Secretary-1 inspects cultural and regional development tasks in MraukU
Yangon, 28 Feb —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 inspected cultural and regional development tasks in ancient cultural area in MraukU, Rakhine State, today.
The Secretary-1 left here by air and arrived at Sittway Airport at 9 am.
Accompanied by the commander, the Secretary-1 left Sittway by boat and arrived at MraukU.
The Secretary-1 and party viewed development situations round MraukU by car.
The Secretary-1 and party then proceeded to renovated MraukU Archaeological Museum in the ancient cultural area.
They were welcomed there by Director-General of the Archaeology Department U Nyunt Han, and departmental personnel.
The Secretary-1 inspected the replica of Arnanda Sandra Obelisk in the museum. Next, the Secretary-1 and party viewed the ornamental stone umbrella of MraukU era (15-18 centuryAD), floral arabesques from Kattaw Ordination Hall, stone plaques, the display rooms of Buddha images of Vesali era (4-8 century AD), Laymyo era (15 century AD) and MraukU era (15-18 century AD), the scale model of ancient MraukU, glazed earthen jars and wares, and ancient earthen utensils. The director-general and officials conducted the Secretary-1 round the museum.
The Secretary-1 and party went to MraukU Palace Excavation Project site. Officials concerned reported on work progress and future tasks. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the work site for upgrading MraukU Hotel, where they were welcomed by Managing Director of the Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Htay Aung and officials.
At the lounge of the hotel, the managing director briefed the Secretary-1 and party on brief distory of the hotel, upgrading of the hotel and arrival of customers. Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw gave a supplementary report.
Director-General U Nyunt Han reported on display arrangements of ancient relics including Buddha images of Danyawady era, Vesali era, Laymyo era and Mrauk U era being kept in the museum, and preservation of ancient heritages in the cultural area. Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung gave a supplementary report. Then, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt reported on tasks on greening MraukU and upgrading of roads in the town.
After fulfilling the requirements, the Secretary-1 looked into progress in upgrading MraukU Hotel.
The Secretary-1 and party visited Shitthaung (a) Yan Aung Zeya Stupa built by King Min Bagyi in 1535. They were welcomed there by Patron of the pagoda board of trustees U San Tun Aung Kyaw and members.
The Secretary-1 offered lights to the Buddha images of the stupa. They viewed the sculptural decorations on the grotto wall of the stupa. Officials conducted the Secretary-1 round the grotto.
They then inspected the original Arnanda Sandra stone plaque inscribed by Vesali King Arnanda Sandra in 729, put up at the entrance to the western stairway of the stupa.
It is learnt that international stone plaque researchers have acknowledged that the stone plaque is a very famous one in the world for it was inscribed with the list of the successive Vesali Kings. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party left MraukU and arrived in Sittway at 3 pm. They then visited Lawka Nanda Pagoda in the same town. They paid homage and presented offertories to Chairman of Rakhine State Sangha Nayaka Committee Abbot of Dekkhina Yama Monastery Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Canda and Alodawpyi Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa and members of the Sangha.
Next, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge reported on all-round renovation of the Lawka Nanda Pagoda. The commander gave a supplementary report. The Secretary-1 left necessary instructions.
The Secretary-1 and party went to the Sittway Hotel, where they were welcomed by Hotel Manager U Tin Nyo, officials and employees. The Secretary-1 then viewed round the hotel. The officials conducted the Secretary-1 round the hotel. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party left Sittway by air and arrived back here in the evening.
Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspects Tatmadaw parade columns
Yangon, 28 Feb — Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected parade columns that will take part in the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade this morning.
Lt-Gen Kyaw Win arrived at Sinphyushin Column in Mingaladon Station at 8 am. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected practising of Sinphyushin Column. Then, he gave necessary instructions to officers and other ranks and presented cash awards to outstanding companies and instructors.
