Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing to pay state visit to Vietnam
Yangon, 12 March—At the invitation of the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam His Excellency Mr Tran Duc Luong and wife Madame Nguyen Thi Vinh, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing will pay a state visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in the near future.
Yangon, 12 March—On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Mauritius, which falls on 12 March 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 Excellency Mr Cassam Uteem, President of the Republic of Mauritius.
Religion
Third meeting of Fifth Central Working Committee of the Sangha continues
Yangon, 11 March— The second day of the meeting of the Fifth Central Working Committee of the Sangha continued at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill this morning, attended by State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, and members of the Central Working Committee of the Sangha.
On the occasion, Chairman of the Central Committee for Construction of Maha Wijaya Pagoda Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe supplicated matters on construction and all-round development of the pagoda.
Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Mala Lankara of Maha Wijaya Rama monastery in Pakokku, Magway Division, Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sirindhara of Kaba Aye Monastery in Pathein (West) Township, Ayeyawady Division, Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Asabha of Khinmakan Taik in Byanma Min Monastery, Chanayethazan Township in Mandalay Division, Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Jotipala of Thiri Mingala Kyakhatwaing Monastery in Bago, Bago Division, and Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Dhamma Siri of Naga Hnakaung Monastery in Tachilek, Shan State (East) were elected as Ovadacariya Sayadaws.
Vice-Chairman of the Central Working Committee of the Sangha Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Pañindabhivamsa presided over the meeting and Joint Secretary of the Central Working Committee of the Sangha Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kondalajotika acted as master of ceremonies.
The master of ceremonies Sayadaw reported on agenda of the meeting for approval and the matter on amending sub-para b, para six of chapter III of the rules and regulations of Tipitaka Selection Examination was discussed.
Chairman of the Central Committee for Construction of Maha Wijaya Pagoda Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe supplicated matters on construction and all-round development of the pagoda. He said the Central Committee for Construction of Maha Wijaya Pagoda was formed according to the decision of the Second Meeting of the First Central Working Committee of the Sangha held in 1980. The central committee, as a gesture to mark the success achieved in holding the First All-gana Sangha Meeting and unifying all Ganas, constructed the pagoda on Dhamma Rakhita Hillock near the Shwedagon Pagoda with the funds contributed by the wellwishers all over the country.
Sacred relics presented by the King and Queen of Nepal, relics of the Buddha and Arahats and Buddha images were enshrined in the pagoda.
The Pagoda Board of Trustees has offered gold plates to the upper part of the pagoda and gold foils to the lower part and 24 satellite pagodas using the funds donated by the public. The gold plates and gold foils have been donated six times and they amounted to over K 135 million. Moreover, religious edifices were also constructed.
All Bus line Control Committee (Yangon Division) also donated one big Dhammayon, and two smaller Dhammayons, two archways, two lion statues, Dhammarakkhita Prayer Hall including the statue of Dhammarakkhita Bo Bo Gyi, a two-storey office.
The committee also presented K 28 million for all-round renovation of the pagoda and K 9.5 million for all-round renovation of the Ma-hta-tha Dhammayon. The Ministry of Transport built a Dhammayon and a wellwisher an archway.
The All Bus-lines Control Committee also donated a gold Umbrella to the pagoda in the cave. In addition, gold plates were offered to the pagoda using the donations of the public.
In conclusion, he said efforts have been made in the pagoda precinct for the pagoda to be sublime at all time. Then, the meeting came to a stop at 8.30 am.
In the afternoon, the meeting continued.
Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Agga Dhamma of Dhamma Yaungyi Monastery in North Okka-lapa Township, Sayadaw Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vimala of Kantha Monastery in Myeik, Sayadaw Maha Gantha-vacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Cintita Lankara of Paci-mayon Pariyatti Sarthintaik of Mawlamyinegyun discussed matters on Vinicchaya affairs of the brief report of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee.
Then, Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Aggavamsa of Ghandhayon Monastery in Shwedaung, Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Maha Dhammakah-tika Bahujanahitadhara Bhaddanta Tikkha of Taungsalin Taikthit in Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay, and Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Cakkindabhivamsa of Naga Monastery in Kyaukpyu reported matters on religious affairs.
Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Manita of Myoma Shwegu Monastery in Monywa, and Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumangala of Kanle Min Kyaung Monastery in Ngaphe, discussed matters on education affairs. The meeting came to a close at 2 pm.
