National prestige and integrity can be preserved and uplifted only with strength of national unity based on national spirit and nationalist fervour
Yangon, 26 March — The Special Refresher Course No 17 for Basic Education Teachers concluded at the Yadana Hall of the Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in PyinOoLwin Township, Mandalay Division, this morning, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
In his address, the Secretary-1 said that the State Peace and Development Council, enlisting the strength of the entire national people, is at present making concerted efforts to enable the nation to keep abreast of the nations of the world.
At a time when Myanmar has been making all-out efforts with own national strength for enabling the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with nations of the world, all national people will have to strive to overcome the instigation, dissension and sanctions which are the obstacles and hindrances for national development without letting the unity of the national strength weaken.
The national prestige and integrity can be preserved and uplifted only with the strength of national unity based on national spirit and nationalist fervour, and all entire people will have to make efforts for perpetuation of own nation and its people as long as the world exists.
The State Peace and Development Council, taking the advantage of advancement of science and technology in education sector in accord with the time, has now been laying down and implementing a national education system, which will contribute much to the interests of the nation and its people in the long run.
The national education system, which is firmly shaping up the good foundations, will systematically nurture the students capable of building and safeguarding a new nation that will emerge in the future and equip them with nationalism and Union Spirit in accord with the national objectives.
To enhance the standard of education up to the international level, multimedia classrooms, which can ensure the studies of modern science and technology, are being widely established at the basic education schools.
At present, multimedia classrooms, satellite communication systems, e-Education learning centres and multimedia resources centres have been established at the basic education schools, the universities, the degree colleges and the colleges the length and breadth of the nation.
In education promotion sector, drawing of the curricula of high standard, extension of the major subjects, conducting of the master and doctorate courses and opening of more universities and colleges were introduced in a systematic manner.
In accordance with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, relentless and sustained efforts are being exerted in harmony to produce human resources region-wise to ensure the emergence of the highly-qualified human resources in the nation.
According to the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the three development projects — project for development of border areas and national races, project for development of the special regions and the five rural development tasks — are being implemented. While implementing the three projects, priority is being given to construction of more basic education schools, colleges and universities which are the infrastructures for human resource development. Only when the human resources can be produced region-wise in accordance with the objectives, will the human resources capable of implementing the development projects being undertaken by the government region-wise constantly exist.
The teachers discharging duties in all parts of the nation are to make strenuous efforts for the emergence of the national education of international level in the hope of bringing about the highly-qualified human resources. At the same time, the teachers will have to strive to produce the students who are outstanding in all spheres for human resource development in the regions where they are assigned to. The education objectives which play a greater role in promoting and strengthening the spirit of students are being implemented after laying down the national education system which is being adopted today. Regarding the morale of the student youths, he said they are trained to gain knowledge of modern science and technology, and information and communication technology. Moreover, they are being nurtured to become ones who cherish and value Myanmar traditional cultural customs and national values and norm, to possess good character and spirit of the citizens and to become brilliant ones with high concept who will serve the interest of the society.
Especially, emphasis is to be placed on forging national solidarity and Union Spirit for every citizen of the Union of Myanmar.
Hence, all the national people are to consolidate the national unity for the motherland to stand tall among the world’s nations while enhancing the spirit of national unity and Union Spirit and the brilliant capabilities of Myanmar people.
The teachers from the education sector are to strive for bringing out patriotic persons to enable the nation to stand tall as sovereign nation with high national prestige. In conclusion, he urged the teachers to organize student youths and the national people to keep patriotic spirit, Union Spirit and nationalist spirit ever alive and dynamic with a view to enabling the Union of Myanmar to stand tall among the world’s nations. He also called on the teachers to actively participate in regional development work for ensuring regional development, human resource development and promoting the living standard of the regional people by upgrading the education foundations. The Secretary-1 also urged the teachers to convince the entire national peoples of the external instigations, fabrications and sowing of discord while organizing the peoples to keep the nationalist spirit and the spirit of national unity and Union Spirit alive and dynamic.