Then, he inspected barracks, kitchens, dining halls and communication centres of the parade companies. Commander of Sinphyushin Column Col Min Zaw (Air) and officials conducted him round the camp. Lt-Gen Kyaw Win gave necessary instructions.
Afterwards he proceeded to sports ground of Yangon Command and inspected the parade drilling of Bandoola Column. Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win gave necessary instructions and presented cash awards to outstanding companies, instructors and the flag bearers team.
Next, he inspected the communication centres of Bandoola Column at Defence Services Orthopaedic Hospital (500-bed) in the township. Unit In-charge Major Myint Kyi conducted him round the unit.
Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected the hostels, kitchen and dinning hall of the companies. After giving necessary instructions to the officials, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win left there later in the morning.
Commander inspects agriculture and livestock breeding tasks
Yangon, 28 Feb — Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected agriculture and livestock breeding tasks in Thongwa and Thanlyin Townships in Yangon South District this morning.
First, the commander visited the field-day of mix-crops cultivation of beans and sunflower organized for farmers in the townships in the division by Yangon Division Myanma Agriculture Service at the thriving mix-crops plantations of U Myint Thaung, U Mya Shwe and U Hla Than near Thaiktukan Model Village in Thongwa Township. Officials reported on advantages of mix-crops cultivation of pulses and beans and sunflower. Then, the commander and party inspected the thriving mix-crop field of pulses and beans and sunflower of U Khin Nyunt at the model village. The commander gave instructions on extended cultivation of pulses and beans and sunflower mixed crops.
Afterwards, the commander met with the farmers of Yangon North and South Districts at the Agricultural Education Centre in the model village. At the meeting he said Yangon Division is a reliable division in agriculture and the living standards of the farmers in the division were promoted due to the perseverance. The commander urged those present to efficiently utilize irrigated water and cultivate sunflower as a mixed crop in every plantation. The commander gave instructions to officials concerned on encouraging the farmers for pulses and beans and sunflower mixed crops cultivation. Farmers reported to the commander on mixed crops cultivation of pulses and beans and sunflower with the assistance of MAS and arrangements for extended mix-crops cultivation. Then, officials explained matters on mixed crops cultivation.
Then, the commander urged those present to grow sunflower and pulses and beans in mixed crops plantation for the edible oil sufficiency. Afterwards, the commander and party proceeded to Thahtaykwin Village in Thanlyin Township and inspected poultry and pig breeding tasks. Officials reported to the commander on distribution of local chickens and pigs. Then, the commander and party inspected the thriving summer paddy fields of U Win Shwe in Sitpinkwin Village in Summer Paddy Special Zone in Thanlyin Township and gave necessary instructions.
Yangon, 28 Feb — The meeting on the 10th National Committee on Child Rights was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement this morning.
First, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa made a speech on the occasion. Then, Secretary of the Committee Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing reported on completion of the approved minutes of the 9th meeting and matters related to A world fit for Children. All round discussions were then held and the meeting ended with concluding remarks by the minister.
Information staff urged to organize entire people for success of State’s policies and work programmes
Yangon, 28 Feb — The Ministry of Information held its third four-monthly meeting for 2002 at Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise this morning, with an address by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.
The minister said the more the staff of the ministry are equipped with better skills and work efficiency, the greater success the ministry will achieve in realizing its goals. All will have to assess the work done, the work in progress and the future work programmes to find and remedy the weaknesses and to maintain and promote the advantages. It is required to lay down work programmes that can be actually implemented; the bodies at upper levels including the district offices and the head offices will have to assess the accomplishments of the offices at lower levels. After making an assessment of the work to know whether it achieves success or not, the reasons behind the failure must be found and assessed. Work assessment should not be based only on quantity, but also on quality, and the different stages of work must be systematically recorded. The work programmes and the projects of the ministry must be implemented in accord with the guidance of the Head of State. In doing so, all are needed to carry out the task in accord with the media distribution programmes and requirements; to strive for the media to become more dynamic and more effective; to organize the entire people for the success of the State’s policies and work programmes, to develop the skills and the thinking power of the staff, to give priority to staff welfare programmes, and to help towards practising thrifty methods, minimizing wastage and boosting production.
