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ARCHIVES	Sunday, 6 May 2007	THE MYANMAR TIMES

Religious objects enshrined into upper reliquary of Dhatucaya Datpaungsu Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw

Nay Pyi Taw, 5 May - Religious objects were enshrined into the upper reliquary of the Dhatucaya Datpaungsu Pagoda on Mingala hillock on Zabukyetthayay Street in Bawga Theikdi Ward, here, and the pagoda was consecrated at a ceremony held this morning.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Member of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Abbot of Ngwe Taung Tawya Monastery in Tatkon Agga Maha Panditaya Bhaddanta Panñasiri, Abbot of Maha Visutarama Zaygon Monastery in Pyinmana Sasanadhaja Siripavara Dhammaçariya Dika Nikaya Pali Paragu Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kavisara and members of the Sangha.

Also present were Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Nay Pyi Taw Command Commander Brig-Gen Wai Lwin, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Nay Pyi Taw Mayor Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Maj-Gen Than Htay of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, officials and guests.

Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo presented Seinbudaw (diamond orb), the commander, Hngetmyatnadaw (pennant-shape vane), Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Shwekya Thingyan (robe), Minister Col Thein Nyunt, a banyan sapling to the Sayadaw.

Senior military officers and deputy ministers offered alms to members of the Sangha.

Abbot Bhaddanta Kavisara delivered a sermon, and the congregation shared merits gained.

Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo enshrined religious objects into the upper reliquary.

Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and party hoisted Shwehtidaw (decorated umbrella), Nngetmyatnadaw (pennant-shape vane) and diamond orb atop the pagoda.

Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Col Tin Ngwe and Brig-Gen Myint Thein, and Col Kan Chun of Special Development Project conveyed tiers of Shwehtidaw.

Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo installed Sasana flag in the diamond orb and Shwekya Thingyan in Hngetpyawbu (plantain bud-like part of the pagoda).

They offered robes, Mya Thabeik (alms bowl), alms food and drinking water to the Buddha Images to be kept in the four prayer halls.

After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and party offered alms food to the monks.

No 2 Mani Yadana two-storey building of Maha Ponnya Rama Taik Htanbin Kyaung Pariyatti Sarthintaik opened

Nay Pyi Taw, 5 May - A ceremony to open the stone plaque of newly-built No 2 Mani Yadana two-storey building of Maha Ponnya Rama Taik Htanbin Kyaung Pariyatti Sarthintaik was held in conjunction with merit sharing ceremony at the new building in No 1 Ward of Pyapon Township, Ayeyawady Division this morning.

Under the patronage of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Chairman Magway Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Kumara, Secretary Nyaungdon Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Osadhabhivamsa and members of the Sangha, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division PDC Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung, departmental officials, wellwishers and guests.

Firstly, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than pressed a button to open the stone plaque of the new building.

Next, Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Sasana Dhaja Dhammaçariya Bhaddanta Vepulla of Htanbin Kyaung Pariyatti Sarthintaik, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Maj-Gen Thura Myint Aung sprinkled the scented water on the stone plaque.

Later, those present received the Five Precepts from the Magway Sayadaw and members of the Sangha recited the parittas.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander, departmental heads and wellwishers donated provisions to the Magway Sayadaw, Nyaungdon Sayadaw, Htanbin Kyaung Pariyatti Sarthintaik Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.

Nyaungdon Sayadaw Bhaddanta Osadha- bhivamsa delivered a sermon and the congregation shared the merits gained.

After the ceremony, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, the commander and wellwishers offered day meals to the members of the Sangha. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to Yein Pagoda in No 1 Ward, Pyapon Township and paid homage to Budddha Images.

Yangon, 5 May - The opening of the first seminar on Myanma fruit, vegetables and flowers and horticulture show organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of Commerce and Myanmar Fruit, Vegetables and Flowers Producers Association was held at Myepadethakyun in Kandawgyi, Bahan Township here this morning.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe of the Ministry of Defence formally unveiled the commemorative signboard of the show.

Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, heads of department, FAO Resident Representative Mr Tang Zheg Ping, President of the Union of Myanmar Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint, Chairman of Myanmar Fruit, Vegetables and Flowers Producers Association U Win Aung, members of associations and guests.

Commander Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin and Chairman U Win Aung formally opened the show.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe, the commander, the minister, the mayor and guests viewed prize-winning fruit and vegetables.

In his opening address, Lt-Gen Myint Swe said the government is making efforts for the emergence of a developed discipline-flourishing democratic nation. And it is also endeavouring for development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy.

He said although Myanmar grows various kinds of vegetables, fruit and flowers, production is for domestic consumption only. There is less export of these products in comparison with that of neighbouring countries. He spoke of the need to try to export vegetables and fruit of high quality.