The Secretary-1 presented best cadet awards to U Aung Myo Oo of Zetiyon Basic Education Primary School in Pale Township, Sagaing Division, and Principal Daw Khin Than Swe of Yadaw BEPS in Pyigyidagun Township, Mandalay Division, diligence awards to SAT U Thit Lwin of Shante No 5 BEHS in Meiktila Township, Mandalay Division, and JAT Daw Khin Sein Tint of Mandalay Education College in Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay Division and JAT Daw Tint Tint of Hopin BEHS in Kachin State.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 presented model hostel awards to Hostel No 6 of men’s company 1 and hostel No 5 of women’s company 1 and certificates to the trainees. The trainees donated K 10,000 to the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image, K 10,000 to the Buddha’s Tooth Relic Pagoda (Mandalay), K 10,000 for renovation of ancient pagodas in Bagan, K 5,000 to the Union Solidarity and Development Association, K 5,000 for hailing the national convention, K 10,000 to BEHS affiliated school in Zeebingyi village, PyinOoLwin Township. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted the newly-graduated trainees.
Before the ceremony, at the briefing hall, the Secretary-1 accepted K 20 million for the fund of Myanmar Education Committee and K 10 million for children students of Tatmadaw members donated by Major Maung Latt (Retd)-Daw Nan Yin Yin and family of PyinOoLwin.
Increase in number of well-trained traditional medicine practitioners vital for development of resources reliable for successful realization of government’s aims
Yangon, 26 March — One-year course No 4 for traditional medicine practitioners (Mandalay) of the Ministry of Health concluded this morning at the University of Traditional Medicine in Mandalay.
Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt addressed the concluding ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said the State has been giving priority to developing the Myanmar traditional and promoting public health care services through the use of potent traditional medicines.
Increase in the number of well-trained traditional medicine practitioners at this time is vital for development of resources reliable for successful realization of the government’s aims to promote the traditional medicine.
The traditional medicine courses are achieving success and progress at present.
So also the aims of the courses — to enhance the qualifications of traditional medicine practitioners; and to conduct systematic courses based on the art of the traditional medicine, medical drugs and therapies for emergence of brilliant practitioners — have been gradually realized.
In order to enhance the potency and dignity of the traditional medicine, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance to enable the private traditional medical practitioners relying on various methods of therapies and drugs to attend courses at traditional medical schools; to present certificates to them after conclusion of their one-year course; to permit them to continue their profession only after receiving the certificate. The traditional medicine courses are being conducted in accord with the guidance.
The courses have produced 410 practitioners in Mandalay, and 425 in Yangon.
These trained practitioners enter their profession as government staff or private doctors, energetically taking part in the health care services in their respective sectors.
The University for Traditional Medicine was built in Mandalay with the aim of producing highly qualified practitioners having the ability to overcome the changing health problems, and the challenges of the advancing medical technologies.
The objective of the university is to enable the teaching level and the standard and qualification of the health care services to get abreast of those of the ASEAN nations. In accord with the objective, a curriculum was drawn to systematically teach various branches of the science, and various medicines and therapies, using the treatises as the reference for studies.
The university is also teaching western subjects including anatomy and various fields of sciences enabling the standard of traditional medicine reach the international level.
During his visit to the university in December 2002, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe said, “The practitioners trained by the university, opened with high hopes, need to become skilled and qualified professionals on whom the nation can rely. The university should be upgraded like all other institutions of higher learning.”
The Head of State also gave guidance, saying, “The university will bring out brilliant practitioners with the help of an advanced curriculum, highly qualified teaching staff, and adequate number of teaching aids.
“It is important to develop the university to become a standard and dignified institution winning the international respect.”
He said the Myanma traditional medicine has developed day after day with the encouragement and far-sightedness and correct guidance of the Head of State. And significant developments have also been made, he said.
