YANGON, 16 Jan - The following are the messages of felicitations from Foreign Heads of State to State Peace and Development Council Chairman of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the 56th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar.

The people of the Kingdom of Bahrain join me in conveying to Your Excellency and the people of Myanmar our cordial congratulations and best greetings on the occasion of the Independence Day. May I avail myself of this opportunity to wish you continued good health and joy, further progress and prosperity to the people of your country. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar, it gives me a great pleasure to convey to Your Excellency on my personal behalf and on behalf of the people of the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya my sincere congratulations and best wishes for Your Excellency's continuous good health and happiness and to the friendly people of the Union of Myanmar progress and prosperity.

YANGON, 16 Jan - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Senior General Than Shwe received visiting Governor of West Bengal State of India Mr Viren J Shah and party at the Credentials Hall of Pyithu Hluttaw Building on Pyay Road here at 10 am today.

Present at the call were Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, Prime Minister of the State General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister U Khin Maung Win, and Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet.

The visiting Governor of West Bengal and party were accompanied by Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Rajiv Kumar Bhatia.

YANGON, 16 Jan - Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar General Khin Nyunt received Chairman of Daewoo International Corporation Mr Lee Tae-Yong and party at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha here at 4.30 pm today.

Also present on the occasion together with the Prime Minister were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Maj-Gen Thein Swe, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and officials.

At the meeting, Chairman Mr Lee Tae-Yong said that under the production sharing contract, the Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise and the Daewoo International Corporation of the Republic of Korea explored and exploited oil and gas at A-1 block offshore Rakhine coast; that the offshore drilling machine Energy Searcher started drilling at Shwe-1 test well in the block on 21 November 2003 and struck a large gas deposit on 26 December 2003 at the G-5 sand layer 10,588 feet below the seabed; that according to the geological condition, the deposit from 4.2 trillion to 5.8 trillion cubic feet of gas is stored in the field.

The chairman added that the deposit is the world class and there are also platinum and silver at the block; that according to the calculations, the whole A-1 block may yield up to 14 trillion cubic feet of gas; that therefore, they were there to ask for permits to explore and exploit oil and gas at other blocks that will benefit the State much and report the success in exploring oil and gas offshore Rakhine State.

YANGON, 16 Jan - A coordination meeting on the development of Myanma gems industry took place at the meeting hall-1 of the Ministry of Mines at 2 pm today, with an address by Prime Minister of the State General Khin Nyunt.

Also present at the meeting were ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the deputy minister of the Ministry of Mines, members of the leading committee for Myanma gems industry development, personnel of the State Peace and Development Council Office, and departmental heads.

Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint reported on the condition of State's income from gems industry, of the proceeds from the 2003 mid-year gems exhibition and of the mining of gems on a mutually beneficial basis, and arrangements for development of gems industry. Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein next reported on tasks being carried out by the central committee for gems supervision, gem mining works being conducted by the State and private entrepreneurs on mutual benefit.

In response to the reports, Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt said as systematic steps are taken to develop Myanma gems industry through more exploitation of jades and gems which fetch high prices, the mining sector has become a one of the major sources of income for the State. Besides gems, the exploitation of more gold, silver, pearl and other mineral resources should also be undertaken on a broader scale.

Later, the Prime Minister urged officials of the ministry to make efforts to get more earnings from the mining sector.

YANGON, 16 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and member Lt-Gen Ye Myint met with members of Kachin State Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, members of Myitkyina District and Township Peace and Development Councils, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and social organizations and townselders at the city hall in Myitkyina on 13 January morning.

Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe reported to the Secretary-1 on area of Kachin State, total sown acreage of crops, cultivation of summer and monsoon paddy, per acre yield, cultivation of oil crops, pulses and beans, kitchen crops, corn, rubber, tea, pepper and Thitseint (Balleric Myrobalam), water supply tasks, livestock breeding tasks, industries, transportation, education, health, and regional development tasks in Kachin State.

After hearing the report, the Secretary-1 made a speech. He said service personnel in Kachin state would take pride in being ones who served in the interests of the nation and local people would be pleased with the development, stability and peace acquired through their united strength. Various national races were residing in Kachin State since yore just like those in all other states and divisions of the Union. There were bright prospects for development in Kachin State because it was complete with favourable conditions for agriculture and rich in natural resources, said the Secretary-1.

