International Relations
Sport
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to Bulgaria
Yangon, 3 March — 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 Excellency Mr Georgi Parvanov, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria which falls on 3rd March 2003.
Secretary-1 attends handing over of new school building for Padagyi Model Village BEPS, inspects Myanmar Maritime University
Yangon, 2 March — Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony to hand over the new school building for Padagyi Model Village Basic Education Primary School in Kyauktan Township this afternoon.
Headmaster U Tin Aung and Managing Director of Wah Wah Win Construction Company U Shwe Kyaing formally opened the new school building. Then, the Secretary-1 and party looked around the building.
After that the building was handed over. Managing Director of ACE Construction Company U Tint San presented documentaries related to the building to Director-General U Tin Win of No 3 Basic Education Department.
The Secretary-1 then accepted K 2 million donated by Managing Director U Shwe Kyaing for educational trust fund of the school. Managing Director U Tint San presented K 100,000 to Headmaster U Tin Aung for the school. Afterwards, Managing Director U Tint San and Director-General U Arnt Kyaw of the Department of Human Settlement and Housing Development reported to the Secretary-1 on construction of rural dispensary, day nursery and reading room in Padagyi Model Village and Myaingthaya Model Village.
The General gave instructions on systematic maintenance for the donations and using them effectively for education of the children. He also said that the teachers will have to try utmost for the children to become brilliant students. He inspected construction tasks of rural dispensary and day nursery of Maternal and Child Welfare Association in Padagyi Village.
After inspecting the reading room, Alindan Library, day nursery and rural dispensary in Myaingthaya Village in Kyauktan Township, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions.
Then, the General and party visited construction site of Myanma Maritime University, constructed by the Ministry of Transport in Thilawa region in Thanlyin-Kyauktan development zone. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, the deputy ministers, officials, the rector, the pro-rector, professors/heads of department and tutors welcomed them.
The Secretary-1 heard reports on matters relating to administration and teaching and construction tasks by the minister, design and plans for constructing the university by Managing Director U Aung Htwe of Golden Flower Co and administration and teaching matters by Rector U Thein Htun.
After leaving necessary instructions, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of the main lecture hall and buildings and left there in the evening.
U Win Aung sends message of felicitations to Bulgaria
Yangon, 3 March — U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Solomon Passy, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, on the occasion of the Anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria which falls on 3rd March 2003.
Religion
Secretary-1 attends opening of Shwehmawwun Sasana Beikmandaw in Kyauktan
Yangon, 2 March— The opening of Shwehmawwun Sasana Beikmandaw in Kyauktan Township and cash donation for all-round construction of Kyaik-padagyi Hsandawshin Pagoda were held today.
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko and donor of Beikmandaw U Aung Din of Yadana Sein Cooperative Ltd formally opened the Beikmandaw.
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the stone plaque of the Beikmandaw and sprinkled scented water on it.
The Secretary-1 and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe offered flowers, lights and fruits to the Buddha image at the Beikmandaw.
Next, the congregation received the Five Precepts from Saydaw Bhaddanta Zagara. Members of the Sangha recited parittas.
The Secretary-1 and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Zagara. Next, the commander, the ministers and the donor presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.
Donor U Aung Din presented related documents to the commander.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Zagara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.
The Secretary-1, wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and the donor performed rituals of golden and silver showers.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected the construction of e-library in Kyauktan Township.
The Secretary-1 and party went to Hsutaungpyi Kyaikpyatthat Tanon Pagoda and inspected offering gold foils and renovation of the pagoda.
The Secretary-1 and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented K 100,000 for all-round construction of the pagoda, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council K 100,000, Dr Ko Ko Gyi of Diamond Star, U Mya Han of Fortune International and U Tin Hsan of ACE Construction K 1 million each, President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint K 500,000, U Zaw Zaw Naing (May Khala Co) K 500,000 and ministries totalling K 10.8 million. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and the commander accepted the donations.
Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the all round renovation of Kyaikpyatthattanaw Pagoda and religious buildings.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Kyaik Padagyi Hsandawshin Pagoda where they attended the cash donation ceremony for all round renovation of the pagoda.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt accepted the donations including K 500,000 donated by Daw Aye Myint, Daw Tin Myint and family, K 500,000 by U Aung Myint and Daw Tin Tin Aye and family, K 10 million by Retired Police Colonel Sein Tun Aung and Daw Htwe Nyunt and family, K 500,000 each by Teinkya U Than Hla and family, U Pyi Sone Win Naing and family, U Kyi Khin and family and UMFCCI President U Win Myint, K 100,000 by U Phone Maung and Daw Khin Myint Myint Sein and family totalling K 13.1 million.