Officials who are in-charge of running various branches of the departments and enterprises under the ministry presented accomplishments and future programmes.
Director-General of MR TV U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of IPRD U Chit Naing, Managing Director of PPE U Myint Thein, Managing Director of NPE U Tin Kha and Managing Director of MMPE U Bo Kyi gave suggestions.
Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein discussed matters relating to the functions of the ministry. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the minister.
Meeting on 10th National Committee on Child Rights held
Yangon, 28 Feb — The meeting on the 10th National Committee on Child Rights was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement this morning.
First, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa made a speech on the occasion. Then, Secretary of the Committee Director-General of Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing reported on completion of the approved minutes of the 9th meeting and matters related to A world fit for Children. All round discussions were then held and the meeting ended with concluding remarks by the minister.
F&R Minister inspects departments under the ministry
Yangon, 28 Feb—Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun and officials inspected Myanma Insurance Head Office this afternoon.
Managing Director of Myanma Insurance Col Thein Lwin and officials reported on functions and salient points of the department to the minister who fulfilled the needs. Then, the minister proceeded to the Office of Myanmar Small Loans Enterprise.
Managing Director of MSLE U Than Nyunt and officials reported on functions of the department to the minister who attended to the requirements.
Basic Diplomatic Skill Course concludes
Yangon, 28 Feb — Diplomatic Skill Course No (7/2002-2003) organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concluded at Wunzinyaza hall of the ministry this morning.
Altogether 160 trainees attended the 12 week-course.
Yangon, 28 Feb — Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, accompanied by officials concerned inspected Nyaungdon oil and gas field in Ayeyawady Division this afternoon.
At the briefing hall of the Nyaungdon oil and natural gas field, they heard reports on measures taken for drilling No 15 well, present production and geological condition and potential in Nyaungdon region by Director of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise and the minister fulfilled the needs for drilling new wells and laid down the future plans.
Then, the minister spoke encouraging words to the staff who served in drilling wells and presented gifts of honour to them and inspected completion of drilling No 15 well and production.
The No 15 well produces 3.60 million cubic feet of natural gas and 40 barrels of Condensate per day.
Now it has a total of 15 wells which produce 65.6 million cubic feet of natural gas and 1000 barrels of Condensate per day. The natural gas is being distributed to gas-fired power stations in Yangon Division through Nyaungdon-Yangon gas pipeline.
Observance of International Women’s Day coordinated
Yangon, 28 Feb — A coordination meeting on Observance of International Women’s Day which will fall on 8 March in 2003, organized by Myanmar National Working Committee for Women’s Affairs was held at the reception hall of the Social Welfare Department of No 64 on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon.
First, Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win made a speech on the occasion., Then, Vice-Chairperson-2 Prof Dr Daw May May Yi explained matters related to observance of the ceremony. Next, members of leading committee and leaders of the working committee put forward arrangements sector-wise and those present took part in the discussion.
Afterward, Deputy Minister U Hlaing Win made a concluding speech and the meeting came to a close.
Yangon, 28 Feb — Under the guidance of the Head of State and to implement the cultivation of 100,00 acres of coffee in PyinOoLwin, Mandalay Division, and in Nawngkhio, Shan State (North), Managing Director of Myanma Agriculture Service of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation U San Myint, together with officials, went to the land where 1,000 acres of coffee cultivation is being implemented under the project of the Prisons Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs near Hokho Village in Nawngkhio Township this morning.
He met with officials concerned and attended to the needs.
Then, Managing Director U San Myint and party visited the land of Mandalay City Development Committee near Gangaw Village in Nawngkhio Township and of USDA (Head office) near Ohmmakha Village allotted for the cultivation of 1,000 acres of coffee.