U Aung Din and family of Ngwekyayan Ward-3 in South Okkalapa Township offered ‘soon’ to the Sayadaws today.
Yangon, 11 March — Parade drills were practised this morning along the route between Myoma Grounds and Resistance Park by the parade columns which will take part in the ceremony of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day for the year 2003.
In the parade drills, 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 column, Aung San column of Tatmadaw-men, Myanmar Police Force, Fire Brigade and Red Cross Society members. Vice-Chiefs of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Maj-Gen Aung Kyi and Maj-Gen Thein Swe and senior military officers and officials concerned inspected the drills.
Minister inspects imported 1000 tons of edible oil
Yangon, 11 March — MV Sea Merchant carrying 1000 tons of Star Elephant Brand edible oil arrived at Asia World Wharf in Ahlone Township today. Cooperative Exports and Imports Enterprise imported the edible oil from Malaysia.
Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Director-General of Cooperative Department Col Soe Win, Director-General of Cottage Industries Department U Sein Than, Managing Director of CEIE Daw Khin Swe Soe and officials inspected unloading of containers and arrangements for distribution of edible oil to cooperative socities in States and Divisions.
Leading Work Committee for Sales of Cooperative edible oil is making arrangements for rapid distribution to consumers in Yangon Division and other States and Divisions.
Factories inspected in Mandalay Division
Yangon, 11 March — Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung inspected the 500-ton cement plant of Myanma Ceramics Industries in Kyaukse Industrial Zone in Mandalay Division on 9 March.
At the briefing hall, officials reported on production and distribution of the cement. The managing director gave a supplementary report. The minister emphasized the importance of boosting production in order to exceed the target, and growing toddy palm, Kokko (Albizzia Lebbek), plum, neem tree, Thit Seint (Taminalia Belerica) and tamarind in the factory compound.
The minister then inspected progress in installation of machines and production process at the Plastic Factory Project under Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries.
Next, the minister inspected progress in construction of a new factory at the Fire Brick Factory Project of MCI.
The minister saw over the production process at the Sewing Machine Factory of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries and left necessary instructions. He also inspected the vest factory of Myanma Textile Industries, the candy factory of Myanma Foodstuff Industries and Win Thuzar Shop (Kyaukse). Afterwards, the minister inspected the newly-built office, which was constructed by the Ministry of Industry-1, of Kuaukse District Union Solidarity and Development Association and gave necessary instructions.
Then, USDA Secretariat Member U Aung Thaung met with executives of Kyaukse District and Township USDAs and ward organizers and discussed future tasks, organizing measures to be taken for regional development, and political, economic and social sectors.
The minister inspected Myanma traditional weaving factory of Paleik Textile and Finishing Plant.
Yangon, 11 March — Minister for Finance and Revenue Maj-Gen Hla Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun and officials, inspected the head office of the Internal Revenue Department on Pansondan Street yesterday evening. Director-General U Win Naing and officials of the department explained the tasks being carried out by the department. Then, the minister inspected offices of scrutiny board for foreign-going persons and company taxation section. Afterwards, the minister inspected Aungbarlay Lottery Division. Officials reported to the minister on drawing of lottery tickets. The minister gave necessary instructions.
Labour Minister inspects TB Hospital in Yangon Division
Yangon, 11 March—Chairman of the Committee for Staging the booths on nation-building endeavours of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, this morning inspected the booths and displays on nation-building endeavours of the respective ministries at the Defence Services Museum.
Then, the minister inspected booths of the Ministry of Labour and gave instructions.
The minister then proceeded to the 100-bed TB Hospital construction project site in Htantabin Township, Yangon Division, where officials reported on progress of work. The minister gave instructions on timely completion of the project and urged those concerned to make relentless efforts for opening the hospital soon.
USDA Secretariat Member tours Mandalay and Sagaing divisions
Yangon, 11 March — Secretariat Member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan made a field trip on tasks of USDA and information in Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions from 7 to 9 March.
On the morning of 7 March, the minister arrived at Mandalay and inspected arrangements for opening of the booth of the Ministry of Information in the Myanma Industrial Exhibition 2003 to be held from 19 to 25 March, and attended to the needs.
Then, the minister met with the officials at the Information and Public Relations Department in Monywa. At the meeting, the minister gave instructions on ensuring better media coverage, extension of coverage to every village and making a field trip to each village yearly, and fulfilled the requirements.
