YANGON, 17 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended Vijaya Mangala Dhamma Thabin on Kaba Aye hill here this afternoon to pay obeisance to Ovadacariya Sayadaws and members of the Sangha who took the 56th Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Selection Examination and presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by officials from the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Vijaya Mangala Dhamma Thabin on Kaba Aye hill where the 56th Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Selection Examination was being held.

The Prime Minister was welcomed there by Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser U Arnt Maung, directors-general, the deputy directors-general and officials from the ministry.

The Prime Minister paid obeisance to Tipitakadhara Selection Ovadacariya Sayadaws led by Chairman of Tipitakadhara Selection Ovadacariya Association Mawlamyine Sasana Manaung Wepyan Sarthintaik Presiding Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Vijayabhivamsa. The Prime Minister presented religious books and sets of robes to the Sayadaws.

The Prime Minister accepted second volumes of Abhidhamma Pitaka Vibakka Palidaw books (Myanmar Translation) worth K 3 million donated by Chairman of World Peace IT Co U Maung Maung Hlaing-Daw Wah Wah Tun family of Myakantha 2nd Street in Kamayut Township and handed over the books to Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister inspected renovation of Maha Pasana Cave. He was conducted around there by Yangon Division Superintending Engineer U Nyunt Maung San and officials.

After leaving necessary instructions, the Prime Minister left there in the afternoon.

YANGON, 17 Jan - The 45th Founding Anniversary of Maha Visuddhayon (Pali University) Shwekyin Kyaungtaik and the ceremony to honour members of the Sangha who passed the examinations was held at Manawrama Eicchasaya Kyaung of the monastery on Nandawun Road, Bahan Township, this morning, attended by Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.

Present on the occasion were State Ovadacariya Sayadaws Shwekyin Joint-Sasanabaing Sayadaw Abhi-dhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Rajindabhi-vamsa of Thirimanda San Kyaung in Bahan Township and Shwekyin Joint-Sasanabaing Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhad-danta Jotipala of Kyak-hatwaing Kyaungtaik in Bago, State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Saya-daws, Tipitaka Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Presiding Saya-daw Tipitakadhara Dhamma Bandagarika Agga Maha Pandita Ashin Sirinanda-bhivamsa of Maha Visud-dhayon (Pali University) Shwekyin Kyaungtaik (Yaw Sayadaw), and Nayaka Sayadaws, lecturer Saya-daws and members of the Sangha who passed the examinations, members of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee, invited Sayadaws, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, religious association members, chairmen and members of township and ward PDCs, disciples and wellwishers.

Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt and the congregation received the Eight Precepts from State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Shwekyin Joint-Sasana-baing Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Rajinda-bhivamsa.

Sishin Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Agga Ñanabhivamsa of Maha Visuddhayon Taikthit in Mandalay read the record of founding the monastery and Chairman of Weya-wutsa Association of the monastery Captain Maung Tin (Retd) spoke words of delight.

The Prime Minister presented offertories to the Shwekyin Joint-Sasana-baing Bahan Thirimanda San Kyaung Sayadaw, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers and departmental heads to the Shwekyin Joint-Sasana-baing Bago Kyakhatwaing Sayadaw, the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaws, the Tipitaka Ovadacariya Sayadaws, the Maha Visuddhayon (Pali University) Shwekyin Kyaungtaik Presiding Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.

The Prime Minister then presented certificates of honour and awards to Ashin Iindaka who had passed the Tipitakadhara Selection Examination 2003 of the State and won the Vinajadhara Vinajakovida title, the Digabanaka title and the Dwipitakadhara title.

