( 1 ) Mandalay to get New Century Resource Centre and Resource Centre for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts in April

Need to open NCRCs and RCAMMs in States and Divisions stressed to increase number of highly qualified human resources

Yangon, 6 March -Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye inspected the New Century Resource Centre and Resource Centre for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts, which will be opened in Kinsana building of University of Distance Education (Upper Myanmar) in Mandalay, this afternoon. In giving guidance to officials at the meeting hall, General Maung Aye said opening of NCRC and RCAMM is one of the State's efforts to increase the number of intellectually qualified human resources in this age of knowledge.

After opening the NCRC and RCAMM in Yangon and Mandalay as the first stage, arrangements should be made to open the centres in other states and divisions. The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Health are laying down and implementing programmes to uplift the respective fields of the education sector. As the Ministry of Education is implementing the task to apply modern techniques and equipment from basic education level to institutions of higher learning level, so also the Ministry of Science and Technology is making efforts to introduce modern techniques and equipment in all states and divisions; the Ministry of Health is also endeavouring to produce highly educated health staff.

The three ministries should strive to continuously extend programmes to promote education standard of the respective sectors in line with the advancing time. Officials are required to make collective efforts for soonest opening of the centres. Minister for Education U Than Aung presented a report to the General and party, saying, NCRC and RCAMM have already been opened in Yangon.

He said in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, arrangements are being made to open the centres at the building located in Chan-ayethazan Township in Mandalay in early April. Preparations have been made to enable all the persons from the basic levels to research scholars to conduct studies at NCRC. Director-General of Higher Education Department (Upper Myanmar) Dr Thein Myint also gave a report.

Accompanied by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, senior military officers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council and the respective departments, the General left PyinOoLwin for Nanmyo in Mandalay in the afternoon to inspect the centres. On arrival at Nanmyo, the General and party were welcomed by ministers, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, Mandalay Mayor, the deputy commander, Deputy Chief Justice of Supreme Court (Mandalay) and officials.

The General and party then looked into the requirements in making preparations to open e-Education Resource Centre and e-Education Learning Centre and installation of teaching aids. They also inspected Nan Kaythi Hall of the Distance University. They arrived back here at 4 pm today. Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, who accompanied the General, inspected repair of Wetwun Hydroelectric Power Station in PyinOoLwin Township yesterday.

The minister also inspected Yeywa Hydroelectric Power Station in Patheingyi Township. Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung inspected coffee plantations at Moegyopyit and Thettant village-tracts in PyinOoLwin Township yesterday. The deputy minister also inspected arrangements being made to stop percolation at Kandawgyi Lake at Botanical Gardens. This morning, he visited Rice Research Centre in Kyaukse Township.

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( 2 )  General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San share merits for all-round renovation of Maha Muni Buddha Image and pagodas in Namhsam

Yangon, 6 March-Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San left Lashio on 4 March by helicopter for Namhsam to attend a ceremony to share merits for all-round renovation of Maha Muni Buddha Image and Gandhakuti Shwekyaung-daw Kawmein (Myoti) Pagoda. General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San and party were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Soe Win Myint, Chairman of Kyaukme District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Kyi, Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Tun Tun, departmental officials, Palaung nationals, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, members of Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association and students. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party attended the ceremony held at Maha Muni Buddha Image and Gandhakuti Shwekyaungdaw on Wain-tunsan (Shwesagabin) Hill.

It was also attended by State Ovadacariya Namhsam Myoma Gaingyoke Kyaung-taik Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw, members of the Sangha, nuns, Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint and ministers, Deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, officials from Kyaukme District and Namhsam Township, wellwishers, Palaung nationals and nuns.

Next, the congregation received the Nine Precepts from member of Shan State Working Committee of the Sangha Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Yanaungmyin Kyaungtaik in Lashio Maha Gandhavasaca Pandita Bhaddanta Vicitta. Members of the Sangha recited parittas and Metta Sutta. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San presented offertories to State Ovadacariya Namhsam Myoma Gaingyoke Kyaungtaik Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kondinya.

