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Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing receive Thai Princess Sirindhorn
Yangon, 10 March — Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing received visiting Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand at Seinle Kantha State House at 9.30 am today. 
Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visits Bagan Book House, meets Thai businessmen, tours Bago Yangon, 10 March— Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand who visited Myanmar at the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife Daw San Yon and officials, arrived at Bagan Book House at No 100, 37th Street in Kyauktada Township here at 10.45 am today. U Ba Kyi, owner of the book house, welcomed them. First, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand viewed books on Theravada Buddhism, rare books on Myanmar history written in English by Myanmar and world historians, World Book Encyclopaedia, modern history, dictionaries of Myanmar nationals, books and documents on archaeological findings, treatises and record of the journey to Myanmar in 1986 by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand. U Ba Kyi of Bagan Book House presented five bronze statues and a statue of a deity revered by the world which are created in the forms of Pyu Era to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand. Then, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand signed in the Visitors’ Book of the book house. Afterwards, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand proceeded to the residence of Thai Ambassador. The princess was welcomed there by Thai Ambassador to the Union of Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and wife Mrs Viparanee Maolanon, embassy staff and family members, and Military Attaché Col Kasam Nakpun and family members. The princess met with Thai businessmen and staff of Thai companies invested in Myanmar and Thai citizens. Thai Ambassador to the Union of Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and wife also attended the ceremony. In the afternoon, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand together with Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife Daw San Yon, Myanmar Ambassador to Thailand U Myo Myint and wife Dr Tin Moe Aye, Director-General U Ko Ko Kyaw of Department for Myanmar Missions Abroad, Thai Ambassador Mr Oum Maolanon and wife and officials arrived at No 2 Basic Education Middle School in Bago of Bago Division. The guests were welcomed there by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Ko Ko and wife Daw Sao Num Khun Hsam, Director-General U Tin Nyo of No 1 Basic Education Department and officials, Headmistress of the school Daw Min and teachers, students, band troupes and pom pom troupes. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand and party were entertained with the song Myanma School and dances by students in the compound of the school. Then, Eighth Standard student Ma Khin Hsu Yi extended greetings to the princess. Teacher Daw Tin Than Oo who attended seminar on agriculture and food in Thailand reported on cultivation of crops in the school compound and food programme. The princess observed the kitchen and mess, plantations in the school garden and the clinic. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand visited printed media room, video system room, language lab and computer aided instruction room and observed skill demonstration of the students. The princess watched musical performance of the students at the art studio. Two students presented gem studded portrait of the princess to her; the headmistress Hintha sculpture, the emblem of Bago Division; and Director-General U Tin Nyo CDs on teaching aids. The princess presented souvenirs to them and signed in the Visitors’ Book. The princess went to Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace of King Bayintnaung where Director-General of Department of Archaeology U Nyunt Han and officials reported on history of the palace and reconstruction of the palace. The princess observed the Sihasana Throne and Bamarathana Hall at the palace. The princess viewed ancient cultural heritage and artifacts at Archaeological Museum in Bago and signed in the Visitors’ Book. Director-General U Nyunt Han presented gifts to the princess. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand arrived back here in the evening.
International Relations Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing host dinner for Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand Yangon, 10 March— Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing hosted a dinner in honour of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand, currently here on a royal visit, at Pyithu Hluttaw building on Pyay Road at 7 pm today. Before and during the dinner, the guests were entertained with Myanmar traditional songs by vocalists of Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture. After the dinner the guests were entertained with a programme of cultural dance in Thabin Hall. After the ceremony, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand presented a flower basket to artistes. Princess Sirindhorn of Kingdom of Thailand arrives on royal visit Yangon, 10 March—At the invitation of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe, Princess Sirindhorn of Thailand arrived here this morning to pay a royal visit to the Union of Myanmar. Student girls also welcomed the visiting Princess by waving the miniature flags of the two countries and chanting slogans “May the Princess of Thailand be healthy” “May the ties of friendly relations between the two nations be strong.” The special aircraft conveying the Princess of Thailand arrived at the airport at 9 am. Director-General Thura U Aung Htet and Ambassador of Thailand Mr Oum Maolanon boarded the aircraft and welcomed the guest. Students warmly greeted the visiting Princess from the airport building, waving the miniature flags of the two countries and hailing Myanmar-Thailand friendship. A Myanmar girl of the Ministry of Culture presented a bouquet to the visiting Princess. Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe greeted the visiting Princess and introduced the officials to her. Then, the visiting Princess greeted staff of Royal Thai Embassy and their families. The guest, accompanied by Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, proceeded to Seinle Kantha State House in a motorcade. In extending the grand welcome to the visiting Princess, an archway was put up at the entrance to Yangon International Airport bearing the words both in Myanmar and English “We warmly welcome Princess Sirindhorn of Thailand”. Similar archways and signboards were posted at the entrance to the airport, at the corner of Pyay Road and Inyalay, at the corner of Pyay Road and Inya Road and in front of the People’s Square. Flags of the two nations were put up at Yangon International Airport, along the entrance road to the airport, on the bund of Inya Lake along Pyay Road, at the junction of Kamayut, at the roundabouts of Hanthawady and U Wisara and in front of the People’s Square. The visiting Princess, together with Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe arrived at Seinle Kantha State House at 9.30 am. Afterwards, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe greeted the visiting Princess and left there at 10 am. Ambassador U Wunna Maung Lwin accredited to Switzerland Yangon, 10 March — U Wunna Maung Lwin, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Swiss Confederation, presented his credentials to His Excellency Mr Pascal Couchepin, President of the Swiss Confederation on 25 February 2003, in Bern. Princess Sirindhorn visits Shwedagon Pagoda
Yangon, 10 March — Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand, accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife Daw San Yon, visited Shwedagon Pagoda at 9 pm today. The Princess went round the pagoda clockwise and paid homage to jade Buddha Image. Then, she offered flowers and lights to the pagoda and paid homage to it.
Afterwards, the Princess observed the bell donated by King Thayawady and paid obeisance to the stupa with original htidaw (umbrella) donated by King Mindon. Next, the Princess offered flowers and lights to Kakkusandha Buddha Image kept at the eastern prayer hall and signed in the visitors’ book. Then, the Princess made cash donation for the pagoda. Next, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees presented a picture of Shwedagon Pagoda, book on hoisting of the umbrella atop the pagoda and book on architecture of the pagoda. She left there at 9.30 pm.
Region Tatmadaw parade columns inspected Yangon, 10 March — Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Member of State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win inspected the drills of parade columns this morning. In the drills of parade columns, Parade Commander Brig-Gen Than Htay and Reserve Parade Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung led the parade columns. The parade drills were practised by Anawrahta column, Kyan-sittha column, Bayintnaung column, Nawaday column, Aungzeya column, Sin-phyushin column, Bandoola column, Myawady coulmn and Aung San column, Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade and Red Cross Society. Then, Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win gave instructions to officers and other ranks of the columns and left there. Yangon Division SPEC holds coord meeting Yangon, 10 March — A work coordination meeting of members of the Yangon Division Sports and Physical Education Committee and chairmen and secretaries of respective sports subcommittees, was held at the meeting hall of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Office this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe urged athletes re-presenting Yangon Division and taking part in Inter State and Division sports tournament to try to become highly qualified athletes the State can be proud of. He also gave instructions on the requirements for training to be conducted by respective sports subcommittees, gaining successes in ISD sports events, and training the athletes of various sports. Then, the commander heard reports on the condition of achievements gained in 26 sports events of the 2002-2003 ISD Sports Tournament. Next, the championship shields fetched in respective ISD sports events organized by the Sports and Physical Education Department of the Ministry of Sports. Later, the commander presented certificates of honour to victorious sports subcommittees through U Phone Kyaw, chairman of Yangon Division Subcommittee for Ensuring Success in Football Tournament. After hearing the reports on measures being taken for gaining success in respective sports events presented by chairmen of sports subcommittees, the commander gave instructions on making efforts to turn out potential athletes for the success of Yangon Division team in the ISD sports tournaments sponsored by the SPED of the Ministry of Sports, and assistance to be provided by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council. Road, bridge construction work inspected in Mandalay, Sagaing
Yangon, 10 March — Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, inspected the progress in the construction of the Mandalay-Madaya road in the open season and the construction of Baunggyi bridge on 7 March morning. Deputy Chief Engineer of the special bridge construction group 14 U San Win reported to the minister on progress in the construction of the bridge. The minister gave instructions on making efforts to complete the bridge in time. The Baunggyi bridge with 125 feet in length, is of reinforced concrete type. The minister and party then left for PyinOoLwin District, where he heard reports on the tasks being carried out for the improvement of the Mandalay-Madaya-Thabeikkyin road and gave necessary instructions. The minister also looked into the Thabeikkyin-Tagaung road and heard reports on repairs of Thabeikkyin-Tagaung road, Twinnge-Moemeik road, and Mabein-NgaO road. On 8 March, the minister and party saw over the progress in the construction of the Paungnet bridge, a reinforced concrete one, at the exit of Shweku and gave instructions on finishing it as soon as possible and taking special care to meet the set standard. The minister also inspected road sections along the Mandalay-Bhamo road and gave instructions to officials. On arrival at the Sinkhan bridge construction site at the milepost 159/0 between U Daung Taung and Han Htet, the minister left instructions on foundation-laying work to be carried out before the monsoon comes and the construction of the approach road.