He said experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Science and Technology, FAO and Myanmar Fruit, Vegetables and Flowers Producers Association would give talks on market condition, export prospects, value-added crops, production of crops all-year round and preserving techniques.

He said emphasis has to be placed on production of quality fruit of international standard and extended cultivation acreage.

He spoke at length on laying down plans for international market, assistance of the government and establishment of special zones for cultivation of vegetables and for breeding of fish and fowl in Hmawby Township.

In his address, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo said that agriculture is the livelihood of rural people that constitute 70 per cent of the State's population, adding that boosting the agricultural production amounts to enhancing the living standard of rural people, thereby contributing to development of industries, transport, services and trade.

Efforts are being made to meet the production targets of major crops such as paddy, edible oil crops, gram and sugarcane, while striving for boosting the per acre yield, he added.

He said that a large number of dams and reservoirs were built across the nation along with river water pumping stations and underground water tapping plans for supply of irrigated water in spite of financial constraints.

In the meantime, the use of modern agricultural techniques and quality strain crops and the extended reclamation of vacant and fallow land are being carried out for development of the agricultural sector, he reiterated.

Arrangements have been made to ensure self-sufficiency in rice and to export the surplus. There were 11.81 million acres of paddy with the production of 630 million baskets in 1988-89. But, as work was under way to produce 800 million baskets of paddy, the country has been able to produce over 800 million baskets of paddy since 1993-1994, he disclosed.

As efforts were made to produce 1000 million baskets of paddy as the second phase, the country had been able to produce over 1000 million baskets of paddy in 2000-2001. As steps were taken to produce 1200 million baskets of paddy as the third phase, the country had been able to produce over 1236 million baskets of paddy in 2005-2006. At present, efforts are being made to produce 1500 million baskets of paddy and it will exceed the target soon, he noted.

Myanma gram is a major export of the country. Myanmar, a leading nation among ASEAN in the production of pulses and beans, exports gram most. The production of gram increased to over 126 million baskets (4 million metric tons) in 2005-2006 from 13 million baskets (0.4 million metric tons) in 1988-1989. There has been a prospect of producing gram over ten times.

The government is taking systematic measures for boosting the per acre yield of edible oil crops along with the cultivation of rubber, oil palm, coffee, pepper, tea, kitchen crops, medicinal orchids, cash crops and physic nut plants.

According to the 2006-2007 statistics, the sown acreage of fruit is 1.32 million, that of vegetables 1.09 million and that of kitchen crops is 0.7 million. Among fruit, mango was produced most with the production tonnage of 0.32 million.

As producing of fruit and vegetables has contributed to the development of national economy, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation is providing growers with aids in reclamation of virgin and fallow lands as well as with modern agricultural techniques and quality strain saplings.

The ministry is making all-out efforts for producing of quality medicinal orchids as efforts are being made for extended producing of export items. In international markets, one ton of quality medicinal orchids can fetch about 3,000 dollars.

He said that those present will be beneficial as arrangements have also been made for holding a seminar on exchanging views between horticulturists and producers in addition to staging the show.

The ministry is making arrangements to hold such shows, competitions and seminars in the states and divisions, and the producers, on their part, are to make coordinated and well-integrated efforts to be able to export quality fruits and crops, he concluded.

Next, Chairman of Myanmar Fruit and Vegetables Producers Association U Win Aung spoke words of thanks.

Lt-Gen Myint Swe presented prizes to those who won first, second and third in the mango competitions.

Next, Minister Maj-Gen Htay Oo presented other prizes to winners in the mango competitions.

After that, Managing Director U Ohn Than and FAO's Resident Representative Mr Tang Zheug Ping presented prizes to winners of other competitions and the ceremony came to an end.

Naungkho Village-tract in Bhamo Township submits USDA membership applications

Yangon, 5 May - Patron of Kachin State Union Solidarity and Development Association Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Ohn Myint, together with USDA Joint-Secretary General Minister for Electric Power No 1 Col Zaw Min, Secretariat member Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and CEC member Minister for Electric Power No 2 Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, attended a ceremony to submit membership applications held at the Naungkho Village-tract USDA office in Bhamo Township on 2 May morning.

The Kachin State USDA secretary accepted 1420 membership applications ? 650 from Naungkho village-tract, 400 from Shwekyina village-tract and 370 from Nanpha village-tract. Next, the patron, the secretariat member, the joint-secretary general and the CEC member donated medicine and medical equipment, USDA uniforms, exercise books and gifts. Then the patron and the secretariat member delivered speeches.

Afterwards, the commander and the ministers made speeches in meeting with departmental officials at the town hall of Bhamo, heard reports presented by local authorities and fulfilled the requirements.