In carrying out public health care services through traditional medicine there were two 25-bed traditional medicine hospitals and 80 Township dispensaries before 1988. Now there are two 50-bed traditional medicine hospitals, ten 16-bed traditional medicine hospitals and 214 District and Township traditional medicine centres in states and divisions, he said.
He said traditional medicine seminars and traditional medicine exhibition are held alternately and annually in major cities in states and divisions with the aims of systematic development of traditional medicine and preservation of efficient traditional medical science, therapies and potent traditional medicines. Beginning 2000, State-sponsored Traditional Medicine Practitioners’ Conference and Traditional Medicines and Medical Equipment Exhibition are held yearly, he added.
He said emergence of Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association which included traditional medicine practitioners in the country and traditional medicine groups was the significant development that was to be put on record in the history of Myanmar traditional medicine.
He said in traditional medicine production modern machines, processes and packaging systems were used for wider distribution of medicines among the public. It is encouraging to note that production of medicines has become a big business, he added.
At a time when rapid development was made in the field of Myanmar traditional medicine, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on conducting systematic research on Myanmar traditional medicine that could cure most common major diseases in Myanmar effectively and restoring its standardization. With the guidance of the Head of State, traditional medicine research works conducted by the government departments are successful.
He urged traditional medicine practitioners to make efforts for development of Myanmar traditional medical science and for provision of health care services to the people of Myanmar through potent Myanmar traditional medicines employing better foundations of the field of Myanmar traditional medicine.
He said the government is making endeavours for restoration and preservation of Traditional medical science that is in the state of becoming extinct, medical books, efficient therapies, potent traditional medicines and medicinal plants. He urged the traditional medicine practitioners to participate in the tasks for successful implementation of the objectives of the State.
Standing as well-qualified traditional medicine practitioners, he said, they are to make concerted efforts for wider use of Myanmar traditional medicine and its development compared with western medicines.
In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged them to make efforts for health and fitness of the citizens of Myanmar and for enabling the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast of the development of international communities, for systematic development of Myanmar traditional medicine, production of potent medicines and emergence of systematic therapies and to promote the efficiency of Myanmar traditional medicines and to preserve and safeguard the dignity of Myanmar traditional medicine practitioners.
Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented first, second and third prizes to outstanding trainees — Dr Soe Thwin, U Sai Tint Lwin and Daw Cho Cho Win.
Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint also gave away course completion certificates to trainees through trainee Daw Nan Than Myint.
After the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt cordially met with traditional medicine practitioners and trainees.
A total of 128 trainees attended the course which lasted one year.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party arrived at the worksite of the construction project of the Myanma Traditional Medicine University by Mandalay-Madaya Road, Aungmyaythasan Township in Mandalay Division.
At the briefing hall of the construction project, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party heard reports presented by Minister Prof Dr Kyaw Myint on the teaching of courses at the university, management and university-level syllabus.
Managing Director U Tint Hsan of ACE Construction Co Ltd also reported on the construction of the main building and classroom Nos 1, 2 and 3, supply of electricity and water, the archway of the university, the erecting of fences, the construction of roads, car parking area, the growing of trees for environmental greening, furniture, stock of construction materials, requirements and financial matters.
Then, Director-General of the Traditional Medicine Department Dr Thein Swe presented reports on matters relating to staff affairs.
After hearing the reports, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt attended to the requirements and gave instructions on the planting of perennial herbal plants and seasonal herbal plants in the compound of the university, and exerting efforts to make the university a uniquely splendid and advanced one in Southeast Asia. Later, the Secretary-1 inspected the small-scale model of the university and the progressive construction of the university.
Chairman of the Myanmar Computer Science Development Council Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party, arrived at the Myanmar Information and Communication Technology Park (Mandalay) on the third floor of the modern Yadanabon Market of Mandalay City Development Committee at 9.15 am.
There, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by members of the board of directors of the MICT Park (Mandalay) and officials.
