Strand Road inspected
Yangon .22 Feb - Tatmadaw members and employees of Yangon City Development Committee are carrying out tasks for expansion of the Strand Road to a six-lane one. part of the upgrading of Yangon City.
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and YCDC Vice-Chairman Vice-Mayor CoI Maung Pa inspected the tasks this morning.
The commander and the vice-mayor and party arrived at the corner of Strand Road and Sule Pagoda Road at 6.30 am.
The commander and the vice-mayor inspected the laying of ready mixed concrete, tarring, construction of 'the platforms, installation of guard rays and reconstruction of culvert sat the corner . Brig-Gen Myo Myint and officials conducted the commander and the vice-mayor round the site.
Afterwards, the commander and the vice-mayor inspected land preparations, the paving of the platforri1s, dredging of the drains and weeding wild plants from Sule Pagoda Road to Theinbyu Road and fulfilled the requirements.
Commander, minister inspect sanitation, upgrading tasks at Yangon Port
Yangon, 22 Feb — Yangon City is being upgraded to have characteristics of international capitals.
The Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and party arrived at Wadan Jetty in Seikkan Township. They inspected upgrading tasks at the jetty. Officials reported on construction of tarred road and platforms and sanitation of the jetties.
Then, the commander and the minister fulfilled their requirements.
Prize presentation and dinner to mark the 48th Conference of MNA held
Yangon, 22 Feb — The prize presentation and dinner to mark the 48th conference of Myanmar Nurses Association was held at the hall of Institute of Nursing (Yangon) at 6 pm yesterday, attended by Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint.
Deputy Minister Prof Dr Mya Oo presented prizes to Nurse Daw Aye Aye Khaing-2 of Yangon General Hospital who won model nurse award, Ma Nanda Htaik of Magway Nursing Training School, Ma Myat Myat Mon of North Okkalapa Nursing Training School and Ma Phyu Phyu Khaing of Myitkyina Nursing Training School who won first, second and third prizes respectively in model nursing trainee award category.
Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa presented prizes to officials of Nurses Associations in Taunggyi, Lashio and Minbu Townships that won first, second and third prizes respectively in model nurse association category. Chairperson of MNA (Central) Daw E Babaro presented certificates of honour to an official of Kachin State Nurses Association Branch that had taken part actively in the 48th Nurse Sport Festival (Kachin State), Daw Aye Aye Soe of Myitkyina Nursing Training School who composed a song honouring the sport festival, and officials of Nestle and EAC (Dumex) companies that rendered assistance in holding the conference.
Afterwards, those present enjoyed the dinner.
Tube-well opened in Bhamo
Bhamo Township Development Affairs Committee opened a 4" tube-well in Mankhun Model Village on 11 February. Chairman of Bhamo District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Swe and engineer in-charge U Win Bo gave speeches. Then, officials opened the tube-well as well as a 2,500-gallon-capacity water tank.
Cash donated to library funds in Taikkyi
A ceremony to donate cash towards the funds of the library of Taikkyi Township Information and Public Relations Department was held at Township IPRD Office on 18 January. Chairperson of Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association Daw Kyi Kyi Aye explained the purpose of the donations. On behalf of the wellwishers, Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Saw Thein presented K 175,000 to District IPRD Staff Officer U Ohn Khaing.
Schools inspected in Pyinmana
Pyinmana Township Education Officer Daw Khin Thaung Tun and party inspected Yedwinphyu Village Basic Education Primary School and Taungnyo BEHS on 6 February. The TEO then met with local authorities and school heads.
Collective paddy sales in Yanbye
Farmers sold paddy at Konbaung purchase depot in Yanbye Township on 31 January. Rakhine State and township departmental officials assisted the farmers in sales of paddy to the depot.
Development of Gangaw Township meets
A coordination meeting on development of Gangaw Township was held at the hall of Township Peace and Development Council on 31 January, with an address by District Chairman Lt-Col Htay Oo. Officials reported on their respective sectors. Also present were departmental personnel of Gangaw District and Township and ward and village authorities.
