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YANGON, 11 Jan - A coordination meeting on opening the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University was held at the work-site office of construction of the Tooth Relic Pagoda on Dhammapala Hill in Mayangon Township this afternoon, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Present also were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen. Khin Maung Than, Minister for Religious Affairs Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Nyunt Swe, department heads, rectors, professors, retired rectors, advisers, scholars and guests.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said coordination meetings on opening the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University were held many times, and as a result, success has been achieved significantly.
Efforts are being made to open the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University in November 1998, he stated.
Drawing of curriculum and set-up of the University and construction work are being carried out at the same time, he said and called on all to strive for timely completion of respective tasks.
There are enough buildings for trainees who will attend the first year course and arrangements are to be made for second year trainees, he said.
It is Myanmar where genuine Theravada Buddhism flourishes and Tipitakadhara Selection Examinations can be held, he remarked and added this is attributed to efforts of Venerable Sayadaws and learned laymen.
He said endeavours are being made for propagation of the Sasana with the public participation. Pagodas, monasteries, lakes and other religious buildings are being repaired and renovated in the entire nation including border areas. Every year, religious titles are conferred on Sayadaws and members of the Sangha inside the country and Missionary Sayadaws from abroad who have shouldered religious duties for propagation of the Sasana, he said.
Being satisfied with endeavours for propagation of the Sasana made by the Government, Venerable Sayadaws are participating in this task, he noted.
All of the Theravada Buddhist nations have recognized Myanmar as the hub of genuine Theravada Buddhism, he said.
He called on all to continue to make coordination and discussions for opening the University.
The scholars, determined to strive for propagation of the Sasana, are exerting concerted efforts for implementing the guidance of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, he said and stressed the need to unitedly cooperate in accomplishing this great noble task.
Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department U Arnt Maung reported on curriculum development, Rector of Yangon University Dr Tin Aung Aye on the set-up of the University and officials of the Public Works on construction of the University.
The department heads and the scholars presented supplementary reports.
Then, the Secretary-1 expressed his belief that the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University can be opened as scheduled on account of efforts of the department heads and the scholars.
He said there is no need to worry about getting qualified trainees and scholars who will lecture at the University.
He urged all to work in accord with the set plans to be able to open the University as scheduled.
As soon as the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University emerges, the task for flourishing and propagation of Theravada Buddhism will gain momentum in the future, he remarked.
People are also delighted at efforts for emergence of the University, he said and called for cooperation of all in this task.
After the coordination meeting, the Secretary-1 visited the Tooth Relic Pagoda.
Later, he inspected construction of the main lecture hall and hostels for lecturers and trainees.
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(2) Secretary-1 attends fifth donation ceremony for construction of new building of MMCWA (Central)
YANGON, 11 Jan - The fifth donation ceremony for construction of the new building of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (Central) was held at Mya Yeik Nyo Royal Hotel at 9 am today, attended by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Present also were Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, officials of the Office of the State Peace and Development Council, senior Tatmadaw officers of the Ministry of Defence, honorary patrons, Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Khin Win Shwe and EC members and guests.
First, well-wishers donated cash and kind for new building of MMCWA.
Today's donations were: PA system valued at K 5 million by Mr Vi Krom Aisiri of Andaman Club Ltd, K 2.5 million by Daw Janet Ho, K 1 million by U Khin Shwe of Zaykabar Co Ltd, K 1 million by U Htay Myint of Yuzana Construction Group, K 1 million by U Maung Maung Tun of Myittashin Enterprise and K 1 million by U Kyaw Win of Shwethanlwin Construction Co, K 500,000 by Mayor of Yangon, K 500,000 by Mr Shin of Myanmar Daewoo Ltd, K 500,000 by Daw Mi Mi Khin, 10 chairs valued at K 105,000 by U Win Swe-Dr Yi Yi Hla of WYZ Enterprise, 30 chairs valued at K 315,000 by U Zaw Win Swe-Dr Aye Aye Maw of Victory Enterprise Pte Ltd (S' Pore), K 300,000 by U Myint Lwin-Daw Khin Than Myint of Pearl Co Ltd, K 500,000 by U Zaw Zaw Tun-Daw Khin Aye of Ma .Khin Aye Store), K 200,000 by U Hla Htay-Daw Yin Yin Hla of Htay Family General Trading Co Ltd, K 210,000 by U Kyaw Tint of Universal Impex Co Ltd, K 100,000 by U Maung Maung Khin and family, K 100,000 by U Zaw Moe Oo of Sin Hwa Travel and Tour Co Ltd, K 100,000 by U Zaw Aung of Aung Construction Group, K 100,000 by U Khin Maung Thein, K 50,000 by Maternal and Child Welfare Association of the Ministry of Industry-2 and US $ 15,000 by U Aung Ko Win-Daw Nan Than Htwe and family.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, ministers and deputy ministers accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to them.