Next, Wellwisher U Pyi Sone Win Naing reported on tasks to be carried out for the all round renovation of the pagoda. Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt spoke words of thanks. He wished for wellwishers who donated cash for construction of the retaining walls and greening of the environs of the pagoda to fulfil their needs.
He said the ruined Kyaikpadagyi Hsandawshin Pagoda remained as a laterite pile for years.
Under the leadership of the government and with the contribution of the wellwishers, ancient pagodas such as Kyaikpadagyi Hsandawshin and other religious structures were renovated. The wellwishers have opportunity to donate cash for renovation of the ancient pagodas. The pagoda is now crowded with pilgrims.
He expressed thanks for the wellwishers for their meritorious deeds.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected renovation of the pagoda and religious buildings.
Yangon, 2 March — Families of the Southern Command yesterday offered soon (day meal) to 1,080 monks, who sat for Taungoo District Thudhamma Pariyatti examination in recitation of Buddhist Scriptures at Myasikhon monastery.
Present on the occasion were State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavasaka Bhaddanta Pannavamsa and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Ko Ko and wellwishers.
Region
River water pumping projects seen over
Yangon, 2 March — Minister for Agriculture & Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin arrived at Htanlontat Reservour construction project in TadaU Township, Mandalay Division, yesterday and gave necessary instructions to responsible officials.
The minister, then, went to Ywathit river water pumping station project in Ngazun Township and inspected progress of work and tasks being undertaken.
The pumping station is being constructed by the Water Resources Utilization Department by pumping Ayeyawady River water.
The minister and party proceeded to Seiknyan River Water Pumping project near Seiknyan Village in Myingyan Township and inspected water pumping canal at pumping station No 2 and onion cultivations on alluvial land in Hsintewa Creek. He then arrived at Kyawze river water pumping project and saw over construction of canals, canal across NyaungU-Myingyan Road, reclamation by the Agricultural and Mechanization Department and progress of main canals.
Later, the minister and party inspected tasks being undertaken including construction of canals and pumping stations, installation of iron pipes in Ngathayauk river water pumping project which is under construction and 2,500 acres of vegetable plantation on irrigated land.
Passenger/cargo coach factory, concrete sleeper factory inspected
Yangon, 2 March — Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, on 28 February morning arrived at Mandalay Railway Station where they heard reports on completion of seven-storey building, structure of the rooms by Director U Than Myint of Aye Yeik Mon Co Ltd, on arrangements being made for ensuring sufficient water supply for the station by Engineer U Thaung Htay of Win Construction Co Ltd ( Water and Sanitation), on measures being taken for installation of electricity by Senior Engineer (Electrical) U Soe Myint of Myanma Railways.
The minister and deputy minister gave instructions to officials concerned and inspected ticket booth on first floor, taxi stand, entrance and exit roads of the station, stalls and wedding reception hall on second floor, composition of office rooms on third floor and seventh floor and gave instructions on timely completion of the station and ensuring it neat and tidy.
Then, the minister proceeded to passenger carriage and cargo carriage factory in Myintnga where he inspected the factory. He gave instructions on implementation of works of Myanma Railways speedily, maintenance of Yangon-Mandalay rail road, measures to be taken for availability of gravel, availability of machinery and measures being taken for passenger carriage and cargo carriage factory in Myintnga.
Then, Deputy Minister Thura U Thaung Lwin gave instructions on promotion of services and Deputy Minister U Pe Than gave instructions on collecting data of damaged carriages and repairing them systematically by forming specific groups.
Next, the minister inspected round the workshops the factory and concrete sleeper factory.
Upgrading of roads and bridges inspected
Yangon, 2 March — Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun this morning inspected upgrading of Kanbe-Pyawbwelay-Dala road and Dalla-Twantay-Kungyangon road.
Next, the minister inspected earth works on Dalla-Twantay road which will link Yangon-Pathein road, and No 5 Highway.
At the briefing hall of Road Special Group-16 Senior Engineer U Ye Tun reported on progress of earth works and construction of axis road linking Dalla-Twantay-Hlinethaya. Then, the minister gave necessary instructions.