Computer course opened in Myaung
Under the leadership of the Myaung Township Education Officer, the Basic Computer Course No 1/2003 was opened at Basic Education High School on 1 February. Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Soe Thein gave a speech. The course will last five weeks.
Union Day talks in Kengtung
Organized by Shan State (East) Union Solidarity and Development Association, the Union Day talks were held at Kengtung Development Hall on 11 February. Present were Chairman of Kengtung District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Min and members. Shan State (East) USDA executive U Win Kyaw Thu lectured on emergence of the Union Day. Then, Lt-Col Kyaw Min and party presented prizes to winners in essay, painting and computer arts competitions.
Stipends presented to students in Chauk
The stipends presentation ceremony was held in Chauk on 15 January. Township Education Officer U Kyaw Tint Yi presented stipends provided by the State for 2002-2003 academic year to 16 students.
Kyaukse gets rural tube-well
A 2" tube-well, donated by wellwisher U Aik Tun-Daw Than Than Win, was opened in Dantaing Village, Kyaukse Township, on 11 January. Township Development Affairs Committee has spent K 443,570 including donations of the wellwishers on sinking the tube-well. The tube-well can supply drinking water to 1,137 local people of 110 households in the village.
Gravel road opened in Kalaw
A ceremony to put Lamaing-Lamaingkyin gravel road into service was held in Lamaingkyin Village on 11 February, Brig-Gen Nyan Win of Kalaw Station and Kalaw Township Development Affairs Committee Executive Officer U Than Hla formally opened the 3,100 feet long and 10 feet wide road. The committee has spent K 1,650,000 on construction of the road.
Secretary-1 attends opening of two-storey building of Thaddamma Zawtikayon monastery
Yangon, 22 Feb — The opening and merit-sharing ceremony of a two-storey building of border areas missionary Thaddamma Zawtikayon monastery in Dagon Myothit (South) Township, Yangon Division, was held at the building this morning. Chairman of the Working Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and formally unveiled the stone inscription of the building.
Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, on behalf of the minister and the chairman, formally opened the building.
Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscription of the building and sprinkled scented water on it.
Afterwards, merit-sharing ceremony was held at the building. Then, the Secretary-1 and the congregation received the Five Precepts from the vice-chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. The Secretary-1 and party presented offertories. Vice-Chairman of the building construction committee Kayan Township Peace and Development Council U Maung Maung Soe reported on completion of the building. The secretary Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee delivered a sermon, and wellwishers shared the merits gained. The ceremony concluded with the three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.
Then, the Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. The new reinforced concrete two-storey building is 114-foot long and 50-foot wide and was constructed at a cost of K 32,931,600 donated by the wellwishers.
51st Religious Title Conferring Ceremony held at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill
Yangon, 22 Feb — The 51st Religious Title Conferring Ceremony, organized by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, was held at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill in Mayangon Township at noon today.
Director U Tun Hla of Religious Affairs Department, Deputy Director U Mya Win, Assistant Director U Tun Shwe and Staff Officer U Aung Htwe ushered the Sayadaws, the monks who passed the religious examinations and nuns into Maha Pasana Cave. Likewise, service personnel also ushered the Sayadaws, monks and nuns who passed the religious examinations to the designated places.
The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa.
Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Açinnabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts.
Next, Joint-Secretary Sayadaw Nyaungdon Ponnayamazay Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Osadhabhivamsa read Sammodaniya Saraniya Ovadakatha of the Chairman Sayadaw of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. In his Ovadakatha, the Chairman Sayadaw said that he would like to admonish Sammodaniya Saraniya Ovadakatha at the ceremony sponsored by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Yangon Division Peace and Development Council. The Buddha, the teacher of human beings, celestial beings and Bramas, timely administered the sermon which had led to existence and non-existence of the Sasana. Pañsime Bhikkhave Dhamma Saddhammassa Saddmosaya Antaradhanaya Samvattanti are the main causes for existence and non-existence of the Sasana.