Kachin State, which had not been able to produce sufficient rice for itself previously, began to enjoy the sufficiency of food. Effort must be exerted for the production of surplus food in Kachin State, the Secretary-1 added. As the Government was rendering assistance for the development of the agriculture sector, total sown acreage of the country reached 26.8 million acre. The Government had laid a firm foundation for production of sufficient food not only for the present generation but also for the growing population of the generations to come, the Secretary-1 said. Efforts were being made to turn the farming system into a mechanized one. In so doing, extensive use of power tillers, reaping machines and winnowing machines must be encouraged. The Government as well as private entrepreneurs were striving to produce farm machinery. National entrepreneurs and local people must be encouraged to invest in the agriculture sector. As there were possibilities to reclaim large area of farms in Kachin State, agricultural works of it would benefit the state and the country. Perennial crops must also be grown in the state, the Secretary-1 pointed out.

As a new policy of free trade of rice and paddy had been adopted as of 2003, it was required to boost cultivation. Mali Hydel Power project in Waingmaw Township, which would be able to produce over 10 megawatt on completion, and Dabut Creek Hydel project, which would be able to produce 24 megawatt, were being implemented in Kachin State. The projects would contribute towards the industrial development of Kachin State, the Secretary-1 said.

The State was also making efforts for the development of the transport sector of Kachin State by construction of 9 highways and 45 roads linking towns and villages in the state. Arrangements had been made for the development of the basic and higher education sectors of the state. Efforts must be made to ensure the schooling of all the school-aged children, the Secretary-1 added.

The Secretary-1 called on responsible officials at different levels to strive for the continued development of Kachin State. The Government had successfully made efforts to ensure the stability of the State, community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order in accord with the four political objectives. Economic, social and transport infrastructures had been implemented in the country, the Secretary-1 said. It was essential for the nation to be a discipline flourishing democracy complete with intellectuals and prosperity after the seven-point future policy programme of the State had been implemented.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged those present to strive for the development of the entire nation unitedly. Next, Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Hse presented clothes and other gifts worth over K 2.1 million for Kachin State to the Secretary-1.

She also presented K 700,000 for Kachin State development to Lt-Gen Ye Myint.

She and her family and friends donated blankets and clothes worth K 1.7 million to the state. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe accepted the gifts.

The commander's wife Daw Tin Tin Nwe, Patron of the Kachin State Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee, presented K 450,000 to the School for the Blind in Myitkyina.

At Myitkyina Airport, the Secretary-1 and party observed tar laying of the runway that was 6,000 feet long and 50 feet wide.

On arrival at Bhamo Airport, they were welcomed by Brig-Gen Soe Nwe of Bhamo Station and officials. Deputy Minister for Transport Col Nyan Tun Aung and personnel concerned explained the runway extension project of the airport and progress of work. Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint looked into their requirements. The Secretary-1 and party then inspected the project. The runway is a 5,500-foot by 100-foot tarred facility.

With the use of heavy machinery, the runway is being extended up to 8,500 feet. The 200-foot by 300-foot apron is also being tarred.

At the Bhamo Government Computer College, the Secretary-1 and party heard a report on the academic matters, teaching aids and staff strength presented by Principal Daw Khin Kyu Kyu. Commander Maj-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein and officials explained the upgrading of roads in the campus and the plan to construct the three-storey main hall. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win urged the teachers to train their students to become computer experts. Later, the Secretary-1 and party went round the college.

During the inspection of Bhamo Degree College, they heard a report on the academic programmes and progress in building of halls presented by Principal U Khin Maung Tin and officials. The Secretary-1 urged the faculties to strive for the college to meet its required standard. He then cordially greeted them. The Secretary-1 and party went round the college and visited the computer training centre and the language laboratory.

They also inspected the Nursing and Midwifery Training School and the 200-bed Bhamo District People's Hospital where officials reported to them on extension projects and functions.

At the Government Technological College, officials reported to them on progress in erection of workshops and staff quarters, the two-storey main hall under construction and management and academic matters. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the main hall, teaching aids, computer room, workshops and lecture halls.

They paid respects to Sayadaws of the monasteries in Bhamo at Sasana Beikman at 3.30 pm, and received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kaljana. They then presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

At the Bhamo District USDA Office, the Secretary-1 met with secretaries, executives and members of Bhamo District, Bhamo Township, Mansi Township, Momauk Township and Shwegu Township USDAs.

YANGON, 16 Jan - The Committee for Preventing Recruitment of Child Soldiers held its first coordination meeting at Zeyarthiri Beikman in Konmyinttha here this afternoon.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of the committee Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein, members of the committee Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister for Labour U Tin Winn, Judge Advocate-General Brig-Gen Soe Maung, Deputy Chief Justice U Thein Soe, Deputy Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin and Vice-Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Aung Kyi, Secretary of the committee Col Aung San Tin of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads.