Then, Daw Kyu Kyu Swe thanked the donors.
Later, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party went to construction site of new building of MMCWA (Central) on Thanthuma Street in South Okkalapa Township.
They were welcomed by officials who briefed the Secretary-1 on progress of work with the aid of charts.
The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and inspected the construction site.
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(3) Secretary-2 inspects progress of construction of Aung Zeya Bridge
YANGON, 11 Jan - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo this afternoon inspected progress of construction of Aung Zeya Bridge project which will link Insein Township with Hlinethaya Township.
Accompanied by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister at the Office of the Prime Minister Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Officer on Special Duty at the Office of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Than Tint and officials, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo inspected construction work of Aung Zeya Bridge project on the Insein bank at noon today.
The Secretary-2 and party proceeded to Hlinethaya Township and inspected construction work of Aung Zeya Bridge project on the Hlinethaya bank.
Then, they arrived back at the project hall in Insein Township where Superintending Engineer (Project) U Khin Maung Aye briefed the Secretary-2 on progress of work and Managing Director of Public Works U Tint Swe presented supplementary report.
Then, ministers and officials gave suggestions on development of surrounding areas at the project site and construction work.
Later, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo looked into the requirements.
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(4) Tatmadawmen's children outstanding in 1996-97 academic year honoured
YANGON, 11 Jan - A ceremony to present prizes to the outstanding pupils, children of the officers and other ranks of the Ministry of Defence who passed their respective standards with high marks in 1996-97 academic year, was held at the hall of the Ministry of Defence this morning, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of the Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo and wife Daw Khin Than Nwe.
It was also attended by the directors and senior officers of the directorates and offices under the ministry, officers and other ranks, parents of the prize winner pupils.
In his address, Lt-Gen Tin Oo said it was heartening to see such outstanding pupils and he lauded their parents for cultivating their children to lead good lives.
He said the State Peace and Development Council is building a peaceful, modern and developed nation in accord with the political, economic and social objectives.
For the social objective "Uplift of health, fitness and education standard of the entire nation" to materialize, deserving awards are being presented to the outstanding students to try harder, he said.
He said the prize-distribution ceremony is aimed at honouring the outstanding children in recognition of their zeal, diligence and perseverance which make them achieve success, providing assistance to parents who have to save money and spend it on their children's education, enabling other children to emulate the accomplishments of the outstanding ones, and nurturing intelligentsia and intellectuals who play a crucial role in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation.
The Secretary-2 urged the prize winner pupils to make continued efforts and try harder to be more outstanding and advised all pupils to avoid bad habits and bad friends, especially when they are attending schools.
He said that for the nation to prosper and develop, it is crucial for every citizen to be educated and possess wide knowledge and he expressed hope that the brilliant children of Tatmadawmen will become good sons and daughters of the nation and take part in nation-building tasks in their respective roles in the future.
He also spoke of the need for Tatmadaw families to be always united in accord with the motto "Whoever divide us, we will be ever united" and for the children of Tatmadawmen to observe discipline, be loyal to the State and citizens and preserve cultural heritage and promote national character.
He pointed out the duty of the pupils to always try their utmost to achieve success in high grade so as to serve the nation with their intellectual capability, to follow the advice of parents and teachers for peaceful pursuit of education and not to be misled by the subversives, to always safeguard the race, language and religion, keeping good code of conduct, to always safeguard Our Three Main National Causes with firm conviction, and to try their best to be outstanding to acquire modern technology and education.
Afterwards, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo, directors and senior officers presented awards to the outstanding pupils-69 of the primary school level, 18 of the middle school level, 23 of the high school level and 11 of the higher education level.
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(5) CEC member oversees construction of office building Patheingyi Township USDA
YANGON, 11 Jan - Member of the Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aung Thaung and party looked into requirements for construction of a building of the office of Patheingyi Township USDA in Patheingyi, Mandalay, yesterday morning.
Then, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung and party proceeded to Mandalay Match Factory-1 in Minde Eikin Ward, Aungmyaythazan Township, Mandalay.
The minister met the factory manager and employees.
He called on all to take innovative measures and diligently discharge their duties with goodwill.
Later, the minister and party inspected production process of matches and packaging.
The minister and party went to No 1 Brewery in Amarahtani Ward, Aungmyaythazan Township.
He met the factory manager and employees, and urged them to fulfill requirements of the nation, draw plans with foresight and strive for the interest of the country.
Then, the minister and party toured the brewery.
CEC member U Aung Thaung visited the office of Mandalay Division USDA in the evening.
He met secretaries and executives of Mandalay Division, Mandalay District, Myingyan District and Kyaukpadaung, Taungtha, Myingyan, Swatogyi, Chanmyathazi and Patheingyi Township USDAs.