The Secretary-3 and wife Daw Khin Cho Oo and wellwishers presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San presented offertories for 58 nuns to Presiding Nayaka of Shwemaung Sarthintaik in Tangyang Township Daw Pan–asari. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San presented gifts for 170 elderly people to U Paw Nyein, 95 and Daw Ae Ha, 102. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and family presented cash donations to Commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo. Commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and wife Daw Khin Saw Hnin presented cash donation and K 6.6 million donated by Shan State Peace and Development Council (North) and Public Works of Shan State (North) for paving of the road from Taungma junction to the top of Loisai Hill to the Secretary-3. Wellwishers U Tun Myint Naing (Asia World Co), U Kyaw Win (Shwe Thanlwin Co), U Soe Myint (Ngwe Hsin Co) and U Kyaw Win (Myanmar Mayflower Bank) presented K 9 million each to the Secretary-3.

Chairman of Kyaukme District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Kyi presented K 240,000 donated by Kyaukme District Peace and Development Council, Namhsam Township Peace and Development Council and departments and U Aik Mone of Special Region-7 K 420,628 donated by wellwishers in Namhsam Township and K 100,000 donated by Daw Mya Aye family of Shwepyisoe tea factory in Namhsam to Commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo. Master of ceremonies U Min Kyi reported on all-round renovation of Maha Muni Buddha Image and Gandhakuti Shwekyaungdaw Kawmein (Myoti) Pagoda. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vicitta delivered a sermon and General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San shared merits for the donations.

General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony. General Maung Aye and party offered Shwethingan to Maha Muni Buddha Image. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party offered "soon" to members of the Sangha at the soonsarhsaung in Gandhakuti Shwekyaungdaw. General Maung Aye and party inspected all-round renovation of Gandhakuti Shwe Kyaungdaw. General Maung Aye and party paid then obeisance to Kawmein (Myoti) Pagoda. General Maung Aye and party inspected development of Namhsam Township.

At 12.30 pm, General Maung Aye and party went by helicopter to Loisai (Padamya hill) in Taungma Village in Namhsam Township. They attended a ceremony to share merits for all-round renovation of Loisai (Padamya hill) Pagoda. Also present were member of Shan State Working Committee of the Sangha, Mannaukkyaung Sayadaw, members of the Sangha, Tactical Operations Commander Col Wan Maung and local people. The congregation received the Nine Precepts from Mannaukkyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sucinna. Members of the Sangha recited parittas. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party presented offertories to Mannaukkyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sucinna. The Secretary-3 and wife Daw Khin Cho Oo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Tin Hla, the commanders, the ministers and senior military officers presented offertories to members of the Sangha.

General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San presented offertories to Presiding Nayaka of Loisai Nunnery Daw Susari. U Min Kyi reported on all-round renovation of Loisai (Padamya hill) Pagoda. Next, Mannauk Kyaung Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party performed rituals of the golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony. General Maung Aye and party offered flowers and light to Buddha image at Loisai (Padamya hill) Pagoda. General Maung Aye and party offered Shwethingan to the image. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party inspected all-round renovation of Loisai (Padamya hill) Pagoda. General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party went to PyinOoLwin by helicopter at 2.10 pm. They were welcomed by senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, PyinOoLwin Station Commander Commandant of Defence Services Academy and senior military officers of PyinOoLwin Station.