Nowadays, a total of 18,460 acres of land is allotted to 118 private entrepreneurs and 4 organizations in PyinOoLwin and Nawngkhio regions. 50-acre lands are being reclaimed for the entrepreneurs with the use of machines by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.
Talks on oral health held in Okpo
Okpo Township Health Department held educative talks on oral health at the Township Peace and Development Council office in Okpo on 21 February. Deputy Director Dr Kyaw Nyunt (Dental Health) of the Health Department gave talks on oral health.
Children vaccinated in Chaungzon
As one of the monthly activities of the health care services for mothers and their children, staff of Chaungzon Township Health Department vaccinated children of the villages and wards in the township against six major diseases at respective dispensaries on 17 February. Pregnant women were also vaccinated against tetanus.
Gravel road inaugurated in Wakema
Township Development Affairs Committee constructed Setyon gravel road spending over K 230,000 in Wakema. The road is 2500 feet long and 12 feet wide. It has been open to traffic as of 11 February morning.
Rural road upgraded in Patheingyi
Local people of Nweni Village in Patheingyi Township helped upgrade a self-reliant rural road on 1 February morning. The road, which is 6,405 feet long and 20 feet wide, links rural and urban areas of the township.
Rural tube-wells opened in Magway Division
Hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, the opening of rural tube-well was held in Inywagyi Village, Taungdwingyi Township, on 20 February.Taungdwingyi Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Hla Kyaing and the township Development Affairs Committee executive officer U Saw Tun formally opened the tube-well. It can supply 2,000 gallons of water per hour to 400 villagers.
A similar ceremony was held in Ekarit Village, Hsinbaungwe Township. The tube-well can pump 1,000 gallons of water per hour to supply 3,570 villagers.
Likewise, a rural tube-well was inaugurated in Yonedaseik Village. It can supply 1,500 gallons of water per hour and 650 villagers are now enjoying sufficient water.
Rural road completed in a day
A rural road linking Htaingon Village and Sein Phayasu Village in Nyaungdon Township was constructed in a day by executives and members of the township USDA led by Secretary U Aung Mya Than and villagers with the use of mechanical and manpower on 21 February. The rural road is 8 feet wide and 1,200 feet long.
Rural gravel road opened in Myittha
Ywatha-Khantaw rural gravel road was opened in Myittha Township on 18 February. Director (Inspection) U Kyaw San of Development Affairs Department, Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Myint Swe and township USDA Secretary U Aung Kyi formally opened the road.
Billboard erected in Kyaunggon
The billboard bearing the words “Build a Modern Developed Nation Through Education” was put up at Nyaungbintha Village self-reliance primary school in Kyaunggon Township on 15 February. Township USDA Secretary U Thein Tun, Headmaster U Sa Ba Tun and school board of trustees Chairman U San Nyein formally unveiled the billboard.
The stake driving ceremony for construction of a new USDA office was also held at the village on the same day.
Opium output in 2002 cut by half in six years
Significant decrease in poppy cultivation and production in East/South-East Asian countries as constant efforts made with greater momentum
Yangon, 28 Feb — The Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control held its meeting No 1/2003 at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Home Affairs this afternoon with an address by Chairman of CCDAC Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.
In his address, CCDAC Chairman Col Tin Hlaing said that as regards cultivation of the poppy substitute crops under the New Destiny Project, altogether 23,362.39 acres of monsoon and winter crops accounting for 92.22 per cent were cultivated against the target acres of 25,332.39; that with regard to livestock breeding, a total of K 12.5 million was spent on distribution of poultry, pigs and others in Tachilek region, Wa region, Tonta region, Kunhein region and Homein region. According to the setting up of Drugs Free Zone in the border areas, measures for rehabilitation of drug addicts in Tachilek District were taken on 16-12-2002, Tachilek Rehabilitation centre of Social Welfare Department for drug-addicts who have already undergone treatment was set up on 7 January 2003, and steps are being taken for treatment and rehabilitation. The Ministry of Health could announce notifications relating to designation of 25 kinds of control chemicals, 113 kinds of psychotropic drugs and 124 kinds of narcotic drugs; designation of large 20 rehabilitation centres and small rehabilitation centres.