He elaborated on political, economic and social affairs and endeavours for the national development made by the State Peace and Development Council.
The minister also met factory managers, managing directors and officials of Mandalay Division at Central Command Headquarters yesterday.
He said the State Peace and Development Council is speeding up its effort for fostering the development of the country with new conviction and outlook.
He called for fulfilling the needs of the people and presenting suggestions.
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(6) Minister inspects Maubin-Hsarmalauk Road
YANGON, 11 Jan - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Chief Engineer (Roads/Bridges) of Public Works U Than Zin and officials inspected reconstruction of Maubin-Hsarmalauk road with the use of con-aid this morning.
The minister went to the site of Maubin Bridge where he was welcomed by Chairman of Maubin District Peace and Development Council Col J Han Shein, Project Engineer U Htay Myint and officials.
The minister inspected preparations for opening of the bridge. U Htay Myint reported on progress of work. The minister spoke of work-site safety and minimizing loss and wastage.
The minister and party inspected construction of approach road, earth work, installation of trusses, laying of concrete of approach bridge, paving of road and finishing work.
The minister and party inspected construction of Shwepyitha Bridge across Hline River. Project Engineer U Win Aung reported on work being done and to be done.
He also inspected extension of runway of Mingaladon International Airport.
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(7) Mayor inspects construction of City Central Highway
YANGON, 11 Jan - Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, accompanied by Secretary Col Myint Aung, Head of Roads and Bridges Department U Bo Htay, Head of Parks and Playgrounds Department U Nyunt Pe and other officials, inspected construction of the City Central Highway this morning.
He inspected paving of the City Central Highway being built parallel to the railway line starting from the junction of Mingyi Street and Station Road in Insein Township.
He later inspected the work and gave instructions on renovation of the West Gyogon Market, prevention of loss and wastage in building the road, completion of the project as scheduled, beautifying its environs and proper drainage.
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(8) Prize-winning essays, poems will appear in dailies on Mondays
YANGON, 11 Jan - The essays and poems of the first, second and third prize winners in the Golden Jubilee Independence Day Commemorative Literary Contest in higher education, high school and middle school levels will appear in the dailies every Monday beginning 12 January.
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(9) Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation tours Magway Sagaing Divisions
YANGON, 11 Jan - Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and departmental officials inspected water pumping project at Shwe Tant Tit Village in Pakokku Township, Magway Division on 9 January.
Officials reported on irrigation and crop cultivation. The minister then inspected cultivation of crops.
Shwe Tant Tit water pumping project from Ayeyawady River is being undertaken by five pumps. Over 2,000 acres of long staple cotton, Ngwechi cotton, pedisein, sesamum and cold season crops are cultivated under the project.
The minister inspected water pumping project from Chindwin River in Chitthu Village. Under the project, over 5,000 acres of paddy, pedisein and sesamum are cultivated and it targets to cultivate over 10,000 acres.
The minister and party inspected Yamar Chaung Reservoir Project in Pale Township, Sagaing Division. The director of Irrigation Department reported on progress of work.
Yesterday, the minister inspected 99 overflowing tube wells project in Yinmabin Township. He gave instructions on crop cultivation.
The minister and party went to Agriculture and Forest Training School in Yesagyo Township. The school was jointly opened by Myanmar and Japan. The minister met trainees.
The minister observed plantations at the school and posed for a souvenir photo with the trainees.
During his inspection tours in Sagaing and Magway Divisions, the minister urged officials to work in coordination with departments and regional authorities and give correct advice to farmers, realizing the true situation at grassroots level.
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(10) Cornerstone of Magway Division Cooperative Training School laid
YANGON, 11 Jan - A ceremony to lay cornerstone of Magway Division Cooperative Training School took place at the site on Magway-Taungdwingyi Road yesterday.
At the auspicious time, Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Thein Zaw, Director-General of Cooperative Department U Maung Hti and Director-General of Cottage Industries Department Dr Than Htaik laid the foundation.
Assistant Director U Maung Win reported on construction of the school and Chairman of Phan-khamye Construction Cooperative Society U Tin Maung Lat on arrangements for construction of lecture halls.
Magway Division Cooperative Society Syndicate, Pakokku Eya Anauk Myodaw General Economic Cooperative Syndicate and Sinpaungwe Township Cooperative Societies presented cash for construction of the school to the minister.
U Maung Hti and Col Thein Zaw also accepted the donations.
Dr Than Htaik, U Maung Hti and General Manager U Myo Than of Cooperative Export Import Enterprise reported on work.
The minister inspected oil mill of Magway Division Cooperative Society Syndicate.
CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aung San also met District and Township EC members and organizers at Magway Division USDA office.
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