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( 3 ) Myanmar's private sector embarks on plan to establish IT Park Seminar on e-Commerce Revolution Opportunities and Implications opens

Yangon, 6 March - The opening ceremony of the seminar on e-Commerce Revolution Opportunities and Implications organized with the assistance of Office of the Strategic Studies of the Ministry of Defence, and Sasakawa Southeast Asia Cooperation Fund, Japan, and co-sponsorship of Information & Resource Centre, Singapore, and Bagan Cybertech Co Ltd, Myanmar, was held at Traders Hotel in Myanmar this morning, addressed by Chairman of Myanmar Computer Science Development Council Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 said: The Information Techno-logy Conference that is about to commence is of special importance because it is the result of the collaborative effort of the private sector, the Office of Strategic Studies and several foreign organizations. It is also the first seminar to be sponsored by the Office of Strategic Studies for the year 2001. But the topic of the conference is most appropriate for the current trend of changes that are taking place. As it is widely known, IT is the most popular movement of the day and one on which the people of the world must focus their attention. Moreover, Information Technology is a branch of advanced knowledge, which, a country that aspires to modernize itself must possess and utilize. For a country like Myanmar, that is doing everything possible to enhance development in all aspects, a conference such as this is indeed most important and virtually mandatory.

The Office of Strategic Studies has held seminars and conferences in succession every year on a variety of subjects considered productive and beneficial for the country and the people. It has sponsored seminars on National Consolidation; on Development of Human Resources; on Development of the Economy and on Globalization. This year it has chosen Information Technology as its subject in conformity with the vast progress being made in this field of studies in the rest of the world. Information Technology in the world is developing at lightening speed and each and every country with its own progress and development in view, is making concentrated and determined efforts, to keep abreast of the advances being made. So, Myanmar is also making maximum effort not to let the gap in the digital divide widen too much, by utilizing available natural and human resources in accordance with existing conditions.

In all honesty it must be admitted that Myanmar's IT infrastructure is not as strong as that of other nations. But we do not believe that we should begin to build up our IT infrastructure only when we are fully capable and ready. Instead, we wish to lessen the gap in the digital divide to what extent we can by pooling our resources and making preparations from now, with an eye to future development. So the national goal set by the Government is to continue expanding and adding to the IT infrastructure already in place, whenever conditions are favourable and with whatever resources that may be available. Myanmar, after its accession to the ASEAN, signed the e-ASEAN Framework Agreement in 2000 and agreed to fulfil the stipulation for establishing links with other member nations by the year 2004.

The Government therefore has already formed an e-ASEAN National Task Force, and has scheduled essential tasks that are now in the process of implementation. May I also take advantage of this opportunity to inform those attending this conference of what we have done so far to lay firm and solid foundations for IT development. We have set up over 300 IT Classrooms from the primary school, middle school and high school levels right up to the University level. With a view to speeding up human resource development, the Council for the Advancement of Information Technology sponsored by the Government of Myanmar has also drawn up short-term plans that are currently being implemented. In the education sector we have opened up greater educational opportunities for a larger number of our people with the founding and formation of an Electronic Data Broadcasting System on the first on January 2001.

We have furthermore been able to open up IT Learning Centres, Electronic Research Centres, Computer Training Centres, Multi-media Resource Centres and Language Labs through the length and breadth of the country. As of today, we have already opened up a total of 203 Electronic Learning Centres in each of the various states and divisions. Very soon there will be Servers from which the students will be able to download from the learning centres, any information that interests them any time at their convenience.

Myanmar is certainly not a wealthy country but the budget allotment for education today exceeds twenty eight thousand one hundred and seventy point seven hundred and twenty four million Kyats (28170.724 million kyats). Out of the over 900 million kyats was spent for the IT sector, in addition to which 4.5 million US dollars was expanded on It development Council Senior General Than Shwe in laying down guidelines with respect to the goal of IT advancement and progress, stated in effect that:

"In the endeavour to build a peaceful, modernized and developed State, it is essential to launch programmes for the growth and increase of the finest human resources on a large scale with all our might and main. And to sustain and uphold the human resources thus developed for the future, it would be necessary to design and initiate within the social order of the Union of Myanmar, a Leading Society, which is continually in search of knowledge and wisdom. And since today is the Knowledge Age we must perpetually do our very best to meet whatever challenges that may arise and be capable of taking part in the competition."  