The commander and the ministers presented certificates of honour and awards to Ashin Sirakitjana who won the Vinijadhara Vinaja-kovida title at the Tipitakadhara Selection Examination 2003 of the State and Pitakattaya Paragu title at Suwunnabonmi Pariyatti Sasanahita Examination in Thaton, Shin Veija Nanda Lankara who stood first in the whole country at Pathamalat class of Pahtamabyan examination, Shin Javana Lankara who stood third in the whole country at Pahtamange class, Shin Janeya Lankara who won first in the whole country at Engottara Nikaya Vidhu of the Nikaya Examination of the State and Samanekyaw title, and Shin Tikkha Lankara who won three Samanekyaw titles at Mandalay Thakyathiha Samanekyaw examination, Bago Pariyatti Saddhamma Rakkhita Samanekyaw examination and Taunggyi Kanbawza Samanekyaw examination.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister left there.

The second session of the ceremony was then held.

Myingyan Mahasi Sasana Yeiktha Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indobhasa (Vinajadhara Vinajakovi-da) read the verses written by the Mandalay Maha Visuddhayon Taik Mingala Beikman Sayadaw and the Kantawya Pariyatti Sar-thintaik Sayadaw in Gangaw.

The chairman and members of Weyawutsa Association of the monastery presented certificates of honour and awards to members of the Sangha from the monastery who passed examinations. The Maha Visud-dhayon (Pali University) Shwekyin Kyaungtaik Presiding Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained for good deeds. Afterwards, the ceremony came to a close with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa.

The ceremony was held to honour 96 members of the Sangha from the monastery who passed the examinations of the State and other associations - six members of the Sangha who passed the 55th Tipitaka Selection Examination of the State with credit, six members of the Sangha who passed State Dhammacariya (Lecture) examination (three treatises), one member of the Sangha who won Pitakattaya Paragu title, two members of the Sangha who passed Pahtamagyi examination, 12 members of the Sangha who passed Pahtamalat examination, 14 members of the Sangha who passed the Pahtamange examination, three members of the Sangha who won Vinaja Vidhu title, four members of Sangha who won Inguttara Nikaya Vidhu title and members of the Sangha who passed other examinations of Buddhist missionary associations and departments.

YANGON, 18 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt visited the Cooperative Product Exhibition and Market Festival-2004 organized by the Ministry of Cooperatives at the Cooperative Trade Centre (Saya San Plaza) at the corner of New University Avenue and Saya San Road in Bahan Township this evening.

First, the Prime Minister, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the exhibition at 3 pm. The Prime Minister was welcomed there by Minister for Cooperatives Maj-Gen Htay Oo and ministers, the Mayor of Yangon and departmental heads.

Next, the Prime Minister and party viewed the booths of consumer products, foodstuff, regional products, weaving traditional costumes of national races, the spinning of thread from water lily stems, the weaving of water lily thread into robes and weaving Zinmei longyi of Shan State at the first floor of the plaza.

Next, the Prime Minister and party inspected the booths of the Ministry of Industry-1 and the Ministry of Industry-2, cooperative societies and private industries.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party viewed the jewellery shops, souvenir shops, gem mosaic paintings, biomass gas engines of Myanmar Inventors Cooperative Ltd, demonstration of running engines with the power of bio-gas, marine products of Mon and Rakhine States, import substitute items, foodstuff, textile and furniture of state/division cooperative societies and private industries.

Next, the Prime Minister and party inspected the vehicles and generators manufactured by industrial zones, cooperatives societies and private industries in the compound of the plaza.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party viewed the booths of rice marketing and red coral groupers culturing of Annawa Devi Fisheries Cooperative Society on the ground floor and vehicles assembled in Dagon Seikkan Industrial Zone. Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo and officials conducted the Prime Minister and party round the exhibition.

At the request of the visitors, the exhibition and festival was extended to 21 January from 9 am to 9 pm.

Later, the Prime Minister and party arrived at the site of cleaning and beautifying Inya Lake on Gaba Aye Pagoda Road. Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and officials welcomed the Prime Minister and party.

Next, the Prime Minister and party inspected the dredging of the lake and maintenance tasks of the embankment. The mayor conducted the Prime Minister round the work site. The Prime Minister gave instructions on taking measures for cleanliness of the lake and conservation of natural environs. The Prime Minister left the work site at 5 pm.