Later, the minister and party also inspected construction of bridge, the entrance to Kawhmu, upgrading of Kungyangon-Dedaye road and Dedaye Bridge.
Information Minister inspects booths to mark 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day
Yangon, 2 March—Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, the directors-general and managing directors of the departments and enterprises under the ministry and officials, this morning inspected the booths to be staged at Defence Services Historical Museum and the Office of Director of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute on Shwedagon Pagoda Road in commemoration of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.
First, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and party inspected Myanmar-ASEAN pavilion and pavilion of the Ministry of Information at the nation-building endeavours booth, pavilions of the Ministry of Information at the booth-3 and gave necessary instructions.
Yangon, 2 March—Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon opened an acting course (1/2003) at Myanmar Motion Picture Asiayon Hall on Wingaba street in Bahan Township this morning.
The course is being attended by 45 trainees and it will last three months. The opening ceremony was attended by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan. First, Chairman of the Asiayon U Sein Tin made an opening speech and Vice-Chairman (2) U Hla Myo explained facts about the course. Then, a trainee spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to an end.
Development tasks inspected in Bago Division, Kyaikhto
Yangon, 2 March — Director-General of the Ministry of Progress of Border Areas and National Races Development Affairs Department Col Myo Myint together with responsible officials on 28 February inspected development tasks carried out in Bago and gave necessary instructions.
He also inspected paving of literate and earth works with the use of heavy machinery on 2 miles long rural road in Pauktaw Village.
The director-general saw over 2,760 feet long and 16 feet wide tarred road in Zayyar-mon Ward in Kyaikhto Township the next day. The new road was built at a cost of K 7.2 million— K 1.7 million by township Development Affairs Committee and K 5.5 million by public contribution.
Highland reclamation inspected
Yangon, 2 March — Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, inspected highland reclamation and construction of Thaminekham Dam in Shan State (South) on 26 February.
The commander and party inspected highland reclamation undertaken by the Shan State Agricultural Mechanization Department near Phaya Ni village in Kalaw Township.
In the afternoon, the commander and party inspected Thaminekham Dam project and highland reclamation near Aungban and gave necessary instructions to officials.
A total of 112 acres of highland has been reclaimed in Shan State (South) where local farmers grow paddy and other crops successfully. The Thaminekham dam is 600 feet long, 14 feet wide and 15 feet high. Its catchment area is 60 square miles. It is of earthen type and its capacity is 34.5 acres. It will cost 9.9 million kyats. On completion, it can benefit 300 acres of cultivable land and 37 acres of high land cultivation and will be conducive to the greening of Inlay lake and its environs.
In the evening, the commander and party went to Ayethaya and inspected construction of the entrance gate to Taunggyi and left necessary instructions.
Commander inspects crop cultivation
Yangon, 2 March — Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Htay Oo on 28 February arrived at Shwemyintin Jetty in Pathein and saw over plantation of maize grain on Ngawun River bank of local battalion.
The minister discussed extended cultivation of maize with officials concerned and fulfilled the requirements.
List of prize-winners of Armed Forces Day Colour Photo Contest announced
Yangon, 2 March — The 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day (2003) Commemorative Literary and Photo Competition Organizing Work Committee invited entries of colour photo under the titles of ‘Prosperous Myanmar’ and ‘Preserve Culture Heritage’.
In the colour photo competition, under the title of “Prosperous Myanmar” Shwe Inn Tha Khin Maung Win won the first prize and Saw Thein Win (City News) the second in the contest for those who have already won prizes.
In the contest for those who have never won prizes, Nyaung Oo Phi won the first, Sai Khan Lin (Hawk Eyes), the second and Ko Kyaw (Mingaladon), the third and U Aung Tin ( IPRD), AK Moe (Biology), Maung Maung Soe (Forestry) and U Than Aung got consolation prizes.
In the colour photo contest for those who have won prizes under the title of ‘Preserve Cultural Heritage’, Cherry Phay Aung won the second prize and Sein Myint consolation prize. In the competition for those who have never won prizes, Nyaung Oo Phi stood first, Sit Thwe Kyaw (Photo Art-2) second and Htin Aung (Insein) third. Aung Win (Cherry Win), Min Maung Maung Tun (Shwe Panche-Yamethin) and Sai Khan Lin (Hawk Eyes) won special prizes.