At the briefing hall, the Secretary-1 and party heard reports of Chairman of the board of directors of the MICT Park (Mandalay) Major Than Aung.
Managing Director of UCA Construction Co Ltd U Zaw Lin Aung also reported on progress of the construction of rooms at the MICT Park (Mandalay) and work programmes to be carried out in future. Then, Chief Engineer Dr San Oo of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise reported on supply of electricity to the MICT Park (Mandalay).
Next, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw made reports on information and communication technological assistance being rendered by the ministry to the MICT Park (Mandalay).
After hearing the reports, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions and inspected the progress of the construction of the MICT Park (Mandalay).
On arrival at the construction site of the City Hospital (100-bed) of Mandalay City Development Committee at 9.45 am, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party were welcomed by Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Secretary of MCDC Lt-Col Maung Pu and officials.
At the briefing hall, the Secretary-1 and party heard reports of Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein on progress of the construction of the hospital, treatment wards of respective diseases, the construction of staff quarters for doctors, nurses and medical staff, arrangements for medical treatment, supply of water and electricity, and arrangements for the greening of the hospital environment.
Then, Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint made additional reports on assistance being provided by the ministry, the setup of the hospital, and arrangements for the hospitalisation of patients.
Later, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions and inspected the progress of the construction of the hospital.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 left the construction site of the hospital.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt inspects Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University in Meiktila, attends opening of Home for the Aged in Mahlaing
Yangon, 26 March— Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt left here by Tatmadaw aircraft for Meiktila and arrived there at 12.30 pm today.
The Secretary-1 and party together with Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and officials proceeded to the construction site of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University by car. At the briefing hall, Managing Director U Tint Hsan of ACE Construction Company reported to the Secretary-1 on progress of work in construction of the main building, classrooms and staff quarters, future tasks, measures being undertaken for water and electricity supply, cultivation of shady trees and perennial trees for the greening of the environs, design of the archway of the university, stockpiling of construction materials and financial matters. Deputy Minister U Nyi Hla Nge also reported on academic and administrative matters.
After giving necessary instructions, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt inspected construction of MAEU, workshops and staff quarters.
Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University in Meiktila. They were welcomed there by Registrar U Tun Ko Ko, heads of departments and faculty members. The Secretary-1 viewed the learning of the students at the Computer Science Department, collection of reference books at Library and Resource Centre and studying of language at English Department.
Afterwards, General Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions to heads of department, tutors and demonstrators and fulfilled the requirements.
Later, a ceremony to donate cash to the funds of the Home for the Aged was held. The Home for the Aged was opened as a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.
General Khin Nyunt accepted K 2 million donated by Thudhamma Theingi Daw Than Than, K 500,000 by Col Soe Win (Retd) and Daw Khin Khin Ohn and family, K 500,000 by U Khit Hla and Daw Aung Sein, K 300,000 by U Than Maung and Daw Mya Than, K 300,000 by U Maung Maung Tin and Daw Pyone Kyi and K 2 million by 17 wellwishers.
Afterwards, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt signed in the visitors’ book. Then, the Secretary-1 and party together with the wellwishers posed for a documentary photo.
The Secretary-1 and party attended ceremonies to open a primary school, Village Peace and Development Council Office, Village USDA Office and village sports ground in Konle village. The ceremonies were held to hail the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.
Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and donor U Aik Tun, Vice-Chairman of Asia Wealth Bank, formally opened the school. After unveiling the stone plaque of the school, the Secretary-1 inspected the school.
U Aik Tun presented the related documents to Deputy Director-General of No 2 Basic Education Department (Upper Myanmar) U Thaung Khaing. The Secretary-1 presented exercise books and pencils for students of the school.
