Yangon, March 17- A ceremony to hoist Shwehti-daw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Seinbudaw atop Thettha-padaung Shweyinaye Pagoda in Kyonsu Village, Hlinethaya Township, Yan-gon North District, was held on the platform of the pagoda this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were members of the Sangha led by Maha Gantha-vacaka Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Presiding Nayaka of Alodawpyi Kyaungtaik Bhaddanta Ari-yavamsa, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the Yangon Mayor, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, members of division/district/township Peace and Development Councils, Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, members of the pagoda Board of Trustees, wellwishers and local residents.

Staff Officer of Religious Affairs Department U Hla Hsan Win acted as master of ceremonies.Kwetthitkyaung Saya-daw of Mingalaramakyaung-taik in Insein Township Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Siri invested the congregation with the Nine Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta.The Secretary-1 presented the Seinbudaw to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa. Then, the Secretary-1 presented offertories to the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Alodaw-pyi Kyaungtaik.

The commander presented the Hngetmyatnadaw to the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of Alodawpyi Kyaungtaik.The ministers, the deputy ministers and wellwishers presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.U Myint Than-Daw Mar Mar Oo and family of Ayeyeikmon Housing Estate in Hline Township donated K 1.2 million; U Tun Aung-Daw Than Nwe and family of Phanset Street, Kanna Ale Ward, Insein Township, K 500,000; U Maung Maung Myint-Daw Thaung Kyi and family of Mingaladon Township K 400,000; Daw Kyin Hta and family of 33, 25th Street, Pabedan Township, K 350,000; Daw Yin Hlaing and family of Seittathukha Street, Pauktaw Ward, Insein Township, K 380,000; Daw Aye Khin and family of Monywa K 200,000; Daw Aye Kyi and family of Gangaw Street, Sangyoung Township, K 150,000; U Kyaw Shwe-Daw Myint Myint Aye and family of Ward 12, Hlinethaya Township, U Tin Aung Htay-Daw Khin Htay and family of Ward 13, Hlinethaya Township, Leading Patron of Shweyinaye Passenger Transport Service U Kyaw Myint and family, and U Tun Shein-Daw Ah Mar and family of Badomma Street, Dagon Township, K 100,000 each and U Maung San-Daw Talokema and family of Ward 13, Hlinethaya Township, K 50,000 to the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 accepted the donations and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.Abhidhamma Course Instructor Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana University Sasana Tekkathila Dham-macariya Bhaddanta Pana Nanda delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.The Secretary-1 conveyed the Seinbudaw, the commander Hngetmyatnadaw and the ministers, the mayor, the deputy ministers and well-wishers the tiers of the Shwehtidaw around the
pagoda clockwise.The Alodawpyi Saya-daw, the Secretary-1, the ministers, the mayor, the deputy ministers and well-wishers sprinkled scented water on the objects and hoisted them atop the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 hoisted Shwehtidaw, Hngetmyat-nadaw and Seinbudaw atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on them.After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony. Later, the Secretary-1 and party and wellwishers offered ‘soon’ to the members of the Sangha.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by Director-General of the Department for Human Settlement and Housing Development U Arnt Kyaw and officials, Managing Director U Sein Wan of Royal Green Manufacturing Ltd and employees.The Secretary-1 and party were conducted round the factory by Managing Director U Sein Wan.The Secretary-1 also observed fluorescent lamps manufactured at the factory.In the hall of the factory, Director-General U Arnt Kyaw reported to the Secretary-1 on the establishment and progress of Shwepyitha Industrial Zone.Managing Director U Sein Wan reported on facts about the factory, its test-running, production work and domestic distribution and export programmes.

The Secretary-1 said that modern machinery and high technology are used at the fluorescent lamp and spare parts factory, and it is found that the factory can produce goods of high quality.It is necessary not only to increase production but also to enhance quality of goods. Training is to be given to employees in order that they can put high technology to use. The government has adopted the attitude that as many as such modern factories emerge and as much as the businesses of national entrepreneurs are thriving, the nation will be able to make more and more progress. Therefore, the government has provided necessary assistance.