In today's world, various countries have formed Knowledge Societies. To establish such a Knowledge Society in Myanmar, it would therefore be required to increase its investments in the education sector. Hence the State on its part, to fulfil this great need, is firmly committed to giving encouragement, by providing every incentive, both economic and social for the advancement of technology. At the same time, in order to create favourable environment to facilitate cooperation with other countries, it will do its utmost to give confidence and encouragement by synchronizing its basic IT principles and codes, enacting necessary laws and standardizing criteria.

With the rising momentum of IT knowledge and expansion of specialized branches in the field, it is indeed most heartening to see that the number of Myanmar youths who are vastly interested in the subject and are therefore enthusiastically and diligently pursuing studies in this area of knowledge is increasing day by day. Moreover, it is most encouraging to see that the young people of Myanmar today, in their endeavours to promote their knowledge, are doing so in compliance with the policies for human resource development that have been laid down and implemented by Government. The fact that in Myanmar today, many up and coming young people who have received training and experience abroad and for whom IT is a vocation, have set up, and are heading IT companies with their country as the base of operations, is also most gratifying.

These young people are capable of writing software to establish e-society, e-commerce, and right up to e-culture as is being done in the developed countries. They also have the know-how and capability to accept and fulfil orders for out-sourcing from foreign companies. The Government on its part has provided them with aid and assistance in data transmission in order to facilitate their job contracts with foreign companies and keep up with today's competitive world. At present the private sector has embarked on a plan to establish an IT Park. A consortium of some IT companies has started on the construction of this IT Park with the support of the State. So, very soon IT companies will be able to obtain whatever assistance they may need from this IT facility. This project on completion will definitely contribute towards the development of IT Knowledge in the country. Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, What Myanmar is doing today in the field of IT in comparison to the rate of development in the developed countries may seem to be disproportionately small and modest. Nevertheless, we wish you to know that, although Myanmar is a still developing nation, it is doing its utmost in every way possible to close the gap in the digital divide.

Accordingly, at present, in our cooperation and collaboration with Japan in the field of IT to obtain necessary technology and know-how, the Japan-Myanmar Joint IT Sub-Working Group, which was formed, has started work in earnest since the latter part of last year. More recently the Ministry of Science and Technology headed by the Deputy Minister has initiated relevant measures for cooperation with India in IT development and enhancement.

With these aims in view, we decided on the heading of "The e-Commerce Revolution Opportunities and Implications" for today's conference where we shall be able to hold discussions and exchange views and experience with foreign experts and scholars. This will offer Myanmar scholars, industrialists and officials of government departments and also the public sector a good opportunity to find out about progress being made in IT, not only in the region but also in the countries of Europe and the West. So I would like to urge the participants to take part in the discussions frankly and wholeheartedly laying emphasis on future progress of IT in the country, and thereby making this conference a resounding success.

And in closing, may I, on behalf of the State Peace and Development Council and as Chief of the Office of Strategic Studies as well as on my own behalf as a Myanmar citizen, tender my sincere thanks to the foreign scholars who, in spite of their heavy schedules, have chosen to honour us with their presence in the interest of human resource development. Finally I would like to invite you all to visit our country again, not on official business but as honoured guests to see the scenic countryside, our historic monuments and enjoy the hospitality of the Myanmar people. Director of Information & Resource Centre Mr M Rajaretnam extended greetings.

Also present were ministers, Chief Justice, Attorney-General, Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the deputy chief of OSS and deputy director of Defence Services Intelligence, deputy ministers, ambassadors of foreign missions in Myanmar, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and OSS, heads of department, chairmen of social organizations, officials of Myanmar Computer Federation, Myanmar Computer Industry Association, Information & Resource Centre, Bagan Cybertech Co Ltd and Sasakawa Southeast Asia Cooperation Fund and guests. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Hlaing Win gave a speech. Foreign scholars took part in the discussions under the topics "State of Global e-Commerce" and " The Internet and the Shape of Future Business". The seminar continues on 7 March.