YANGON, 18 Jan - Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt attended the opening of a refectory and merit-sharing ceremony held at Dhammacariya University Alodawpyae Monastery (Yangon) in Dagon Myothit (East) Township, Yangon East District, this morning.

Present on the occasion were State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Vice-Chairman Bahan Township Aung Myay Bonsan Monastery Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Panyinda Bhivamsa and member Sayadaws, Tipitakadhara Selection Ovadhacariya Committee Chairman Mawlamyine Sasana Manaung Wepyan Monastery Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vijaya Bhivamsa, Dhammacariya University Alodawpyae Monastery (Yangon) Presiding Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Ahriya Bhivamsa and members of the Sangha, Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the SPDC office, department heads, wellwishers and guests.

At the auspicious time, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and wellwisher Academy Htet Htet Moe Oo formally opened the refectory building by cutting a ribbon.

Next, the Prime Minister formally unveiled the stone inscriptions of the building and sprayed scented water on it. Then the merit-sharing ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vijaya Bhivamsa invested the congregation with the Five Precepts, and Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited parittas.

The Prime Minister, the commander, the ministers and wellwishers presented offertories to the monks.

U Maung Shi-Thiha Thuddhamma Theingi Thudamma Theingi Daw Ma Nyunt Sein of Sittway donated K 40 million for construction of Alodawpyae Monastery Saddhamma Vijaya Kyaunghsaung (B); Daw Aye Mya Nwe of Bagan Hotel, K 20 million for construction of Dhammacariya University Sangha's Hospital; and Thiri Thuddhamma Mani Jotadhara U Kyaw Min and U Tha Aye of Nile Industries Co Ltd, K 10 million for construction of Dhammacariya University Refectory. The commander and Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panyinda Bhivamsa then delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. The ceremony came to a close with the three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Tithatu.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party and wellwishers offered soon to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

YANGON, 18 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, accompanied by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Tha Aye, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, on 16 January morning, left Leshi by helicopter and arrived at Htamanthi Model Village in Homalin Township.

Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win and party together with member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint who had already arrived at the village and officials, proceeded to Htamanthi Station Hospital where they inspected the operation theatre and X-ray unit.

At the hall of the hospital, the Secretary-1 met with departmental officials of Hkamti and Homalin Townships and officials of Htanmathi Model Village.

At the meeting, Station Hospital Medical Officer Dr Thit Lwin reported on requirement of medical equipment and Headmaster of Htamanthi Basic Education High School (Branch) U Aung Zan, on requirement of a new school building.

Deputy Minister for Education Col Aung Myo Min and Director-General of Health Department Dr Wan Maung give supplementary reports. Next, Commander Maj-Gen Tha Aye reported on work to be carried out for regional development to the Secretary-1 who gave necessary instructions.

After that, the Secretary-1 presented cash for the trust fund of the hospital to Dr Thit Lwin. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected Htamanthi BEHS (Branch) and gave instructions.

On arrival at Yazagyo Dam project in Kalay Township, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye of Kalay Station and officials of Irrigation Department. At the briefing hall, the director of ID Construction Group-4 reported on progress of work and future tasks and arrangements being made for implementing Myaung Chaung (Kyaw Ywa) Dam project.

In response to the report, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and inspected construction ofthe retaining wall there.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party looked into the site chosen for construction of the main embankment and work being carried out for the project. The aim of the project is to irrigate 6500 acres of farmland for development of Myittha Valley region and to generate 5 maga- watt of electricity.

On arrival at Kalaywa by helicopter, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Col Nyi Tun of Kyigon Station and officials.

Next, they proceeded to Myittha Bridge (Kalaywa) construction project site. At the briefing hall, Senior Engineer U Kyaw Lin reported on progress of work in constructing the bridge and work being carried out.