Members of the Sangha present at the ceremony are the ones who passed the respective religious oral and written examinations. With an increase in the number of members of the Sangha who passed the Pahtamapyan Dhammaçariya Examination, the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee together with members of the Sangha and disciples were gratifying. Though Pariyatti plays a key role in perpetuation of the Sasana, Pariyatti cannot be separated from Patipatti. Thus, if there is no Patipatti, Pativedha and Pariyatti cannot exist. This being so, the disappearance of Patipatti is the cause of waning of Sasana.
Members of the Sangha who are eager for perpetuation of the Sasana are to follow the teachings of the Buddha placing the interest of the Sasana in the fore. He wished members of the Sangha and lay persons can serve the interest of the Sasana with Dhammanug-gaha and Amisanuggaha and enjoy the blessing of the Nibbana.
Then, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe supplicated on religious affairs. In his supplication, Maj-Gen Myint Swe said that it was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to confer titles and certificates and present offertories to members of the Sangha who are outstanding in advanced religious examinations at the religious title conferring ceremony being held under the sponsorship of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council.
There were only up to 300 members of the Sangha who passed Dhammaçariya exams in previous years, and there are up to 448 members of the Sangha who passed the exams in 2002. It was encouraging for the Sasana, assuming that there is an increase in the number of members of the Sangha who will continue to protect the Sasana.
Pariyatti Sasana is of paramount importance for perpetuation and propagation of the three Sasana, the teachings of Sabbanñu Buddha.
Pariyatti is the most basic foundation like the tap root for purification, perpetuation and propagation of Sasana since practices and means of Pariyatti Sasana are admonished in every chapter of the Pitaka.
Members of the Sangha who were present at the ceremony are the ones who are brilliantly discharging the Pariyatti Sasana, the prerequisite of the three Sasana. Honouring the outstanding persons in the field of the Sasana amounts to honouring the three Sasana.
While discharging the duty of Pariyatti Sasana the outstanding members of the Sangha protect and safeguard the Sasana with Dhamma Nuggaha. Accordingly, the Government together with the wellwisher people has been conscientiously discharging the Piççaya Nuggaha duty with four requisites holding the religious titles conferring ceremony every year.
He expressed thanks to district, township and ward Peace and Development Councils in Yangon Division, the religious associations and wellwisher people who are making collective and collaborative efforts for successful holding of the ceremony.
He also wished them to be blessed with the present-and-past prosperity for they have the opportunity of honouring the outstanding members of the Sangha with Piççaya Nuggaha.
Next, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin supplicated on religious affairs. He said that Theravada Buddha Sasana has been flourishing as moon and sun in the Union of Myanmar. Theravada Buddha Sasana is the policy of different eras laid down by Matheras who had decided to strictly and steadfastly follow the teachings of Buddha.
Of Pariyatti Sasana, Patipatti Sasana and Pativedha Sasana, the purification, perpetuation and propagation of Pariyatti Sasana plays a key role in protecting and safeguarding Theravada Buddha Sasana laid down by Mahathera Sanghadaws.
If Pariyatti Sasana weakens the Patipatti practices could lead to the wrong way and there might emerge different beliefs, which are far from Pativedha Sasana.
There are many State Pariyatti Sasana Universities and Pariyatti Sarthintaiks with members of the Sangha in all parts of the Union of Myanmar and the Pariyatti Sasana is strong in the country. Likewise, the meditation centres stand as evidence that the Vipassana practices in conformity with Pariyatti is flourishing in the country.
The Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovidha Selection Exam, Dhammaçariya Exam, Pathamapyan Exam, Five Nikaya Exam and Abhidhamma and Vitsuddhi Magga Exam being sponsored by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the State and Division Peace and Development Councils are the basic, the high and advanced exams on Pariyatti. Thus, holding the exams amounts to watering the tap root of Pariyatti Sasana.
The ceremony being held today is to confer the Sasanadhaja Dhammaçariya titles on members of the Sangha who passed the 2002 Dhammaçariya Exam and to present certificates to members of the Sangha and lay persons who passed Pathamapyan Exam, Five Nikaya Exam and Abhidhamma and Vitsuddhi Magga Exam held in the States and Divisions.