After that, they visited Bhamo University and encouraged and presented gifts to the faculty members attending a refresher course. They next visited the rubber plantation of the local battalion in Bhamo where they inspected cultivation of 500,000 rubber saplings. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented rubber saplings to the Kachin State USDA secretary.

Later, the commander and the ministers inspected the sites chosen for construction of USDA office,sub power stations and offices of the Ministries of Electric Power No 1 and No 2. Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Col Zaw Min visited the auto exchange in Bhamo and Bhamo District USDA Office.

Social organizations urged to increase efforts for development of rural areas

Nay Pyi Taw, 5 May - Secretary-General of Union Solidarity and Development Association U Htay Oo urged members of USDA and other social organizations in Thaton on 29 April to increase their efforts for development of rural areas.

The government has made efforts for equitable development of the country and has been implementing five rural areas development tasks, he said at the meeting.

In his address, Secretary-General U Htay Oo also said the government, the Tatmadaw and the people are working together to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation in accordance with 12 objectives of the State. The government has put more efforts for stability of the State, boosting the economy and improvement of the education standard, and the people have enjoyed the fruits of the development, he added. He continued to say that the community peace and tranquillity are prevailing across the country and all national races are participating in implementing the development tasks joining hands with the government.

Members of the auxiliary fire brigade and red cross society and townselders also attended the meeting with the USDA Secretary-General.

After hearing reports on social, education, health and development tasks in the region, Secretary-General U Htay Oo fulfilled the requirements.

Nay Pyi Taw, 5 May - A ceremony to fix a pivot and set up a flagmast of Dhatucaya Datpaungsu Pagoda on the Mingala hill in Zabukyetthayay Street of Bawgawadi Ward here in conjunction with opening ceremony of a bell, archway and Abhisanna Beikmandaw and growing of Bo tree was held at the pagoda on 1 and 3 May. Recitation of Patthana was also held at the same venue on that day.

Present on the occasion were Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kavisara of Mahayama Zaykon Monastery in Pyinmana, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Brig-Gen Wai Lwin, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Nay Pyi Taw Mayor Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Maj-Gen Than Htay and Maj-Gen Tin Tun of the Ministry of Defence, the deputy ministers, senior military officials, departmental heads and invited guests.

The ceremonies to fix the pivot and set up the flagmast, to open the bell and to grow Bo tree were held at the pagoda on 3 May morning. The Sayadaw administered the Nine Precepts to the congregation. Next, the Sayadaw and members of Sangha recited Paritas. Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo offered religious objects to the Sayadaw and the commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers religious objects and provisions to members of Sangha.

The congregation shared merits gained and Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, the commander and party fixed the pivot in the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on it.

Mayor Col Thein Nyunt later formally opened the flagmast and sprinkled scented water on it. Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo also inaugurated the bell and sprinkled scented water on it. He then grew the Bo tree and watered it.

The opening of the archway and Abhisanna Beikmandaw was held at the same venue on 1 May.

Mayor Col Thein Nyunt formally opened the archway and Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, the commander and party sprinkled scented scented water on it.

Minister Col Thein Nyunt later cut the ribbon to open the Beikmandaw and sprinkled scented water on it.

The religious objects were also enshrined into the pagoda on that day and Patthanas were recited.

Nay Pyi Taw, 5 May - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi received Ambassador of the Russian Federation Mr Mikhail Mgeladze at his office here yesterday.

Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Htay, directors-general, managing directors and officials of under the ministry.

Nay Pyi Taw, 5 May - A ceremony to enshrine relics in the middle reliquary of Dhatucaya Datpaungsu Pagoda on Mingala Hill on Zabukyetthayay Road, Bawga Theikdi Ward here was held at the central pandal of the pagoda on 11 November 2006.

Present were Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sidhiya of Ponnya Neinmitayama Monastery in Thingangyun Township, member of the Central Working Committee of the Sangha Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Paññasiri of Ngwetaungtawya Monastery in Tatkon, member of the Central Working Committee of the Sangha Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Maha Gandavasaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vimalabuddhi of Mingalazayyon Pali Tekkatho Monastery in Pyinmana, members of the Sangha, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Brig-Gen Wai Lwin, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Mayor of Nay Pyi Taw Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Maj-Gen Than Htay and Maj-Gen Tin Tun of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Kyaw Soe, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, heads of departments, Joint Secretary of Pagoda Construction Committee Engineer U Tint Hsan and guests.

Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and party presented relics and offertories to the members of the Sangha.

Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kavisara of Maha Withutayama Monastery in Pyinmana delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and party conveyed the relics to the pagoda and enshrined them at the middle reliquary.

Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and party offered ?soon' to the members of the Sangha.

Nay Pyi Taw, 5 May - The 61st Anniversary Fire Services Day was celebrated at the Central Fire Services Training School here this morning.