Back in Mandalay, the Secretary-1 and party visited Myanma Industrial Exhibition (2003) at Hsinbyukan Grounds. At a meeting hall, Patron of the Leading Committee for Holding the Exhibition Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt heard a report on the booths at the exhibition, entertainment programmes, display and sale of goods at the ministries and private booths and the programme to open the exhibition till 31 March presented by Chairman of the Working Committee to Hold the Exhibition Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win. Chairman of the Leading Committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung gave a report on significant success of the exhibition.
The Secretary-1 attended to the needs. He then visited the booth of Trust and Development Co Ltd at the central pavilion, the booths of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of Industry-1, and private enterprises of the Mandalay Industrial Zone, and Dagon South Industrial Zone. Later, he viewed UCM cars assembled in Dagon South Industrial Zone 3; various models of Super Mandalar Jeeps assembled in Mandalay Industrial Zone; Myelatt Jeeps and pumps produced in Meiktila Industrial Zone; cars assembled by South Okkalapa Industrial Zone in Yangon Division, Dagon South Industrial Zone 2, Dagon South Industrial Zone 3, and Dagon North Industrial Zone; drilling machines and other equipment manufactured by Monywa Industrial Zone; Khittaya Pajero cars assembled by Khittaya Industrial Zone (Pyay); YGN Lion cars assembled by Yenangyoung Industrial Zone; and candles, farm machinery and motorcycle parts, cars assembled in Pakokku Industrial Zone, blades of plane manufactured in Mawlamyine Industrial Zone, agricultural equipment and cars, “PaO”, Golden Star, Shan Star saloons, Shan Star Double Cab of Ayethayar Industrial Zone, wood-polishing machines of Tawwin Family of the booth of the Ministry of Forestry and firewood substitute briquette producing machines with interest and gave instructions.
There are 86 booths of the ministries, 190 booths of industrial zones and 47 booths of private entrepreneurs at the Myanma Industrial Exhibition (2003). A total of 68 shops and 36 restaurants are opened there. The Secretary-1 and party spent the night in Mandalay. The Secretary-1, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party left Mandalay by helicopter for PyinOoLwin this morning and arrived at Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) at 10.45 am.
Next, the Secretary-1 delivered an address at the conclusion of Special Refresher Course No 17 for Teachers at CICS (Upper Myanmar). The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the afternoon.
Prizes presented for display of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Exhibition booths
Yangon, 26 March — A ceremony to present prizes for display of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day exhibition booths was held at the meeting hall of Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road at 3 pm today.
Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win presented prizes to the prize wining exhibition booths.
First, master of ceremonies Acting Deputy Curator of the Directorate of Defence Services Historical Museum and Historical Research Institute Maj Zaw Win read out the list of prize winning exhibition booths. Then, Chairman Lt-Gen Kyaw Win of the leading committee presented first prize for ministries to the booth of the Ministry of Industry-1, second prize to the booth of the Ministry of Construction, third prize to the booth of the Ministry of Rail Transportation, fourth prize to the booth of Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs and fifth prize to the booth of Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs.
Then, Chairman of the Committee for Holding the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Exhibitions Vice-Quartermaster General Maj-Gen Htin Aung Kyaw presented consolation prizes for ministries to the booths of the Ministry of Mines, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of Forestry, the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Transport.
Chairman of the Prize Presentation Committee for the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Judge Advocate-General Brig-Gen Soe Maung presented the first prize for command headquarters to the booth of Northern Command, second prize to the booth of Western Command, third prize to the booth of Triangle Region Command, and consolation prizes to the booths of Coastal Region Command, Yangon Command and North-West Command.
Member of the Prize Presentation Committee Chief of Staff (Navy) Rear Admiral Soe Thein presented first prize for directorates of the Ministry of Defence to the booth of Directorate of Armour, second prize to the booth of Directorate of Artillery, third prize to Directorate of Ordnance Services and consolation prizes to the booths of Directorate of Signals, Directorate of Supply and Transport and Directorate of Military Engineers.
Armed Forces Day Literary and Arts Competition and Exhibition opens
Yangon, 26 March — The opening ceremony of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Literary and Arts Competition and Exhibition was held at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall on U Wisara Road this morning.
Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win formally opened the competition and exhibition.
First, master of ceremonies Lt-Commander Myint Zaw (Navy) of the Ministry of Defence explained facts about the literary and arts competitions. Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win formally opened the competition and exhibition.
Then, the master of ceremonies explained facts about the centre piece painting featuring the opening ceremony of the Ayeyawady River Bridge (Magway). Then, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win formally unveiled the painting.
After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and officials together with prize winners posed for documentary photos in front of the central booth.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Kyaw Win and officials viewed round the prize-winning entries of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Literary and Photo Competitions, documentary photos of central level extempore talks competition of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and TV quiz (Basic Education and Higher Education Level), prize-winning sculptures and paintings, prize-winning manuscripts of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day essay, poem, extempore talks, marching and military songs, competitions, prize-winning computer paintings and oil paintings to honour the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Everybody may visit the exhibition kept open between 9 am and 5 pm from 26 March to 4 April free of charge.
Rural roads opened to hail Armed Forces Day
Yangon, 26 March — Hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, new tarred roads built on self-reliance basis in Thingangyun Township and Dagon Myothit (North) Township in Yangon East District as well as a new gravel road linking villages in Hmawby Township in Yangon North District were opened this morning.
Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe attended the ceremonies and opened the roads.
The Loktha tarred road in Thingangyun Township is 2,000 feet long and 14 feet wide. It was built at a total cost of K 9,517,873. Of the total cost, K 3.6 million was contributed by YCDC and K 5,917,873 by the people. The Khadawwhmi, Myatmon, Hintha, Pale (section 1), Aung Myay, Shwethahtay and Kandaw Mingala tarred roads in Dagon Myothit (North) Township are altogether 5,351 feet long and 12 feet wide. They were built at a total cost of K 22,281,000. Of the total cost, K 11,253,000 was contributed by YCDC and K 11,028,000 by the people.
The road linking Hsatthwataw, Nyaung-hnapin, Bodawna and Yaytho Sanpya villages in Hmawby Township is 4,600 feet long. Of the 22 feet wide earthen road, the centre path with the breadth of 12 feet is gravelled. It comprises 3 concrete bridges and was built at a total cost of K 5,076,000. Of the total cost, K 3.6 million was contributed by YCDC and K 5,917,873 by the people. Afterwards, the commander and party inspected the No 2 poultry farm of the Yangon Command and gave necessary instructions.
Sub-printing house opens in Myitkyina, Kachin State
Yangon, 26 March — Hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, a sub-printing house was opened in Myitkyina on 23 March for printing the Myanma Alin and Kyemon dailies published by News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information.
Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe made an opening speech. He said it was an auspicious day for people in Kachin State, for they do not need any more to wait the flights to read newspapers. Like those in Yangon and Mandalay, they now have got a chance to read dailies every day and will know the true situation of the State. Dailies are, in fact, a kind of media that can be read everywhere and at any time. Due to the goodwill of the leaders of the State, villages and towns in the state will get the chance to read dailies every day and this will contribute to development of economic, social, education and health sectors of people in rural areas.
In conclusion, the commander, on behalf of local people in Kachin State, spoke words of thanks to the leaders of the State and the Ministry of Information for opening the sub-printing house there.
Then, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan made a speech. He said Head of State Senior General Than Shwe had given guidance on development of information services all over the country including border areas.
In accordance with the guidance of the Head of State, the ministry had made efforts for opening of the sub-printing house. Dailies will be printed in Myitkyina and people in the town and its environs will have the chance to read dailies in the morning.
Even people at the regions which are far from Myitkyina can read dailies in the evening. The State spent a large amount of money in opening the sub-printing house for national races in the state and the Ministry of Information has made arrangements for the local people to be able to read dailies in time, he said.
The minister urged officials of the sub-printing house, agents, transport associations and local authorities to make cooperation for readers in the state.