The photo technicians who won prizes are to send original negative films of the prize-photo to secretary of Colour Photo Competition Organizing Work Committee Director of IPRD U Tun Min not later than 5 March during office hours. Prizes will be presented to those who won first, second and third prizes in the respective contests at the prize presentation ceremony to mark the 58th Armed Forces Day to be held in Yangon.
The first, second and third prize-winners are to contact in person Director U Ko Ko Htwe of MRTV during office hours on 24 March and consolation prizes will be presented at the ceremony to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day to be held at respective military commands.
Winners of article contest in commemoration of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day announced
Yangon, 2 March— The winners of article contest entitled “Union Spirit” held in commemoration of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day were announced by literary and photo work committee.
Kyi Tin (Social Welfare) was first, Bontaungmye U Khet second and Lwan Htaik Aung (Pinlaung) third. Kyaw Hlaing (Yadanabon) and Kyaw Zaw Lin won consolation prizes.
Prizes will be presented to the winners at the prize presentation ceremony of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day in Yangon on 27 March 2003 and consolation prizes at the ceremony at the respective military commands on the same day. The winners are to report in person to U Ko Ko Htwe, Secretary of literary and photo work committee, Myanma Radio and Television, Pyay Road during office hours on 24 March.
Rules of Traditional Medicine Association clarified
Yangon, 2 March—A ceremony to clarify rules of Myanmar Traditional Medicine Association and to present membership applications was held at Traditional Medicine University in Aungmyaythazan Township, Mandalay, on 28 February morning.
The commander and Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Traditional Medicine Association U Nyan Tun made speeches and then CEC member U Wa Tun explained rules and responsibility of the association.
Then, Head of Traditional Medicine Department U Myint Soe handed over the membership applications to Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Traditional Medicine Association Rector of Traditional Medicine University (Mandalay) Dr Myat Moe and the ceremony ended.
At 2 pm, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to Yadanabon Zoological Gardens and inspected keeping of rabbit-deer donated by the Coastal Region Command.
At the briefing hall, Manager of YZG U Maung Maung Chit reported to the commander on functions of the gardens, number and kinds of wildlife and future tasks. The commander then attended to the needs.
Summer courses on spoken English
Yangon, 2 March — May International Education & Training will open spoken, grammar and general English and basic computer courses as from the first week of May.
The courses will be categorized as three levels. Those interested may contact May International Education & Training Centre, No 91(A), Banyadala Street (Tamway Road), Bahan Township (Ph 544224 or 545375).
Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Pyilon Chantha Pagoda
Shwehtidaw was hoisted atop Pyilon Chantha Pagoda in Mongkan Village, Mongton Township, on 21 February.
At the ceremony, the chairman of Monghsat District Peace and Development Council and the Mongkan Missionary Sayadaw presented 80 Buddha images and strings of beads donated by Shan State East Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander Brig-Gen Khin Zaw to the local nationals.
Buddhist culture course ends
The prize-presentation for the second Buddhist Culture Course was held at the basic education high school in Paungde, Bago Division, on 18 February. Sayadaw Ashin Obhasaka in-charge of the course presented a gold medal and a certificate of honour to first prize winner Ma May Phyu Thwe and Township USDA Secretary U Aung Naing Oo, prizes to 48 outstanding trainees.
Cultivation method demonstrated
The demonstration of planting Awsi-2 species sunflowers took place at the 15-acre field of farmer U Kan Tun in Kyepaukkon Village-tract, Laymyethna Township, Ayeyawady Division.
Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Thein Zaw and farmer U Kan Tun presented the method to the farmers. The plantation is thriving well and the smallest plant has a 10-inch-diameter flower.
Inter-village road built in Pantanaw
Pantanaw-Gonmin-Tawkyaung-Dauntgyi inter-village earthen road is being built by Pantanaw Town-ship Development Affairs Committee and Town-ship Union Solidarity and Development Association. The road will be 8 miles 5 furlongs long and 18 feet wide.
On completion, people from 35 villages in the township will be able to travel to Pantanaw by car, saving a lot of time if compared with time spent on traveling by waterway. On 21 February, Acting Deputy Director-General of the Development Affairs Committee Thura U Soe Aung viewed the road construction site and coordinated road construction tasks with the chairmen of village Peace and Development Councils.
Groceries provided to staff
Kyaiklat Township General Administration Department held a ceremony to provide groceries for its staff at the Township GAD on 18 February. Township GAD Head U Win Myint gave away the groceries to the staff.