Agriculture & Irrigation Minister inspects crop cultivation in Thanlyin and Thongwa Yangon, 10 March —Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin accompanied by departmental officials and Yangon Division agricultural work coordination committee members inspected summer paddy fields near Sitpingwin Village, Thanlyin Township, Yangon South District this morning. The minister instructed officials to provide farmers with combined harvesters of Agricultural Mechanization Department for timely harvesting and less wastage. He then inspected cold season beans and sunflower mixed-crop cultivation, competition of mung bean, sunflower cultivation and practical education of new methods in Thaiktukan Village, Thongwa Township. He later met officials of division, district and township departments, members of agricultural work coordination committee, and farmers at the Agricultural Education Centre in Thaiktukan Village and discussed commercial cultivation of beans and sunflower and instructed officials to try to meet the target. Farmers briefed the minister on cultivation and sale of vegetables and requirements. Managing Director U Tun Than of Myanma Agriculture Service reported to the minister on extensive cultivation of beans and sunflower as mixed-crops after educating the farmers. He also reported on cultivation of high-yield strain edible oil crops to ensure self-sufficiency in edible oil in every household of the village. Director-General U Kyaw San Win of Irrigation Department also briefed the minister on building of the embankments and sluice-gates to prevent the flow of sea water in Yangon South District, feasibility surveys for construction of the irrigation facilities and future plans for water supply. The minister gave instructions to them on the regional development, agriculture and water supply projects. Minister inspects preparations for Myanma Industrial Exhibition (2003) Yangon, 10 March— Chairman of Industrial Development Committee Chairman of Leading Committee for Holding the Myanma Industrial Exhibition Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung arrived Myanma Industrial Exhibition (2003) at Hsinbyugan Grounds in Mandalay this morning. The minister met with members of leading committee, work committee and sub-committee and presidents of 18 industrial zones. First, the deputy minister reported on preparations for booths of the ministries and those of the various industries to the minister. Members of the various sub-committees reported on progress of work. The minister discussed displays of showrooms from 18 industrial zones and ministries. The minister inspected booths of the ministries and viewed displays of different vehicles manu-factured by various industrial zones. PBANRDA Minister inspects rural roads Yangon, 10 March — Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, accompanied by Director-General of the Development Affairs Department Col Myo Myint, this morning inspected the construction work at the Tawlati-Kalotthot-Sankin rural road linking Taikkyi and Hmawby townships of Yangon Division with Danubyu Township of Ayeyawady Division. Engineers and officials reported to the minister on progress in the construction of the roads. Then the minister gave necessary instructions and attended to the requirements for rural development. Then, the minister and party arrived at Sankin affiliated high school where the minister gave instructions on construction of roads and bridges, arrangements for water supply tasks and maintenance of the roads. When completed, Tawlati-Kalotthot-Sankin rural road will reduce the travel time between Yangon and Ayeyawady Divisions. The minister, after inspecting earth task being carried out along Taikkyi-Gyobyu road, heard reports on progress of work and fulfilled the needs.
Fish breeding camp of MPF inspected
Yangon, 10 March— Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing inspected fish breeding camp of Myanmar Police Force at Shweyamin Village in Twantay Township yesterday. Official of the camp and Deputy Director-General of the MPF Police Brig-Gen Zaw Win reported on fish breeding in 204.18 acres of pond and arrangements. The minister gave instructions on cultivation of perennial crops for the staff welfare. The minister inspected the fish pond and summer paddy field at Shwe-thanhtaytar agriculture and livestock breeding camp and he gave instructions on extension of summer paddy cultivation, use of quality strain to exceed the target and fish breeding. All people in Pale submit USDA membership applications Yangon, 10 March — Secretariat Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan attended the ceremony to submit membership applications of all people in Pale, Monywa District in Sagaing Division and the opening ceremony of the billboard of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Office held in Pale on 8 March morning. The chairman made an opening speech and 3,148 membership applications were presented to USDA Secretariat Member Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan. Then, a member explained the purposes of submitting the applications. Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan presented K 250,000 for development tasks of the town to the chairman of Pale Township Peace and Development Council. Then, the Secretariat Member made a speech and the ceremony came to a close. National Policies of State lectured Yangon, 10 March — Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Deputy Minister for Information U Thein Sein gave detailed lectures on the National Policies of the State and the condition of peace and development in the State at the executives management (Multiplier) course organized by the USDA of Yangon South District at the UDSA training hall of Twantay Township this afternoon.