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and looked into the project site. Myittha Bridge (Kalaywa) is to link Kalaywa, which is the end of Monywa-Ahlon-Yargyi-Myoma-Kalaywa road, with Shan Tat village. Efforts are being made for timely completion of the 1,320 feet long bridge.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the project site and proceeded to Kalaywa Township People's Hospital where they inspected the X-ray unit, dental unit, wards and operation theatre.

Next, they arrived at Kalaywa Basic Education High School and inspected the computer skills room, the computer aided instruction room and the audio lab room and viewed the skills demon-stration of the students.

Next, Headmaster U Win Myint reported on construction of a two-storey school building to the Secretary-1 who attended to the needs.

On arrival at Kalay University, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Pro-Rector U Kyaw Ye Tun, professors and faculty members.

At the hall of the university, the Secretary-1 met with professors, associate professors, lecturers and assistant lecturers and faculty members.

The Pro-Rector reported on courses being conducted at the university, number of the students, strength of academic and administrative staff and requirements.

In response to the report, Vice-Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win gave instructions. He said that they were there to meet with fellow education staff of the university and to fulfil the requirements, that includes buses for the students and upgrading of the entrance to the university.

He said he felt pleased to learn that students from Chin State and Sagaing Division are pursuing education at the university happily. It can be attributed to the goodwill and efforts of faculty members led by the Pro-Rector.

The Tatmadaw, since its assumption of the State duties, has been making efforts for national development after laying down plans and progress has been made in political, economic, education, health and communication sectors. The government will continue to make efforts for national development whatever hindrances and obstacles are.

A modern and developed nation will have to be built with intellectuals and intelligentsia. Thus, universities, colleges and institutes were opened across the nation for the emergence of highly qualified human resources. In the process, faculty members are to train and teach the students to become outstanding ones capable of serving the interests of the State and the people.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Kalay Industrial Zone.

At the briefing hall, the chairman of Kalay District Peace and Development Council and the chairman of the Industries Supervisory Committee reported on establishment of the industrial zone, production of light trucks, farm equipment and machines for small-scale Hydel power.

In response to the report, Chairman of Industrial Development Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win gave instructions. He said that the Kalay Industrial Zone being established is assumed to be keeping abreast with other industrial zones with the exception of Yangon, Mandalay, Ayethayar and Monywa industrial zones.

Kalay Industrial Zone was set up with the aim of enhancing the standard of private industries and of enabling the industrialists to become prosperous.

The government has already established the basic infrastructures including economic, education and health sectors. Therefore, priority will have to be given to development of the industrial sector. The government will make strenuous efforts for development of industrial sector with added momentum starting from the year 2004.

To ensure availability of electricity in rural regions, the industrial zones including Kalay Industrial Zone are needed to produce small-scale and medium-scale machines for hydel power and efforts are to be made for producing quality machines for hydel power.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected machines for hydel power, turbines and spare parts for turbines and small-scale machines for hydel power. Next, they looked into farm equipment, harvesters, machines for general purpose and others. Next, they inspected various kinds of Myanmar Super Jeeps and light trucks and the site for extension of the industrial zone.

In the evening, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Kalay Government Technical College where they met with the principals and faculty members of the Government Technical College and Government Computer College.

At the meeting, Principal of GTC U Than Win and Principal of GCC Daw Aye Aye Thein reported on courses being conducted, number of the students, strength of faculty members and staff and work being carried out for greening the environs of the colleges.

Next, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology Dr Chan Nyein reported on fulfilment of teaching and learning aids and new buildings to be constructed for the colleges.

Next, the Secretary-1 gave instructions, saying that the faculty members are to try their utmost to keep pace with changes and developments through innovation. As they are well-versed and highly qualified ones, they are to teach and train their students to become the outstanding ones. Next, the Secretary-1 presented gifts to the principals, on behalf of the faculty members.

Yesterday morning, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the 10-kilo-watt hydel power plant constructed at the regional battalion in Kalay and gave necessary instructions.