The committee chairman made a speech. In his speech, he said that the meeting was held to seek ways and means to safeguard the interest of children by protecting them from being recruited for military service in the country and to render supervision for ensuring the strict observance of rules, regulations and directives concerning the prevention against recruitment of children for military service.

The committee members Minister U Win Aung, Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister U Tin Winn and Deputy Attorney-General Dr Tun Shin reported on prevention against recruitment of children for military service. Committee Secretary Col Aung San Tin reported on measures being taken by the Office of the Adjutant-General of the Ministry of Defence for preventing minors from being recruited for military service. Maj-Gen Aung Kyi reported on steps being taken by the office of the Chief of Armed Forces Training under the Ministry of Defence for prevention against recruitment of children for military service.

Next, discussions were held on matters relating to measures actually being taken to protect children from forceful recruitment for military service; and future work programmes.

The meeting ended in the evening with the concluding remarks by Committee Chairman Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

YANGON, 16 Jan - With the aim of developing global tourism industry in Taninthayi Division, a coordination meeting on organizing Salone Traditional Festival was held at the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism on Merchant Street in Botahtaung Township here this morning, with an address by Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw.

Present at the meeting were Head of Office of Chief of Military Intelligence Brig-Gen Khin Aung, Captain Nyan Thein of Tatmadaw (Navy), Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services U Htay Aung and officials, Myanmar Hotliers Association Chairman Dr Khin Shwe, Myanmar Tour Operators Association Chairman U Khin Zaw and officials.

Brig-Gen Khin Aung explained the successful holding of Salone Traditional Festival and arrangements for the development of Salone region. Capt Nyan Thein, the chairmen of the associations and entrepreneurs reported on their respective sectors. Later, the minister attended to the requirements.

YANGON, 16 Jan - Minister for Rail Transportation Maj-Gen Aung Min, accompanied by Deputy Minister U Pe Than and officials of Myanmar Railways inspected Kyaw-Pakokku railroad section on Pakokku-Gangaw-Kalay railroad on 11 January.

Starting their tour form Kyaw Station, the minister and party inspected maintenance tasks of railroads near Mile Post 112 between Wapin Station and Kyawtha Station, earth works at Kyaukleik Valley between Gaungpaung Station and Kyawtha Station and maintenance of Minkaing Bridge and sanitation tasks.

On 12 January, the minister and party went to the briefing hall of Chauk Station at Kyeeni-Chauk railroad construction project site. Divisional senior engineer U Than Tun reported on construction progress of Kyeeni-Chauk railroad, future works and stockpile of heavy machinery and parts. Then the minister looked into the construction tasks and Kyeeni Station and gave necessary instructions to officials. The minister, the deputy minister and officials also inspected Hsatthwa-Aunglan-Pyay railroad section and fulfilled the needs there.

YANGON, 16 Jan - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than, Managing Director U Thein Htay of Myanma Port Authority, Commander Col Yan Naing Oo of No 4 Military Region and Secretary Lt-Col Myint Kyi of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, inspected regional development tasks along the Yangon River in Yangon South District yesterday morning.

First, the commander and party left Nanthida jetty by boat and inspected the upgrading tasks along Yangon port. Next, the commander and party went to the river mouth by boat and inspected development tasks along the river. Afterwards, the commander gave instructions on cleaning tasks along the river to the officials concerned. Later, the commander and party arrived at Myatseinkyun in Kawhmu Township.

The responsible officials reported to the commander on agriculture and livestock breeding tasks. The commander gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, the commander and party proceeded to the river mouth by boat. Next, the commander viewed the tasks being carried out by the pilots of the Maykhala pilot boat at the river mouth and gave necessary instructions.

YANGON, 16 Jan - The TV Quiz (higher education level) to mark the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day was held at Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road this morning. Present on the occasion were Chairman of the Work Committee for Organizing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative TV Quiz Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Secretary of the Work Committee Director-General of the MRTV U Khin Maung Htay, officials, teachers and students.

The first prize went to Maung Thiha Tun of Yangon Institute of Medicine (2), the second to Maung Lwin Naing Tun of Yangon Cooperatives Degree College (Thanlyin) and the third to Maung Kyaw Moe of the University for Development of National Races (Sagaing).

The prizes will be given away to the winners at the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day prize presentation ceremony.

YANGON, 16 Jan - The TV Quiz (Basic Education Level), to mark the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, was held at Studio A, MRTV on Pyay Road here yesterday morning, attended by Chairman of the Work Committee for holding the quiz Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein.