The factory has been set up with the cent-per-cent investment of the national entrepreneur. Imported modern machinery has been installed at the factory, and high technology is used in manufacturing Superlamp brand fluorescent lamps and spare parts of high quality.The factory can manufacture 1,200 fluorescent lamps an hour and from 13,000 to 23,000 a day.The Secretary-1 and party then inspected the construction of Shwepyitha-Htantabin Short Cut linking Ayeywalay Village in Shwepyitha Township and Rakhineyoegyi Village in Htantabin Township and development tasks.

In the briefing hall near Yaydwingon Village, Wahtaya Village-tract, Htantabin Township, Director of Division Land Records Department U Naing Win reported to the Secretary-1 on the building of Shwepyitha-Htantabin short-cut road.Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave an additional report.The Secretary-1 inspected the area near Yaydwingon Village where development tasks can be carried out, and gave instructions.Earth work has already been carried out on the seven-mile-two-furlong-long section of Shwepyitha-Htantabin short-cut road, and laterite has already been laid on the two-mile-seven-furlong-long section.

The Secretary-1 also met with division, district and township level departmental officials and gave instructions on development of Htantabin Township in Myawady Hall of Htantabin Township Peace and Development Council Office.Also present were Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, district and township authorities and guests.

Chairman of Htantabin Township Peace and Development Council U Thaung Han reported on the location, area and households and population of Htantabin Township, cultivation of monsoon paddy, summer paddy and cold season crops in 1999-2000 and in 2000-2001 and matters related to dams and embankments, livestock breeding, transport, education, health and the building of roads linking villages.The departmental officials reported on matters related to agriculture, health and education, and Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave an additional report.

The Secretary-1 said that Htantabin Township constitutes Tetthitkyun and Bawlekyun. Previously, it was accessible from Yangon only by water. Although it is near Yangon, it lagged behind in development due to difficulty of access.Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance that regional development tasks are to be carried in order to ensure development of Htantabin Township and improve the standard of living of local people.In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, regional development tasks have been carried out, and the government built Myochaung Bridge across Hlaing River linking Hmawby Township and Htantabin Township and Yaybawthaung Bridge linking Taikkyi Township and Htantabin Township with the aim of improving transport infrastructure which is fundamental to regional development.

Now that a road linking the top of Shwepyitha Bridge and Htantabin Township has already been built, Htantabin Township is accessible to Insein Township by car.In addition, arrangements have been made to carry out more regional development tasks.While the government is attending to matters related to regional development, departmental officials and local people also need to work hard for the development of their own region, agriculture and production work.

Only when there is regional development and economic progress, can local people participate in the tasks for improvement of the education, health and social sectors. As a result, their standards of living will improve all the more.Under the leadership of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the government is always finding ways and means to attend to the needs of the economic and social life of the people.Accordingly, the government is working in the interests of the people with goodwill, and if the people, joining hand in hand with the government, work their hardest, a peaceful, modern and developed nation will soon emerge.In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all to work at full stretch in the interests of the State and the people.Then, the Secretary-1 had a cordial meeting with those present.Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the condition of land erosion at Htantabin Bank and gave instructions.

Yangon, 17 March- Patron of Myanma Gems Emporium Organizing Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, accompanied by officials, arrived at the 38th Myanma Gems Emporium being staged at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 3 pm today.

The minister and party were welcomed there by Myanma Gems Emporium Organizing Central Committee Chairman Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Secretary Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and members.The minister inspected sale of gems through tender system and competitive bidding and left the venue in the evening. A total of US $ 3,736,733 was fetched from the today’s sale of 42 gem lots, and sale of gems continued until evening.Sale of 299 uncut jade lots from 14 to 16 March fetched US $ 4,302,239 while today’s sale of gem ornaments at fixed prices fetched US $ 2,566.

Sale of uncut jade, gem lots, fixed price gem ornaments, jade figurines, gems and jade realised US $ 8,066,538 from 14 March to date. Chairman of Myanma Gems Emporium Organizing Central Committee Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein presented a jewellery-studded painting and a certificate of honour to Mr Chat Chai of JJ & Ton Jewellery Ltd, Thailand who bought gems at the highest price. Altogether 674 gem merchants-442 from 192 companies of foreign countries and 232 from 94 local companies-attended the Emporium.Pearl lots will be sold through tender system on 18 March.

Yangon, 17 March- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by officials, arrived at Kyaukse Cement Plant Project of Myanma Ceramics Industries in Myinsaing area of Kyaukse Township yesterday morning, and inspected construction of the tower at the foot of Limestone Hill.