Measures taken for giving education on menace of narcotic drugs, stimulants and HIV/AIDS at the basic education schools in Yangon Division in 2002 with the sponsorship of the Working Groups for Educating the danger of Narcotic Drugs to Students and MANA; measures taken on information and education regarding drug elimination by the Working Groups for Educating the danger of Narcotic Drugs to Public; formation of Tachilek District ANA, Kengtung Township ANA, Taunggyi Township ANA, Pyay Township ANA and 11 Township ANAs in Yangon Division; field trips made by the CCDAC members ministers to inspect drug eradication and rural development tasks and fulfillment of the requirements; study tour conducted by diplomats of missions in Yangon and journalists to witness measures being taken for drug elimination and regional development in border areas; arrangements being made by JBB Stevia Levorotary Ltd and Japan-Myanmar Support Working Committee for cultivation of poppy substitute Stevia; donation of 300,000 yuans by National Narcotics Control Council of the People’s Republic of China for cultivation of poppy substitute crops in Kokang region under Myanmar-China Narcotic Drugs Control Programme, and donation of 12000 dollars by the PRC ambassador for establishment of a model training school for poppy substitute crops cultivation and livestock breeding in Kokong region in Shan State (North); construction of a school with a capacity of 500 students and a 17-bed dispensary in Yaungkha Village Multidevelopment Project in Monghsat Township with the contribution of Bt 20 million by Thailand under Myanmar-Thailand Narcotic Drug Control Programme. The Government has laid down the 15-year drug eradication plan and is implementing it. The New Destiny Project was introduced in 2002 in the five States where poppy is cultivated most. As a result, there has been a significant drop in the poppy cultivation and drug production in 2002 in comparison with the past six years. As regards conducting survey of poppy cultivation, Counter Narcotic Centre (CNC) of USA conducted a survey on poppy cultivation and production in South-East Asian countries; the results of the CNC survey in Myanmar are poppy cultivation (16,3100 hectares) and production (2,560 metric tons) in 1996, poppy cultivation (155150 hectares) and production (2,365 metric tons) in 1997, poppy cultivation (130,300 hectares) and production (1,750 metric tons) in 1998, poppy cultivation (8,9500 hectares) and production (1,090 metric tons) in 1999, poppy cultivation (10,8700 hectares) and production (1,085 metric tons) in 2000, poppy cultivation (10,5000 hectares) and production (865 metric tons) in 2001, poppy cultivation (77,700 hectares) and production (630 metric tons). The figures show that the poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar has been on the decrease year by year.
Similarly, under the Illicit Crop Monitoring Programme, ground survey on poppy cultivation was conducted in 2001 by CCDAC and UNDCP in 11 townships in Shan State (East), Shan State (North) and Shan State (South) as a pilot project. A ground survey was conducted in 53 townships in 2002 with the help of UNDCP. The result of the survey was poppy cultivation (81,400 hectares) and production (about 828 tons). The result of CNC survey is close to that of UNCDP’s , and it is obvious that there is a significant decrease in poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar.
In the 2002 report dated 26 February 2003 issued by International Narcotics Control Board, it was stated that there is significant decrease in poppy cultivation and production in East and South-East Asian countries as constant efforts have been made with greater momentum in the fight against narcotic drugs and in poppy substitute undertakings. There has been 50 per cent decrease in poppy cultivation and production in Myanmar in 2002 in comparison with the past six years, said the report. The report of the International Narcotics Control Board is in conformity with the practical efforts of Myanmar in the fight against narcotic drugs, and it stated the real situation.