Also present were Work Committee Secretary Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of MRTV, Director-General U Bo Win of Education Planning & Training Department, Director-General U Saw Lwin of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar), Director-General U Tin Nyo of No 1 Basic Education Department, officials, teachers and students. Altogether 17 students from states and divisions took part in the quiz. Maung Zeya Phyo (9th standard) of Ahlon BEHS-2 in Yangon Division won the first prize, Maung Nay Myo Zaw (9th standard) of Monywa BEHS-2 (Ahlon Tatmyo) in Sagaing Division the second prize and Maung D Ye Lin (9th standard) of Myeik BEHS-1 in Taninthayi Division the third prize. Prizes will be presented to the winners at the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day prize-presentation ceremony.

YANGON, 16 Jan - The 13th Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Contest to mark the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day 2004 continued at the People's Square on Pyay Road this morning.

Bands of the students representing Lanmadaw Township No 1 Basic Education High School and Kamayut Township Institute of Education's Practising School presented skills demonstrations.

Next, Triangle Region Command band troupe, No 2 Basic Military Training Depot troupe, Coastal Region Command company-2 band troupe, South-West Command band troupe, No 101 LID band troupe and Coastal Region Command company-1 band troupe took part in the contest.

Chairman of the Committee for Organizing the contest Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe presented cash awards to the band troupes of the students. Also present on the occasion were senior military officers, members of the panel of judges, guests, students and others.

YANGON, 16 Jan - Satellite TV receiver licences for the year 2003, granted by Directorate of Telecommunications, had been valid on 31 December 2003.

The reminders of satellite TV receiver licence renewal fees to be paid for 2004 had been carried in the daily newspapers. Licence fees are to be paid within 30 days after the validity of licence. A fine of K 3000 will have to be paid in case of late renewal. It is reminded that regular licence renewal fees are to be paid within the period from 1 to 30 January.

YANGON, 16 Jan - Visiting Governor of West Bengal State of India Mr Viren J Shah and party, accompanied by responsible personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visited Shwedagon Pagoda this morning. Officials of the pagoda board of trustees welcomed the visiting Governor of West Bengal State of India and party and conducted them round the pagoda.

After paying homage to the replica of Shwedagon Pagoda on the platform, the visiting Indian Governor of West Bengal State signed in the visitors' book of the pagoda and donated cash to the pagoda funds.

The Indian delegation also paid homage to the Jade Buddha Image on the platform of the pagoda and studied the Bell donated by King Thayawady and the old Htidaw hoisted by King Mindon.

On arrival at the King Zafar Shah's Tomb on Ziwaka Street in Dagon Township, U Soe Min, chairman of the supervisory committee for the Tomb, and officials welcomed the Indian delegation. After paying tribute to the tomb, they left there.

In the afternoon, the visiting Governor of West Bengal State of India and party arrived at the Drug Elimination Museum at the corner of Kyundaw Street and Hanthawady Road in Kamayut Township. They were welcomed there by In-charge of the museum Police Lt-Col Hse Maung and the curator and officials of the museum.

The visiting Indian delegation were conducted round the museum. Next, the Governor of West Bengal of India signed in the visitors' book of the museum. Police Lt-Col Hse Maung presented 'documentary books on drug eradication activities in Myanmar' to the visiting Governor of West Bengal of India.

The visiting Indian delegation also went to Myanma Gems Museum on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, where they were conducted round the museum by officials.

The visiting Governor of West Bengal of India and party left the museum in the evening.

YANGON, 16 Jan - Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha and Ambassador of Japan to Myanmar Mr Yuji Miyamoto signed two notes at the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development this morning and exchanged the notes. According to the notes, the Government of Japan will offer assistance worth yen 159 million for human resources development scholarship project to Myanmar. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Col Hla Thein Swe, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, officials of the Japanese Embassy and officials.

YANGON, 16 Jan - Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw received Mr Lee Tae-Yong, Chairman of Daewoo International Corporation of Korea, and party at his office at 3 pm today.

Yesterday afternoon, the minister also received Mr Guy Cervelle, Director of TMR of Phoenix Holidays Asia Group from France, and party at his office at 3.30 pm.

YANGON, 16 Jan - After a nine-hour surgical operation, doctors were able to replant the amputated right forearm of a 55-year-old man at Yangon General Hospital on 11 January.

The operation started at 8.45 pm, and two hours later, the doctors were able to replant the vein and the artery of forearm of the patient, U Than Maung, whose right forearm was cut off when he was attacked by a sword. Doctors gave him I/V Heparin (5000-unit) injection to prevent blood clotting.