On 8 March, the secretariat member attended USDA membership applications presentation ceremony in Pale Township, Monywa District. Then, the minister attended the opening of three miles and one furlong rural development road and the putting up of the Pyi-khine-phyo village signboard in Nwe-in-ChaungU Village in the same township. The minister presented K 100,000 for construction of a new building of Nwe-in Village Basic Education Primary School, soap bars and household utensils, blankets and clothes donated by the Myanmar Red Cross Society to the villagers, and periodicals to the village library through respective officials. Then, the minister discussed the five rural development tasks being implemented by the State.
The minister paid reverence and presented offertories to the Sayadaw at the Dhamma Seiktayama Monastery. Then, the minister attended the ceremony to put up the Pyi-khine-phyo village signboard and the opening of self-reliant tube-well in ChaungU Village and left necessary instructions. The minister met with village elders at the village affiliated BEMS and presented K 100,000 for renovation of the school, and exercise books, publications, clothes, soap and household utensils. The minister stressed the importance of livestock breeding and planting perennial trees in addition to cultivating seasonal crops.
Afterwards, the minister inspected the two-storey building under construction at Mintaingbin Village BEHS and gave instructions.
Next, the minister inspected construction of a dam which will benefit some 300 acres of farms in Khattaya Village in Pale Township and gave instructions on timely completion. Then, the minister explained all-out efforts being made by the government for the development of the nation and the people. He spoke of the need for the local people to take part in these tasks.
Yangon, 11 March — Taninthayi Division, District and Township Peace and Development Councils and division level departmental officials held a work coordination meeting at Pale Yadana Hall in Myeik on 22 February. It was attended by Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye, Division Secretary Lt-Col Khin Maung Nyo and members, local authorities and departmental officials.
Speaking on the occasion, the commander elaborated on efforts to be made for exceeding the targets of the projects in the division, implementation of the five rural development tasks, efficient use of electricity and fuel, regional rice sufficiency, and cooperation among respective departments.
Then, chairmen of respective township Peace and Development Councils reported on tasks being carried out. Chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils gave supplementary reports. The meeting was adjourned.
The meeting continued on 24 February at the same venue. Departmental officials reported on implementation of projects department-wise. The commander attended to their needs. Secretary Lt-Col Khin Maung Nyo gave a supplementary report. The commander made concluding remarks.
In the afternoon, the commander attended coordination meetings on roads and bridges construction projects and regional rice sufficiency tasks being implemented in Taninthayi Division at the same venue, and fulfilled the requirements.
In the evening, the commander addressed the coordination meeting on boosting national income in the division at the meeting hall of the command, and attended to the requirements.
The commander attended the opening of the course on primary oral hygiene project for rural people conducted by the Ministry of Health in Pale Yadana Hall on 25 February. Deputy Director Dr Kyaw Nyunt of the Health Department explained matters on the project and presented medical equipment, toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes to rural health care centres through Head of Division Health Department Dr Swe Win.
A total of 35 health staff attended the course. A similar course was opened in Palaw Township.
Next, the commander inspected construction progress of Myeik by pass, Kyauk-phya-Daw-Bok road section, construction of new school buildings of BEPSs of Nga-in Village and Letkhoktaung Village in Myeik Township, and left necessary instructions. At the briefing hall of Myeik-Taninthayi Road Reconstruction Project, District Engineer U Hla Soe reported on work being done and requirements. The commander gave instructions and attended to the needs.
Yangon, 11 March — Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung together with departmental personnel at state level arrived at bridge construction site of Kawlay village, Thanphyuzayat Township on 8 March morning. Officials concerned reported on construction of the bridge to the commander.
Then, the commander inspected round the site and fulfilled the requirements. Next, he inspected measures being taken for the new extended school building of Htinshu village BEHS and BEPS and paving of rural
gravel road and gave necessary instructions to officials concerned. Afterwards, he looked into sea water prawn breeding project in Kayoatpi village and fulfilled the needs there.
Then, he saw over production at salt enterprise office in Thanbyuzayat Township and measures being taken for all round renovation of Kyaikkhami pagoda and Kyaikkhami hospital and sea prawn breeding project and fulfilled the requirements.
Yangon, 11 March —The Work-committee for Holding Painting and Sculpture Competitions under the Working Committee for Holding Poem and Arts Competi-tions to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day which falls on 27 March 2003 chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt has held the painting and sculpture competitions and announced the prize-winners.