Twenty-nine tube-wells opened in Thazi
A total of 29 tube-wells have been successfully opened for the villages in Thazi Township where there is shortage of water with the cash donations of wellwishers. Water flows naturally from nine of the 29 tube-wells, and all tube-wells produce fresh water.
Talks on women’s rights held in Mahlaing
Mahlaing Township Working Committee for Women’s Affairs held talks on women’s rights at Ayeyawady Hall of the Basic Education High School on 21 February. Township Judge U Kyaw Win Sein and Deputy Township Law Officer U Hsan Lin gave talks on women’s rights.
Cattle vaccinated against foot and mouth disease
Personnel of the Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department in Amarapura Township vaccinated cows and buffaloes in 11 village-tracts township on 20 February. A team comprising the staff of the department gave educative talks on livestock breeding tasks in Natyaykan, Myitlaung and Daungyway villages.
International Relations
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win receives Chinese delegation
Yangon, 2 March — Member of the Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win received Reserve member of the Communist Party Central Committee of the People’s Republic of China Senior Counselor of the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) Mr Wang Jiarui and members at the Head Office of the USDA on New University Avenue in Bahan Township here at 5 pm today.
Chinese goodwill delegation arrives
Yangon, 2 March — At the invitation of Union Solidarity and Development Association, a seven-member Chinese goodwill delegation led by Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU) Senior Counsellor Mr Wang Jiarui arrived at Yangon International Airport by air this afternoon.
Sport
Myanmar Open Golf Tournament concludes
Yangon, 2 March — The fourth round play of Myanmar Open Golf Tournament, organized by Myanmar Professional Golfer Association and Asian PGA and mainly sponsored by Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd, continued today at Yangon Golf Club at Danyingon here.
Lin Keng-chi of Chinese Taipei won the first prize with US$ 32,300 while Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand took away the second prize with US$ 22,260 and Aung Win of Myanmar and James Kingston of South Africa stood third respectively bagging US$ 11,200 each.
Low-key Lin Keng-chi of Chinese Taipei fought off a late challenge from unheralded local favorite Aung Win, to shoot a two-under par final round 70 and won the $ 200,000 Asian PGA Myanmar Open by three strokes.
Last year’s Myanmar Open winner Thongchai Jaidee snared birdies on the final two holes to emerge at runner-up to Lin at ten under par for the tournament, when Win could manage only a bogey in front of the large crowds who had surrounded the 18th green, hoping to see a home grown champion for the first time at this event.
“It was quite hot again today, so I needed to play with extra care and maintain my concentration”, said Lin who was a late entrant to the Asian PGA event, having shifted his attention to the Japan Tour in recent years. “I couldn’t afford to think about the others”.
Lin and Asian PGA rookie Jason Knutzon from the USA started the day tied at 10 under for the lead, with Win, Jaidee and South African James Kingston all clustered three strokes behind. Lin played steady bogey-free golf, Knutzon blew up with a 79 and Win, Kingston and Jaidee applied steady pressure on the leader, but to no avail. Lin held the tournament lead, alone, or sharing it for three days running and he had announced prior to play today that he intended to hold on to win the event.
“I stuck to my own game and it worked”, said Lin, the Asian PGA Order of Merit winner in 1995 with total prizes worth $ 177,856. He has since focused his energies on the Japan Tour and has cracked the list of top 100 players in the world.
Local pro Aung Win played with veteran Lin and the American Knutzon. A birdie on the par 4 first hole, started him well. And birdies on the 12th and 13th brought him a tie for the lead with the experienced Taiwanese professional. But Lin responded with two birdies on the final three holes while Aung Win disappointed his followers with bogies on the 14th and 18th holes.
Win ended up tied for third with James Kingston, who also shot a 2-under 70 for the day. Kingston won the Myanmar Open in 2000 with a Yangon Golf Club tournament record score of 19 under par, which still stands despite Lin’s efforts today.
After the event, Myanmar Golf Federation President Maj-Gen Win Hlaing presented the best golfer award to Aung Win. Rothmans, Octagon and MAI also presented gifts of honour to Aung Win.
Drug
Yangon, 2 March — A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and Muse Special Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 12 February searched a Super Cub motor-cycle ridden by Honyintone on Tamoenye-Monese road and seized 3.2 kilos of raw opium in the front-basket of the bike. The authorities went on searching vehicles and passengers and arrested Shi San on the motorcycle together with 5 kilos of raw opium at about 2 pm. Action is being taken against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Tamoenye Police Station.