Next, they paid homage to ancient Buddha images kept at Dhammayon Kyaungtaik in Kalay and presented offertories to Presiding Sayadaw of the Kyaungtaik Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotika adhaja Bhaddanta Dhammapala.

Next, they proceeded to Kalay BEHS No 1 and inspected construction of the two-storey new school building.

Later, the Secretary-1 met with Headmaster U Sein Lwin and teachers and gave instructions on academic matters.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Yokpwa Tahtaung Yehsan Kyunmyat at Htako Parti Phaya Kyaung in Kalay and the Secretary-1 signed in the visitors' book.

On arrival at Kalay District General Hospital, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by the medical superintendent, specialists, nurses and hospital staff.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected children ward, medical ward, the OG ward and intensive care unit, delivery room and operation theatre.

At the briefing hall, the medical superintendent reported on the strength of specialists, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, fulfilment of medicines, medical equipment, laboratory equipment, common diseases of the region and treatment, mobile medical treatment of specialists and raising of trust funds for the hospital. Next, Director-General of Health Department Dr Wan Maung gave a supplementary report.

After giving necessary instructions, the Secretary-1 greeted specialists and doctors. Next, member of Panel of Patrons of Union Solidarity and Development Association (Central) Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win met with secretaries of Kalay and Kalaywa Township Union Solidarity and Development Associations and executives at the hall of Kalay Station and gave instructions.

Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win and party left for Yangon by Myanma Airways and arrived back here in the evening.

YANGON, 18 Jan - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, who accompanied Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win on his tour as a member, together with officials from the SPDC Office, officers from the North-West Command, the Chief Engineer of Khamti District Public Works and officials, on 16 January morning, inspected the 4-mile long Leshi-Htamanthi Road and gave necessary instructions.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint and officials left Leshi by car and arrived at mile post 32/1 on the road and inspected there. At mile post 30/1, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected the site for construction of a detour and gave instructions.

He inspected the 40-ft long wooden bridges at mile posts 29/4 and 28/2. After viewing the wooden bridge at mile post 26/3, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to mile post 24/4 where the Khamti District Chief Engineer reported extension of the road.

Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected the 100-ft long wooden bridge at mile post 22/1. He also looked into repair of road using machinery at mile post 16/6 and laying of gravel for tarring at mile post 13/6 and gave instructions on meeting the set standards of the road.

At 9 am, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party arrived at Htamanthi model village in Homalin Township where officials welcomed them.

YANGON, 17 Jan - Work coordination meeting of Yangon Division Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport was held at the meeting hall of Yangon Command yesterday evening, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

It was also attended by Deputy Commander Col Wai Lwin, military region commanders, members of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, members of the supervisory committee, chairman of district and township Peace and Development Councils, registrars of universities and colleges in Yangon, chairman of bus lines and guests.

Officials reported to the commander on measures taken for ensuring smooth and secure transport. After hearing the reports, the commander explained the arrangements for facilitation of transport in Yangon and gave necessary instructions.

YANGON, 18 Jan - The 13th Military Band Contest of the Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) commemorating the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day continued at the People's Square this morning.

Before the contest, bands comprising school girls of Bahan Township Basic Education High School No 2 and Latha Township BEHS-1 presented skill demonstration. Bands of No 44 LID, No 22 LID, Company-1 of North-East Command, Nos 3 and 1 Training Depot and Company-2 of Western Command participated in the contest.

After today's contest, Chairman of the Committee for Organizing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Military Band Contest Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Hla Shwe presented cash awards to the bands of school girls. Present on the occasion were Chairman of the committee Brig-Gen Hla Shwe and senior officers, panel of judges, guests, families of defence services and students.

YANGON, 18 Jan - Forty six trainees of the Myanma Rice Marketing Course No 1 (programme 1), sponsored by the Education Committee of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry, yesterday morning visited the OK post-harvest rice reprocessing plant in Hlinethaya industrial zone-2. Myanmar Rice Traders Association Patron U Nyein explained matters on the reprocessing plant.