Commander of Nay Pyi Taw Command Brig-Gen Wai Lwin said that Fire Services members are upholding the objectives of Fire Services, calling for effective implementation of the five major duties through seven work programmes. He cited the address delivered by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe at the 62nd Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade, saying that Tatmadaw members are building basic foundations in the agricultural, industrial, electricity, energy, transport, health and education sectors for sustainable progress of the nation and well-being of the people.

He called on them to do their bit in the implementation of the State's seven-step Road Map. The commander, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and officials watched the skill demonstration presented by Fire Services members.

Also present were Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, heads of department, local authorities, social organizations and guests.

Yangon, 5 May - A get-together of outstanding members of Myanmar Red Cross Society was held at Nursing University (Yangon) on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning, attended by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Hla Htay Win.

It was also attended by Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint, Deputy Minister Dr Paing Soe, Vice-President Daw Khin Thet Htay of Myanmar Women's Affairs Federation and members, Secretary Dr Daw Wai Wai Tha of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and members, Patron of Yangon Division MCWA Daw Mar Mar Wai, the Directors-General of the departments under the Ministry of Health, President of Myanmar Red Cross Society Dr Thar Hla Shwe and members, the head of Yangon Division Health Department and officials, Resident Representatives Ms Bridget Gardner of IFRC and Mr Pierre Andrae Conod of ICRC and members and guests.

Yangon, 5 May - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan received Managing Director Mr Jimmy Chang of Singapore-based Ntegrator Private Limited and party at Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road this morning.

Also present were directors-general, managing directors and officials of under the ministry.

Yangon, 5 May - Dr Daw Khin Khin Yi and Shine Hope Company family this morning donated K 10 million to U Hla Tun Hospice (Cancer) Foundation in a ceremony held at the foundation in Dagon Myothit (East).

The ceremony was attended by Patron of the foundation Brig-Gen Abel (Retd), President Specialist Col Myo Nyunt, Vice-President Professor Daw Yi Yi Myint, Donor Dr Daw Khin Khin Yi and Shine Hope Company family members and guests.

After accepting the donation, Brig-Gen Abel (Retd) spoke words of thanks and the guests conforted the patients.

Yangon, 5 May - With 794 tourists on board, the MS Crystal Symphony berthed at Myanmar International Terminal Thilawa this afternoon after sailing from Phuket of Thailand. She will leave the terminal on 7 May. Managing Director U Thein Htay of Myanma Port Authority and officials of Myanma Hotel and Tourism made arrangements for the convenience of the guests.

Yangon, 4 May - Minister for Education Dr Chan Nyein delivered a speech at a ceremony held this morning at the convocation hall of Mandalay University to conclude special training course No 2 on educational technology and presented job appointments.

Also present at the ceremony were the director general of No 2 Basic Education Department, deputy directors general of the departments under the Ministry of Education, rectors, pro-rectors, professors and faculty members.

In his speech, Minister Dr Chan Nyein quoted the Head of State as saying he had given guidance on the improvement of teachers' abilities, upgrading of school curriculums and syllabuses to meet international standards, effective and extensive use of teaching aids, respecting of laws, rules and regulations, training of the students to have patriotism and Union Spirit. Therefore, the minister added, for the improvement of the teachers' abilities, refresher courses and educational technology courses are being conducted. So, the teachers are to try to improve their students' learning.

Next, Pro-rector U Yin Win Maung of Sagaing University of Education presented completion certificates and Director General U Aye Lwin of No 2 BED job appointments to the trainees.

Likewise, the conclusion ceremony of educational technology course No 2 took place at Yangon University of Education this morning with an address by Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Aung Myo Min. Pro-rector Daw Htoo Htoo Aung of Yangon University of Education, Director General U Kyaw Thu of No 1 Basic Education Department and Director General U Aye Kyu of No 3 Basic Education Department presented completion certificates and job appointments to the trainees.

A total of 602 trainees attended the course at Sagaing University of Education and 573 at Yangon University of Education.

Yangon, 5 May - The two-day long heavy rains caused floods in some townships of Yangon Division.

It is learnt that flood water rose to 2 or 3 feet, and some brick walls and trees collapsed in Botahtaung, Pazuntaung, Pabedan, Ahlon, Kyauktada, Kyimyindaing, Mingala Taungnyunt, Mayangon, Hlinethaya, North Okkalapa, South Okkalapa, Thanlyin, Taikkyi, Dagon Myothit (North) and Dagon Myothit (South) and Hlegu Townships. Some houses in the townships were submerged by the floods.

Moreover, four people were suffocated by fumes from a faulty short-circuit fire caused by the flood into a house on Thittaw street in Ahlon Township this morning. A woman from a house on Ayeyawady street in Ahlon Township was electrocuted when she stepped onto a power line of a lamp post being broken down.