U Than Maung was transferred from Thin-gangyun Sanpya Hospital, where he was initially warded, to YGH at 5.30 pm on 11 January.

The health condition of the patient is improving under intensive care at a special ward at the hospital. He can now move his fingers.

Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint and Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo visited the patient at the hospital this morning. Medical Superintendent Dr Teik Wan, Surgical Specialist Dr Kyaw Htay and officials gave reports on the patient and the operation. The minister looked into the requirements. It is the third time in Myanmar doctors have successfully replanted an amputated arm.

The State has provided one operation microscope each to Yangon and Mandalay general hospitals. The unit price of the microscope is US $ 55,000. Medical doctorate degree course on hand surgery is being conducted at Institute of Medicine-1 in Yangon to produce medical practitioners.

YANGON, 16 Jan - The Second International Computer Ph.D Level Research Conference organized by Yangon University of Computer Studies under the Ministry of Science and Technology was held in conjunction with the signing of the agreements on technological cooperation at the Traders Hotel here on 8 January.

Present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein, the rector of the university, the pro-rector, professors, computer scientists, professors and officials from the universities in the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Singapore, Japan and Australia, under Ph.D graduates of the YUCS and guests.

The YUCS launched the Computer Ph.D Course on 14 May 2001. With a view to enabling the candidates to compile their theses for Computer Ph.D degree in conformity with the international standard, the YUCS is taking measures in cooperation with Hankuk Aviation University (HAU) (Korea), Hee University (Korea), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST), Keio University (Japan) and Osaka City University (Japan).

The First International Computer Ph.D Level Paper Reading Session took place in January 2003 and the second on 8 January 2004, and submitted at the sessions were 12 papers from the ROK, two from Japan, one form Canada, seven from Singapore, two from Australia, two from the People's Republic of China and 64 from Yangon University of Compute Studies. The under Ph.D graduates from the YUCS also attended the conferences and read their papers.

Next, the seminar on computer application followed at the venue. Professor Dr Keung Hae Lee of the HAU read the paper "Ubiquitous Computing in the Home"; Professor Dr Hiromitsu Hama of Osaka City University (Japan), the paper "Basics for Moving Image Processing"; and Dr Jong Sou Park of the HAU, the paper "Internet Security and Survivability". It was followed by a general round of discussions and queries were raised.

In the evening, the signing ceremony was held. Pro-rector of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University U Tin Maung Nyunt and the President of the HAU signed the agreement between the MAEU and the HAU, and Rector of the YUCS Dr Paik Tin and President Dr Soon Kil Hong of the HAU signed the deal between the YUCS and the HAU.

YANGON, 16 Jan - The second round matches of the ITF 14 and Under ASIAN Championship 2004 Asia Zone-2 jointly organized by the International Tennis Federation and Myanmar Tennis Federation, continued at Theinbyu Tennis Court here this morning.

Among the spectators were Patron of Myanmar Tennis Federation Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Chairman U Zaw Zaw (Max Myanmar Co), Secretary Dr Tin Aung Linn (Aung Mingalar Co) and executives, diplomats and military attachés of foreign missions, guests and tennis enthusiasts.

After the men's and women's singles events, Phyo Min Tha, Aik Kyaw, Win Htet Paing, Zin Bo and Moe Chit The of Myanmar moved to quarter finals.

In the men's singles event, Aik Kyaw of Myanmar beat Saif of Maldives 6-0, 6-0 and Dinesh Kanthan of Sri Lanka 6-2, 6-2; Pyo Min Tha of Myanmar beat Prince of Sri Lanka 6-2, 6-0; Win Htet Paing of Myanmar beat Nazar of Pakistan 6-1, 6-0; and Zin Bo of Myanmar beat Aung Ko Ko of Myanmar 6-1, 6-2.

In the women's singles event, Moe Chit The of Myanmar beat Abdulla of Maldives 6-1, 6-1. The second round quarter final matches of the championship will continue tomorrow at the same venue.

YANGON, 16 Jan - The Yangon Division inter-pre-primary school sports meets took place at Aung San Gymnasium this morning. Among the spectators were Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, officials, responsible persons from Mo. Asia Co Ltd Dumex and Loi Hein Co Ltd and others.

After the events, the minister and wife, the deputy minister and wife and officials presented prizes to the winners. The first prize for the physical skill contest went to No 1 Pre-primary School, the second to No 2 Pre-primary School and the third to the pre-primary school of the National Defence College.