Computer quiz continues Yangon, 10 March— Computer quiz to commemorate the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day continued today at the office of the Director of Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute in Dagon Township. USDA members from Thakayta, Dagon Myothit (East) and Dagon Myothit (North) competed in the competition. Director of Resettlements of the Ministry of Defence Maj-Gen Aung Thein and military officers and officials viewed round the competition.
Religion Fifth Central Working Committee of the Sangha holds third meeting Yangon, 10 March— The Fifth Central Working Committee of the Sangha held its third meeting at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill this morning. Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ardicca of Mahayin Monastery in Kadoe Village, Maw-lamyine, Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ñana of Taungmawt Missionary Monastery in Loikaw, Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajidabhivamsa of Thiri Manta Sankyaung in Bahan Township, Yangon, Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Zhavariya of Panbhimayon Monastery in Pathein and Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Çandavamsa of Zeyawady Monastery in Dawei were elected Ovadacariya Sayadaws. Vice-Chairman of the Central Working Committee of the Sangha Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Mandalay Masoeyein Thaikthit Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Siri Nandabhivamsa presided over the meeting and Joint Secretary of the Central Working Committee of the Sangha and Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Osadhabhivamsa of Ponnama Rama Zay Monastery in Nyaungdon acted as master of ceremonies. The emcee Sayadaw reported on agenda of the meetings to be held on 10, 11 and 12 March respectively for approval. Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaws read Ovadakatha of five Ovadacariya Sayadaws. Next, Sayadaw Siri Nandabhivamsa read the Ovadakatha of Chairman of Central Working Committee of the Sangha Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita. Next, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin supplicated on religious matters. Joint Secretary of Central Working Committee of the Sangha and Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Dwipitakadhara Bhaddanta Jagarabhivamsa submitted the list of elected State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, State Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaws and members of Central Working Committee of the Sangha for approval. Next, Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara submitted the brief report of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Çandima of Pahtamakyaw Dhamma-cariya Taikthit in Meiktila was elected Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kitti of Zeya Lancara Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Myingyan Joint Secretary Sayadaw. The meeting discussed religious matters. The meeting continues on 11 March. Information Technology e-Government Course opened in MICT Park Yangon, 10 March — An e-Government Course jointly conducted by Myanmar Computer Federation, Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry and Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship (AOTS), Japan, was opened at MICT Park here this morning. It was attended by Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, member of Civil Service Selection and Training Board U Win Myint Aung, deputy ministers of the ministries, Chairman of MICT DC Brig-Gen Thein Swe, instructors of Japan, Managing Director Mr Shuichi Tasihiro of Ministry of Commerce of Japan and others. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, General Manager of (AOTS), Bangkok office Mr Seizaburo Shintak, Chairman of Myanmar Computer Federation U Thein Oo made speeches. A total of 100 trainees are attending the course, that will last till 14 March. Sport Tiger Myanmar Amateur Open 2003 starts
Yangon, 10 March — The Tiger Myanmar Amateur Open 2003, organized by Myanmar Golf Federation and mainly sponsored by Tiger Beer, was opened at Yangon Golf Club, Danyingon here this morning. At the opening ceremony, amateur golfers and distinguished guests took position at 1st Tee. MGF President Maj-Gen Win Hlaing, Sports and Physical Education Department Deputy Director-General U Thein Aung, Myanmar Brewery Co Ltd (Tiger Beer) General Manager Mr David Teng, YGC Executive U Tin Ngwe and MGF General Secretary U Aung Kyi teed off the ball to open the first round of the tourney. After the first round, Myo Min Aung and Thein Zaw Myint shared the lead with 72 strokes each. Bo Bo and Derek Htet Doe tied at the second place with 73 each, followed by Aung Aung Kyaw (74), Soe Paing Tun and Zaw Zin Win (76 each), Kyaw Thiha and Kyaw Hlaing (77 each). The tourney was organized by Han Event Management. The second round continues tomorrow at the same venue. 