Afterwards, the trainees visited the 360-ton rice reprocessing plant of the Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading in Hlinethaya Township.

YANGON, 18 Jan - Myanmar Products Expo 2004 will be held by Dragon Exhibitions Ltd in amhaewun Garden in Lashio from 6 to 10 February 2004. At the Expo, cosmetics, clothes, plastic wares, consumer goods, electrical appliances, household items, traditional medicines, etc will be on display and Star entertainment programme will be included. Further details can be inquired through Tel: 573148.

YANGON, 18 Jan - State Peace and Development Council Member Lt-Gen Ye Myint, together with officials, paid obeisance to Mandalay Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Sasanabhivamsa of Shwewawin monastery, Mani Yadana Rama Myadaung Taik in Mandalay yesterday morning.

After presenting offertories to the Sayadaw, Lt-Gen Ye Myint proceeded to Waso monastery of Maha Visuddhayon Taikthit to pay obeisance to Shwekyin Sasanabaing State Ovadacariya Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Agghia (Waso Sayadaw) and offered provisions. He also paid obeisance to Vinaja Najupadetha monastery Masoeyein Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Pañasamibhivamsa and presented offertories to the Sayadaw.

YANGON, 18 Jan - A reception to mark the 56th Anniversary Independence Day of the Union of Myanmar took place at Chiswick Town Hall in London on 4 January under the aegis of Myanmar Association (UK).

Present on the occasion were patrons of the association, executives and members and Myanmar citizens residing in UK and foreigners totalling about 300.

Permanent Patron of the association Myanmar Ambassador to UK Dr Kyaw Win, Chairman of the association U Nay Win spoke on the occasion. Patron of the association Prof U Tony Hla Pe and executive committee member of Myanmar Britain Business Association (MBBA) Mr Keith Win explained the assistance to be rendered to Myanmar members.

Next, certificates of honour and awards were presented to four outstanding students. Myanmar students entertained those present with Myanmar traditional songs and dances.

Later, the guests enjoyed Myanmar traditional snacks, and the reception came to a close at 4 pm with the singing of National Anthem in chorus.

YANGON, 18 Jan - Hailing the 59th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, members of Myittamon Group of the Shine Hope Co of Sangyoung Township donated blood and K 100,000 to the Defence Services Orthopaedic Hospital (500-bed) and blood and medical equipment to Defence Services General Hospital (1000-bed) (Mingaladon) yesterday morning.

Commandant Lt-Col Tun Tun accepted the cash donation and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Similarly, members of the groups donated blood and medical equipment to the Defence Services General Hospital (1000-bed) (Mingaladon).

Deputy General Manager U Ohn Kyaing of the group explained the purpose of the donation.

Next, Col Myo Nyunt of the hospital spoke words of thanks and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Later, members of the group donated blood and K 100,000 to Defence Services Liver Hospital (Mingaladon).

YANGON, 18 Jan - The semi-finals of the second round matches of the U-14 Asia Zone (2) Tennis Tournament organized by International Tennis Federation and Tennis Federation of Myanmar took place at Theinbyu Tennis court here this morning. At the men's single event, Phyo Min Tha of Myanmar team and Munkhbaatar of Mongolia reached finals, beating Baber of Pakistan and Win Htet Paing of Myanmar.

At the women's single event, Malaysia and Sri Lanka reached finals. Myanmar double Phyo Min Tha and Win Htet Paing and Pakistan double Babar and Nazir reached finals in the men's double event. At the women's doubles event, Sri Lanka team and Sri Lanka-Malaysia team reached finals after beating their rivals.

Final matches will take place tomorrow morning.

YANGON, 18 Jan - Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint attended the opening ceremony of the gymnasium in Homalin Township on 13 January.

On 14 January, the minister attended the opening of rural development base in Htamanthi Village and donated books and cash to the library of the village. The minister also met with the local people at the station hospital.