Although Myanmar has been making all-efforts in the fight against drugs and there has been a decrease in poppy cultivation and production yearly, the USA designated Myanmar as a country which has no cooperation in drug elimination. The designation is an accusation levelled at Myanmar by USA according to its view and standard. Myanmar has been making efforts in the crusade against drug and the drug elimination drive has met with success. Efforts are being made with added momentum till the drug eradication campaign meeting its end.
Members of CCDAC and MCWG of CCDAC have been making earnest efforts in the fight against drugs under the guidence of the Head of State in 2002. As a result, progress has been made in drug elimination tasks and in the projects to reduce drug production and abuse. Taking lessons on weak points and strong points in implementing the drive in 2002, efforts need to be made with added momentum in 2003.
Then, Minister U Win Aung spoke. He said that the Head of State has assigned duties to CCDAC member ministers in different regions in the fight against drugs. In Thailand also, the Prime Minister himself met with the governors of the respective provinces, the heads of regional police forces and officials of drug enforcement agencies and measures were taken for drug eradication from 1 February to 30 April 2002. Drug traffickers and gangs were exposed and so far in Thailand, altogether 8,745 suspects were arrested for involving in the drug cases. Gun fires took place in the crack-downs and 977 were captured death during a month. He also suggested to lay down work programmes for totally wiping out the opium cultivation in the year 2003.
Next, CCDAC member Minister for Labour U Tin Winn took part in the discussions. He dealt with the findings relating to destruction of poppy fields, substitution of poppy with other crops and regional development during his tour of Shan State (East) regions. He also spoke of the future work programmes. CCDAC member Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone recounted experiences gained during his tour of Shan State (South) and Kayah State regarding the drug elimination works. He also suggested points for future work programmes.
Next, CCDAC Secretary Myanmar Police Force Director-General Brig-Gen Khin Yi submitted matters on implementations of the resolutions of CCDAC meeting 4/2002. He also explained matters on distribution of 9,672.3 baskets of paddy, wheat and pulses & beans; 77,345 kilos of corn, sunflower and vegetables; and 10,739 viss of potato, onion and garlic under New Destiny Project of poppy substitution. He said CCDAC has disbursed K 100 million for purchase of poppy substitution crops. Altogether 1,300 bags of rice were supplied to former poppy farmers in Laukkai and Kunlon districts of Shan State (North), he said. The Ministry of PBANRDA also supplied 500 bags of rice, 500 viss of salt and K 3 million to 1,184 former poppy farmers of Mongphyan region, Mongyan Township, he said.
All-round discussions were then held and the meeting ended with concluding remarks by the CCDAC Chairman.
Religion
Yangon Division Working Committee of the Sangha meets
Yangon, 28 Feb — The third meeting of the fifth Yangon Division Working Committee of the Sangha was held at the office of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee on Gyatawya road in Bahan Township at noon today.
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe supplicated on religious matters at the meeting.
First, master of ceremonies Secretary of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Gantha Vacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vimala read out the agenda of the meeting.
Afterwards, Sayadaw Bhanddanta Vayama and Chairman of the meeting Chairman of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kosalla delivered Ovada Kathas.
Then, the commander supplicated on religious matters. Later, the commander and officials presented offertories to the Sayadaws.
Afterwards, the commander and the chairman of Yangon West District Peace and Development Council accepted the cash donations of wellwishers including K 100,000 donated to the “soon” funds by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, K 300,000 by U Soe Nyunt and Daw Saw Saw Pu of Tawin Hninhsi family, K 100,000 and traditional medicines worth K 200,000 by Dr Aye Kyaw and Dr Khin San Wai of Kyaw Traditional Medicine, K 150,000 by U Than Naing and Daw Kyi Kyi Swe of Thamada Robes Shop, K 100,090 by U Thein Maung and Daw Pa Pa of Sandi Traditional Medicine, K 100,000 by U Thaing Win and Daw Htay Htay Nyunt of BTB Co Ltd, K 100,000 by President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint, K 100,000 by Chairman U Nyein and wife Daw Ohn Kyin of Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association, and K 50,000 by the Board of Trustees of the Dhammayon of Mingala Market and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vayama delivered a sermon, followed by sharing the merits gained. Then, the first session of the meeting was adjourned. The second session of the meeting continued according to the agenda.