The ministry has laid down the five objectives to implement the guidance of the Head of State. The five objectives are to be implemented with the cooperation of local people, wellwishers, local authorities and the assistance rendered by the State. In conclusion, he called for the cooperation of local authorities and wellwishers to successfully implement the five objectives of the ministry. He, on behalf of the ministry, spoke words of thanks to the commander and departmental officials, and urged to be aware of destructive elements using various media to destroy the interests of the people and the country.
Afterwards, PPE Managing Director U Myint Thein made a speech. Kachin State USDA Secretary U Rawan Jone spoke words of thanks on behalf of people in the state.
The minister then formally opened the sub-printing house and the commander the billboard of the sub-printing house.
The commander, the minister and party looked around the sub-printing house.
Sub-printing houses were opened in Mandalay, Magway, Taunggyi, Kengtung and Kale.
So, there are altogether six sub-printing houses including this one in the country.
Armed Forces Day hailedAuto exchange and microwave links opened
Yangon, 26 March — As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, digital auto exchange of Monywa Industrial Zone in Sagaing Division, Yangon-Pathein microwave link No (2) in Ayeyawady Division, Mogok-Momeik microwave link and Hpa-an-Kawkareik microwave link, under the programme for development of communication in rural region, were opened at the respective towns in states and divisions today.
The opening ceremony of Monywa industrial zone digital auto exchange was held at the zone this morning attended by Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Chairman North-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Officer on Special Duty of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Col Win Maung, departmental officials, local people and industrialists.
Similarly, Yangon-Pathein microwave link No (2) was opened at Dedaye microwave station. Mana-ging Director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications U Maung Maung Tin and Pyapon District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Myo Myint formally opened the station.
Under the programme for development of communication in rural regions, the opening ceremony of Mogok-Momeik micro-wave link was held at the microwave station in Momeik, Shan State (North), this morning. Local Tactical Operations Commander Col Aung Nyein, Deputy General Manager of the MPT U Tin Htwe, departmental officials and local people attended the ceremony.
Under the same programme, Hpa-an-Kawkareik microwave link was opened at Kawkareik microwave station in Kayin State this morning. Kawkareik District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col Ko Ko Gyi, Manager of Kayin State MPT U Khin Maung Than, departmental officials and local people attended the opening ceremony.
Yangon, 26 March — Mezaligon-Tontu and Kwinkauk-Zedikhon rural roads were opened to hail the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at Moekhaungkwin in Mezaligon Village-tract, Ingapu Township, Ayeya-wady Division, yesterday morning.
USDA CEC member Brig-Gen Thein Aung attended the opening ceremony of the roads. The Mezaligon-Tontu road was gravelled at a cost of K 4.2 million and the Kwinkauk-Zedikhon road at a cost of about K 3 million.
Afterwards, the CEC member attended the ceremony to donate cash for holding the 14th Saddhamma Pala examination at Sankyaung Pariyatti Dhammayon in the township. Later, the CEC member discussed with the township USDA secretary and executives on rural development tasks at the Township USDA office. Next, he attended the opening of USDA courses at the high school.
Yangon, 26 March — A new building of Chanmya Thazi Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association office in Mandalay Division was opened with a ceremony at the building this morning.
The opening ceremony was attended by MMCWA (Central) Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Patron of Mandalay Division MCWA supervisory committee Daw Myat Ngwe and members, Mandalay District Deputy Commissioner U Soe Moe Naung and officials, members of MCWA, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Women’s Affairs Committee, auxiliary fire brigade and others.
International Relations
Information Minister receives Chinese guests
Yangon, 26 March — Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received visiting Mr Zhang Xicen and party of CCTV of the People’s Republic of China at his office at 3.30 pm today.
Chinese delegation from CCTV arrives
Yangon, 26 March — A three-member delegation led by Mr Zhang Xicen from CCTV of the People’s Republic of China arrived here by air this afternoon.
The delegation arrived here to shoot and broadcast the parade of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day.