In conclusion, the minister expressed thanks to those from the States and Divisions who were engaged in holding the Pariyatti exams, the State, Division, Township and Village Peace and Development Councils, townselders and wellwishers, and wished the members of the Sangha and lay persons who outstanding passed the exams could further discharge the duty of the Sasana paying serious attention to Ganhtadhura and Vipassanadhura.
Then, the ceremony to confer certificates to monks, nuns and lay persons who passed Dhammaçariya, Pahtamabyan, Five Nikaya, Abhidhamma and Visuddhimag examinations followed.
First, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe offered Agga Maha Akyaw and the First Prize in Dhammacariya Examination to Ashin Tejobhasa of Thandawhsint Kyaungtaik of Maha Withokdayon Taikthit in Mahaaungmye Township.
Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin offered the second prize in Dhammacariya Examination to Ashin Kodana of Myoaye Pariyatti Sarthintaik of Kalaw.
Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko also offered the third prize in Dhammacariya Examination to Ashin Viveka of Dhammaduta Tawya Kyaungtaik in Taungsun, Bilin Township.
Adviser U Arnt Maung offered titles and certificates to the monks who stood first, second and third in the Pahtamakyaw Pahtamagyi Examination; Director-General U Sann Lwin of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana offered titles and certificates to first, second and third prize winning monks in the Pahtamalat Examination; Pro-Rector Dr Hla Pe of ITBMU, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint, Division Commissioner U Hla Soe of General Administration Department, Yangon Division Police Force Commander Police Col Aung Daing, Chairman of Yangon East District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Pyay, Chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein, Deputy Director-General U Htin Myo of Religious Affairs Department and Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu offered titles and certificates to the monks and nuns who passed Vinaya Maha Vidu and Abhidhamma Vidu examinations.
The commander’s wife Daw Khin Thet Htay, the minister’s wife Daw Yin Yin Nyunt and the deputy minister’s wife Daw Myint Myint Yi offered titles and certificates to outstanding nuns and Lt-Col Kyaw Tint’s wife Daw Ni Ni Sein offered titles and certificates to four lay persons.
Then, Secretary Magway Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. Next, the deputy minister and officials offered titles and certificates to Dhammacariya and Pali Paragu Sayadaws. Afterwards, the commander, the minister and wellwishers donated provisions to members of the Sangha.
Later, the ceremony ended with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.
Foreign Affairs Minister sends felicitations to Brunei
Yangon, 23 Feb— On the occasion of the 19th National Day of Brunei Darussalam which falls on 23 February 2003, U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Royal Highness Prince Haji Mohamed Bolkiah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei Darussalam.
Vietnamese delegation leaves for home
Yangon, 22 Feb — The eight member Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Chief Justice of Supreme Court and Chief Justice of Central Military Court of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Mr Le Due Tu left here for home by air at 10 am today.
Tourists arrive by Cessna 421 B Golden Eagle
Yangon, 22 Feb — Under the supervision of Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, with the assistance of Ministry of Transport and service provided by Myanmar Polestar Travels & Tours Co Ltd, tourists arrived at Yangon International Airport on 20 February by private-owned Cesssna 421 Golden Eagle. Co-organized by Just Meet Corporation Ltd in Japan and Doh Pyi Tha Enterprise Ltd in Myanmar, three Japanese arrived at Bagan and NaungU by private-owned plane at 11.40 am yesterday and staff of Myanma Travel Service welcomed them with flowers there. They arrived back Yangon today and left Bangkok, Thailand for home.
Drug
Yangon, 22 Feb — A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and local police force, acting on information, searched the house of Myo Myint of Kyauk Taung Street, Pone Htun Ward, Tachilek Township at 11.05 am on 15 November, 2002 and seized Myo Myint and Ar Mu together with 170 stimulant tablets.
In connection with the case, action was taken against Myo Myint, 30, son of U Sein Thwin and Ar Mu, 55, son of U Law Me of Arsay village, Wunkaung village-tract, Tachilek Township under Section 15/19(a)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Tachilek Police Station. Tachilek District Court on 3 February handed down Myo Myint to 15 years’ imprisonment under Section 19(a) and Ar Mu to 15 years’ imprisonment under Section 19(a) and 5 years’ imprisonment under Section 15 separately.