Maung Pyi Hein Htet of Pre-primary-2, Ahlone Township, Maung Phone Pyi Tun of No 2 Basic Education Primary School Pre-primary, Kamayut Township, Maung Kyaw Soe Han of Day-care Nursery, Bago, won the first, second and third prizes in pre-primary school level painting competition respectively. Ma Khin Dipa Tun of Pre-primary School, Defence Services Record Office, Yangon, Maung Aung Lin Thu of No 2 BEPS Pre-primary, Kamayut Town-ship, Maung Phone Thant Ko of No 6 Basic Education High School Pre-primary, Botahtaung Township, Maung Thein Than of No 2 Pre-primary, Dagon Township, Ma Ei Ei Aung of No 3 Pre-primary, Mingaladon Township, Ma Aye Myat Noe Naing of Pre-primary School, Pathein, Maung Thaw Zin Win Hlaing and Ma Yadana Oo of Pre-primary School, Pazun-daung Township, Maung Min Myat Thu of Pre-primary-5, Tamway Township, and Ma Hsu Htet Htet Naing of Royal Nursery, South Okkalapa Township won the consolation prizes in the competition.
Ma Hsu Pyi Pyi San of Institute of Education Practicing School, Kamayut Town-ship, Maung Kyaw Zeya of BEPS-3, Bahan Township, and Ma Myat Thwe Nyein of BEHS-3, Dagon Township, won the first, second and third prizes in primary school level (Junior) painting competition. Ma Moe Thurein of Basic Education Middle School No 1, Dagon Township, Ma May Htoo Myat Mon of Myoma BEMS, Kyauktan Township, Ma Hsu Yamin of BEHS-1, Dagon Township, Maung Htin Lin San of BEPS (East), Kyauktan Township, Maung Kaung Htet Kyaw of BEPS-18, Tamway Township, Maung Phone Myint Maw of BEPS-8, Thingangyun Township, Maung Ye Hein Hset and Maung Htoo Htet Kyaw of Myoma BEMS, Kyauktan Township, Ma Kaythari of BEPS-6 Kyauktada Township, and Maung Win Myat Naing of IEPS, Kamayut Township, won the consolation prizes in the competition.
Ma Hsu Myat Noe Nwe of BEMS-1, Dagon Township, Maung Htet Naing Lin of BEHS-1, Dagon Township, and Maung Sithu Aung of BEPS-32, Tamway Township, won the first, second and third prizes in basic education primary school (Senior) level painting competition. Ma Myat Thiri Maung of Education Practicing Middle School, Yankin Township, Ma Shwe Yi Win Tun of BEPS-6, Kyauktada Township, Ma Mahaythi Thet Myat Noe of BEHS-2, Dagon Town-ship, Maung Yeyint Naing Oo, Maung Ye Zarni Aung and Maung Kaung Nyunt of IEPS, Kamayut Township, Ma May Thet Zin of BEHS-1, Lanmadaw Township, Maung Htet Aung of BEMS-1, Dagon Township, Ma Htoo Paing Paing Kyaw of BEHS-3, Dagon Township, and Maung Kyaw Min Shein of BEPS-12, South Okkalapa Township, won consolation prizes in the competition.
Maung Htin Kyaw Kaung Htet of IEPS, Kamayut Township, Maung Phyo Zin Latt of Myoma BEMS, Kyauktan Township, and Maung Thiha Tin of BEHS-1, Dagon Township, won the first, second and third prizes in basic education middle school level painting competition respectively. Ma Htay Oo Thu of BEHS-2, Bahan Township, Ma May Poe Wa Win Myint of BEHS-2, Thingangyun Township, Ma Hsu Myat Noe of IEPS, Kamayut Town-ship, Ma Thinza Lwin of BEHS-2, Latha Township, Maung Lwin Myo Aung of Myoma BEMS, Kyauktan Township, Ma Khaing Myat Myo Tun Lin and Ma Khin Chan Myai Thu of BEPS, Kamayut Township, Ma Aye Htet Htet Aung of BEHS-2, Latha Township, Ma Thazin Thet Su Tin of Myoma BEMS, Kyauktan Township, and Ma Khing Wutye San of BEHS-2, Latha Township, won the consolation prizes in the competition.