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( 4 )   Secretary-1 inspects construction of Drug Elimination Museum

Yangon, 6 March-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt this morning inspected construction of Drug Elimination Museum in Kyundaw Street in Kamayut Township. The Secretary-1 accompanied by officials of State Peace and Development Council Office arrived at the construction site of the museum at 10 am today. Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Working Committee for construction of the museum Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and officials. At the briefing hall, Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung reported to the Secretary-1 on matters related to work done and greening work of environs of the museum. Afterwards, Police Maj-Gen Soe Win and Director Daw Nu Mra Zan of National Museum, Department of Cultural Institute, Ministry of Culture elaborated on the booths to be opened in the museum. Then, officials explained respective works. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Later, the Secretary-1 and party inspected construction site and greening work of the environs before they left there.

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( 5 )  Minister meets Ambassador of Japan

Yangon, 6 March-Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung received Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori at Myanma Radio and Television at 3 pm today. The ambassador presented three television series of Japan Foundation to the minister. Also present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of MRTV, Director-General U Chit Naing of Information and Public Relations Department, Managing Director Col Myint Thein of Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Director (News) U Hla Tun of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Adviser to the Minister for Information U Kyaw Min and Head of Office Captain Soe Aung.

Ambassador U San Thein presents Credentials to Austrian President

Yangon, 6 March-U San Thein, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Austria, presented his Credentials to His Excellency Mr Thomas Klestil, President of the Republic of Austria, on 27 February 2001, in Vienna.

Commerce Minister meets Singaporean guest

Yangon, 6 March-Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone received Executive Director Mr Thangasamy of Wilson Impex Pte Ltd, Singapore and party at his office at 11 am today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of Border Trade Department Col Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

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( 6 ) Dinner hosted in honour of foreign experts

Yangon, 6 March- Deputy Chief of the Office of the Strategic Studies Deputy Director of Defence Services Intelligence Maj-Gen Kyaw Win hosted a dinner at Oasis Restaurant in Yangon International Airport this evening in honour of foreign experts who attended the seminar on the e-Commerce Revolution Opportunities and Implications. The seminar was held at Traders Hotel under with the cooperation of Information and Resource Centre, Singapore and Bagan Cybertech Co Ltd, Myanmar and with the assistance of the Office of the Strategic Studies and Sasakawa South East Asia Cooperation Fund, Japan. It was attended by Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Hlaing Win, heads of departments of the Office of the Strategic Studies and officials, departmental officials, officials of Myanmar Computer Industry Association, foreign experts and guests.

Delegation back from Boao Forum

Yangon, 6 March-Myanmar delegation led by Deputy Minister for Office of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council U Set Maung arrived back here on 2 March after attending Boao Forum for Asia held in Boao, Hainan Province, People's Republic of China. Myanmar delegation attended the meeting of Preparatory Committee for the establishment of the Boao Forum for Asia. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr Chen Jinhua, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and President of Chinese Federation of Enterprises, Mr Fidel V Ramos, former President of the Republic of the Philippines, Mr Bob Hawke, former Prime Minister of Australia and Mr Nakasone Yasuhio, former Prime Minister of Japan. Mr Tan Sri Dato' Ajit Singh, the Secretary-General of the Boao Forum for Asia also attended the meeting. The Preparatory Committee, after full discussion, adopted the Declaration and guide-lines that set out the organizational structure of the Forum and accepted the recommendations by the Expert Groups. Myanmar delegation attended opening ceremony of Boao Forum for Asia at 10.30 am at Boao Plaza on 27 February.