Doctorate degree offered to ITBMU Pro-rector Sayadaw and Thitagu Sayadaw
Yangon, 28 Feb — The offering of certificates of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) took place at the 106th convocation ceremony of Yangon University held at the convocation hall of the university this afternoon.
The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. The master of ceremonies supplicated on offering of Doctor of Letter (Honoris Causa) on the two Sayadaws. The rector of Yangon University read out biographies of the Sayadaws.
Next, Dr Soe Yin offered Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) and presented offertories to the Sayadaws, who then gave Ovadakathas to the congregation. Then, the ceremony came to a close.
International Relations
Yangon, 28 Feb — Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing received Laotian Ambassador Mr Chanthavy Bodhisane at his office at the corner of Saya San Road and No 1 Sethmu Road this evening.
Sayadaw U Nanda arrives from India
Yangon, 28 Feb — Sayadaw U Nanda of Myanmar monastery in Sankassanago, Mijjhima Region, arrived here by Indian Airlines (IC-727) on 27 February afternoon, to perform religious work.
Those wishing to pay reverence to the Sayadaw may visit Pariyatti Kyaungtaik of Botahtaung Monastery in Seikkan Township, Yangon Division, up to 24 March, or may contact Tel: No 291983.
Sport
Myanmar Open Golf Tournament continues
Yangon, 28 Feb — The second round of Myanmar Open Golf Tourney 2003, orga-nized by Myanmar Professional Golfers Association and Asian Professional Golfers Association and mainly sponsored by Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, continued at Yangon Golf Club in Danyingon this morning.
But thick early morning fog delayed the start of second day play left three players on the course as darkness fell. They will play on tomorrow morning.
After the second round play, Lin Keng-chi from Chinese Taipei led the tournament with 136 strokes at eight under par. Thongchi Jaidee from Thailand and Mukesh Ku-mar from India each finished one stroke behind Lin at seven under par for the tournament. Lin and James King-ston of South Africa had shared first place after the opening round, both shooting 5 under par 67s on a demanding course where Kingston had won the Myanmar Open title in 2000. But Lin carded two birdies and an eagle on the par 5, 6th hole, ordinarily rated the toughest hole on the course, to build on his lead while Kingston’s 72 on the second day of play allowed Jaidee and Kumar to slip past him also. Lin had sought a special invitation to play this Asian PGA event, returning to a tour where he has enjoyed great success in past years. He won four individual Asian PGA tournaments over his Asian tour career and he was awarded the Order of Merit in 1995 with $ 177,856 in winnings. But while Lin is enjoying his return to the Asian tour event, he’s treating the tough Yangon Golf Club course warily. “I have not played well on the back nine in these two days”, said Lin, who made it into the international top-100 rankings in 2001. “The greens are quite challenging and not easy to handle. I will pay special attention to them tomorrow”.
Delhi based Kumar, playing in his first Asian PGA tour event, was delighted to be among the leaders. But he vowed not try to match veteran players such as Lin and Jaidee in their approach to the rest of the tournament. “I will be playing my game out there tomorrow”, said Kumar.
Amercian tour rookie Jason Knutzon, moved into contention at 5 under, after shooting a six under 66, the best score for the second round, depending on how Pilkadaris scores on his final three holes of the second round. He too was a 6 under for the day when play was halted.
After the final second round scores are finalized, the top 65 players (plus ties) will qualify for the final two rounds of play. The third round play of the tournament continues at the same venue on tomorrow.