Maung Kaung Myat Min Soe of IEPS, Kamayut Township, Maung Win Myat Thu of BEHS-3 Tamway Township, and Maung Thant Sin of BEHS-1, Latha Township, won the first, second and third prizes in basic education high school level painting competition respectively. Maung Aung Ko Zaw of BEHS (Branch), Yay, Maung Ye Htut Aung of BEHS-1, Dagon Township, Ma Aye Myat Maw of IEPS, Kamayut Township, Ma Win Thu Han of BEHS-2, Latha Township, Maung Sai Min Win of BEHS-3, Sagaing, Maung Ye Ko Ko Aung of BEHS-1, Tamway Township, Ma Hsu Win Htaik of BEHS-1, Dagon Township, Ma Pyone Myat Mon of BEHS-2, Kyauktan Township, Maung Kyaw Ko Ko Win of Affiliated BEHS, Pyin Village, Myaungmya Township, and Maung Kyaw Zwa Win of BEHS-1, Dagon Township, won the consolation prizes in the competition.
U Thet Naing Soe of Toungoo, U Aung Moe of South Okkalapa Township, and U Thabyay Myint Thein of North Okkalapa Township, won the first, second and third prizes in open division painting competition respectively. U Thet Oo of Tamway Township, U Maung Oo of State School of Fine Arts (Yangon), Ma Hsu Mon Thazin Aung of Dagon Township, Maung Hla Han of Dagon Myothit (South) Township, and Ma Aye Myat Mon of Bahan Township won the consolation prizes in the competition.
Maung Zaw Myint Naing of University of Culture (Yangon), Maung Wai Than of SSFA (Yangon), and Maung Ye Wont Soe of UC (Yangon) won the first, second and third prizes in open division sculpture (plaster) competition. Maung Khin Moe Htut, Maung Soe Myint Thu and Sai Aik Naw of UC (Yangon), and Maung Soe Moe Kyaw and Maung Zaw Zaw of SSFA (Yangon) won the consolation prizes in the competition.
U Shwe Win Thant, U Zaw Lin and U Thein Naing of Dabain Township won the first, second and third prizes in open division sculpture (Wood) competition respectively. U Win Soe Than of Dagon Myothit (North) Township, Maung Myo Zaw Tun of Dabain Township, U San Hla of Shwe Paukkan Township, U Tha Tha Tun and U Aung Kyaw Dwe of Dabain Township, won the consolation prizes in the competition.
A total of 920 paintings, an increase of 123 paintings than the previous year, competed in the competitions. Alto-gether 113 sculptures took part in the sculpture competition, showing an increase of 48 sculptures than the previous year.
First, second and third prizes of the competitions will be presented at the prize presentation ceremony of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Literary and Arts Competitions and consolation prizes at the prize-presentation cere-monies in respective commands. All the prize-winners are to submit two 1.5"x 2" passport size colour photos to the secretary of the Sub-Committee for Holding Painting and Sculpture Competitions, Tatmadaw Convention Hall, U Wisara Road, Yangon.
Talks on programming for high-rise buildings
Yangon, 11 March — Talks on programming for high-rise buildings were held at Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park this morning. U Saw Htwe Zaw of ACECOMS Satellite Centre spoke on the occasion. Manager of ACECOMS AIT Mr Buddhi Sherma gave talks on programming for high-rise buildings using ETABS programme of CSI Co. Anyone may contact Tel: 722969 for more information.
International Relations
H & T Minister receives guests
Commerce Minister riceives guests
Education Minister receives Indian Ambassador
They cordially discussed cooperation in education sectors between the two countries.
H&M team scales Mt Saramayti
Col Hla Aung (Rtd) first climbed the mountain in 1968 when Myanmar and India surveyed the boundaries.
The team left Leshi on 21 February and successfully scaled its summit of the mountain through new track.
Tiger Myanmar Amateur Open continues
After the second day 18-hole event, Zaw Zin Win and Myo Min Aung shared the lead with 147 strokes each, followed by Aung Aung Kyaw (148), Bo Bo (YCDC) (149), Thein Zaw Myint (150), Kyaw Hlaing (151), Derek Htet Doe (153), Chit San (154), Kyaw Thiha (154) and Htay Win (Customs) (155).
The third round will continue tomorrow at the same venue.
Among the spectators were MGF President Maj-Gen Win Hlaing and executives, officials of Myanmar Brewery Ltd (Tiger Beer) and distinguished guests.