At the cere-mony, President Mr Jiang Zemin of People's Republic of China, King of Nepal His Majesty Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and Prime Minister of Malaysia Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad delivered speeches. It was attended by delegates from 25 Asian countries and Australia. The first Annual Conference of Boao Forum for Asia will be held in early 2003. Myanmar delegation left Boao for Hiku on 28 February, Hiku for Hong Kong on 1 March and Hong Kong for Yangon on 2 March. Members of the delegation  Deputy Director U Kyaw Tin of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Director U Win Kyi of Myanma Radio and Television, Ministry of Information also arrived back.

Tatmadaw columns continue practising drills

Yangon, 6 March-Tatmadaw columns which will take part in the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade continued practising drills from 5 am to 9 am today. Under the leadership of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min and Joint-Parade Commander Col Hla Tun, Tatmadawmen of Anawrahta Column led by Col San Aye Hla, Kyansittha Column led by Col Sein Win, Bayintnaung Column led by Col Aye Myint Maung, Nawade Column led by Capt Aye Pe (Navy), Aungzeya Column led by Col Thein Hlaing, Hsin-byushin Column led by Col Myo Thant, Bandoola Column led by Col Zaw Win Myint, Myawady Column led by Col Kyaw Htoo Lwin and Aung San Column led by Col Hla Ngwe participated in the drills. Chairman of Parade Work Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Military Training Maj-Gen Win Myint , Chairman of Scrutinizing Work Committee for Best Parade Vice- Adjutant- General Brig- Gen Maung Nyo , Chairman of Security Work Committee Deputy Commander of Yoangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, Commandant of Defence Services ( Army ) Officers Training School Brig-Gen Kyaw Thu, Tatmadaw officers and officials inspected the drills.

Foodstuffs donated by wellwishers handed over to Tatmadawmen

Yangon, 6 March-Well- wishers are presenting foodstuffs to the Tatmadawmen discharging duties in far-flung forward areas and border areas upholding Our Three Main National Causes. A group led by Head of Department of the Office of Strategic Studies Col Than Tun transported the foodstuffs donated by the people to the Tatmadawmen for the first time on 4 March. The foodstuffs were freighted by Tatmadaw aircraft on 3 March to Kengtung. On 4 March morning, they were sent to Tachilek. A ceremony to hand over the foodstuff was held at Aung Myat hall, Tachilek in the evening.

It was attended by Brig-Gen Than Aung of Tachilek Station and Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, departmental officials, members of Myanmar Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and USDA. Col Than Tun said that people are continuously supporting the Tatmadawmen discharging duties in the forward areas upholding Our Three Main National Causes; their gifts can be calculated in terms of cash, but their benevolence is immeasurable and priceless; and the Tatmadawmen are to understand the benevolence of the people; cash donated by the people were used to buy foodstuffs for the Tatmadawmen according to the guidance of the Head of State and Tatmadaw leaders to fulfil the desire of the people and to make Tatmadawmen understand the benevolence of the people.

Brig-Gen Than Aung of Tachilek Station said that the Tatmadaw is endowed with fine traditions, and it has sacrified lives, sweat, and blood for independence; as the Tatmadaw posseses the 12 noble traditions that all Tatmadawmen possess the 10 strenghts; and the Tatmadaw has ample evidence that Ywet Sit's SURA is only a group trafficking heroin which will destroy the entire human race; the group believes in terrorism and making troubles relying on external elements; the Tatmadaw will crush them; local people from Taunggyi, Kengtung, Mongphyat and Tachilek are also presenting gifts. "We thank the people so much and we pledge to fight the enemy who endarger the security of the State and the people". Brig-Gen Than Aung together with Col Than Tun and group went to the front-line and handed over the foodstuffs to the Tatmadawmen through the camp commanders.

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( 7 ) The first plenary meeting of the fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee held

Yangon, 6 March-The first plenary meeting of 47-member Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee was held at Thiri Mingalar Kaba Aye Hill this afternoon. Present were Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Koehsaung Taik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint and officials. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita presided over the meeting and Secretary Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara acted as master of ceremonies. Secretary Sayadaw read the Ovadakatha of Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. Formation of sub-committee consisting of 15 members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, election of Sayadaws for the first four- month period of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and other matters were discussed. The meeting ended in the evening.

Fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha meets

Yangon, 6 March-The first meeting of the Fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha was held at the Maha Pasana Cave, Thiri Mingalar Kaba Aye Hill this morning. Present were member Sayadaws led by Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Koehsaung Taik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita and member Sayadaws of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint and officials of Religious Affairs Department and Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana and heads of State/Division and District Religious Affairs Department. Naga Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Wunna in Kyaukphyu Township, Thiri Mingalar Kyakhatwaing Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Joti-pala in Bago, Mya Thein Tan Kyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddham-majotikadhaja Bhaddanta Sobhana in Pazundaung Township, Maha Jotika Yama Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kavida in Monywa Township and Naga Hnitkaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Dhammasiri in Tachilek Township were elected as Ovadacariya Sayadaws.

Chairman of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Koeh-saung Taik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, presided over the meeting and Joint Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddham-majotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara acted as master of ceremonies. On behalf of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara reported on list of Sayadaws elected to the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and on list of Vice-Chairman Sayadaws and read the concluding speech of Myingyan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita. Well-wishers presented " soon" and other offertories to members of the Sangha.

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( 8 ) Minister inspects construction tasks in Kyaukse and Myittha

Yangon, 6 March-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials inspected Shwezedi Home for the Aged donated by Shwe Than Lwin Co yesterday morning. The minister and party were welcomed and conducted around there by Chairman of Kyaukse District Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Kyi Shein and Deputy Superintending Engineer U Aung Kyi Myint. The minister and party also inspected all-round renovation of Laymyethnar Pagoda in Myoma Ward in Kyaukse where members of Board of Trustees and construction group briefed on renovation. After inspecting Zawgyi Bridge Project in the afternoon, the minister arrived at Myittha Home for the Aged and inspected the site chosen for the buildings. The minister also inspected all-round renovation tasks for Shwekundaung Pagoda in Myittha and left there in the evening.

Minister inspects communication services in Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions

Yangon, 6 March-Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Win Tin together with responsible officials arrived at Sagaing Auto Telephone Exchange on 2 March morning and inspected the placement of machinery and operator's room. The minister then arrived at Myinmu Post and Telegraph Office and Monywa Auto Exchange where he inspected installation of machinery and connection of microwave and microwave antenna tower. On 4 March morning, the minister met with members of Management Committee for Monywa Industrial Zone and discussed matters related to installation of auto phone. After hearing reports on condition for installation of auto phones by Sagaing Division manager with the help of charts, the minister gave necessary instructions.

Minister inspects ancient Tagaung city

Yangon, 6 March-Minister for Culture U Win Sein, accompanied by Director-General U Nyunt Han of Archaeology Department and officials, inspected excavation and preservation of mounds of ancient Tagaung city in Thabeikkyin Township, PyinOoLwin District, Mandalay Division on 5 March. Director-General U Nyunt Han of Archaeology Department and officials conducted the minister around the ancient city. The minister gave instructions on excavation of ancient mounts and preservation of ancient buildings. The minister inspected city wall of the ancient city and paid homage to Zina Aungchar Shwebontha Pagoda built by King U Aung Zeya .

Mayor inspects agricultural and development tasks in Taikkyi

Yangon, 6 March-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay accompanied by committee member Col Thaung Wai and responsible officials inspected progress of agricultural and rural area development tasks in City Farm Project Region in Taikkyi Township and attended to the needs this morning. The mayor and officials inspected fish breeding pond near Shwewatun Hall and gave instructions. The mayor also inspected the construction of 18-mile long Tagwa-Thayetchaung-Meethway-kyin-Phalon late-rite road, river-water pumping project of Water Resources Utilization Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, near Zeegon Village, reconstruction of the Basic Education Primary School, Zeegon Village donated by YCDC and construction of village football ground and gave necessary instructions.

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