In the briefing hall, officials reported matters on construction of buildings of plant, roads and future tasks. The minister gave necessary instructions. Officials also reported transportation of machinery parts of the plant. Then, the minister met Chinese engineers engaged in the construction of the plant. The minister also inspected the site chosen for the foundation of the kiln of the plant.

In the afternoon, the minister arrived at Kyaukse and inspected goods of Winthuza Shop. Next, the minister proceeded to 25-ton Newsprint Mill of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries in Paleik, Singaing Township. General Manager U Thein Soe conducted the minister round the mill.

In the briefing hall, officials reported on preparations for opening of the mill. Then, the minister arrived at Paleik Textile and Finishing Plant of Myanma Textile Industries.He inspected production process of the plant.After that, the minister inspected the warehouse of newsprint, and gave instructions on fire preventive measures.

Yangon, 17 March- Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by Secretary of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myint Thein and departmental officials, arrived in Putao on 12 March.

In the hall of Putao Airport, the commander met officials and discussed extended construction of Putao Airport and attended to their needs.Then, the commander and party inspected Affiliated Basic Education Middle School of Namhauk Village in Mamule Village-tract and the paddy purchasing depot of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading in Putao and gave necessary instructions to officials.On 13 March morning, the commander attended the meeting on All-round Construction of Kaunghmulon Pagoda at the Dhammayon of the pagoda in Machanbaw Township.

The commander gave instructions to officials on timely completion of all-round construction of the pagoda and availability of construction materials and fuel. The secretary of the state, the chairman of Putao District and officials reported on construction of the pagoda.Then, wellwishers presented donations for all-round construction of the pagoda. The commander and officials accepted US$ 100 donated by Nippon Koei Electronic Co of Yangon and US$ 100 by leader of Consultant Group of the company Mr Takayama, K 20,000 each by Olympic Co and Assistant Chief Engineer U Soe Myint Lwin and family of Myanma Electric Power Enterprise, K 5,000 by U Han Thein Lwin and family. Next, the congregation took the sermon delivered by the Sayadaw, followed by sharing of merits.The commander and party then inspected all-round construction of the pagoda.

In the evening, the commander met district and township authorities, departmental personnel and social organizations at the Town Hall in Putao. The commander gave instructions on conditions of projects being implemented by the State, regional development tasks in the state and urged officials to strive for implementation of regional economic, social and transportation tasks by departments in cooperation with local people. The commander presented a generator for Putao TV re-transmission station to the in-charge of the station.Afterwards, Chairman of IMF Co U Soe Myint presented musical instrument for Putao BEHS band, two computer sets and one printer worth K 759,650 and ratton entrepreneur U Khin Maung Win a generator for Duttan Ward of Putao to the commander.The District Chairman and departmental officials reported to the commander on implementation of regional development.

Yangon, 17 March- Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt and offi-cials yesterday met hoteliers and officials, at Chaungtha Beach Hotel and discussed tourism development.The minister spoke on tourist arrivals, international cooperation, the ministry’s efforts for upgrading hotels and development of tourism. He said as Chaungtha Beach is only 109 miles away from Yangon it can be developed

The minister gave instructions on conservation of environment, formation of organizations for maintenance of beach, better services in hotels and proper regulations at the hotels.The minister inspected construction of extended buildings of Chaungtha Beach Hotel. This morning, the minister and party inspected Grand Hotel, Thiri Hotel, Chaungtha Resort Hotel, Chaungtha Oo Hotel, Min Min Soe Hotel and Shwe Joe Hotel.

Yangon, 17 March- Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, accompanied by officials, went to Nyaungdon (South) oil and natural gas field in Nyaungdon Township this afternoon and inspected production of natural gas and condensate at Test Well No 9.In the briefing hall, Chief Engineer (Drilling) U Myint Thein reported to the minister on drilling of Test Well No 9, Managing Director U Kyaw Nyein of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise on daily production and future prospects of Nyaungdon (South) Oil and Gas Field and Director (Oil Exploration/Development) U Sann Lwin on geological conditions for oil exploration in Ayeyawady Division. The minister gave necessary instructions.

Then, the minister presented K 300,000 as bonus to workers who engaged in the drilling the Test Well No 9 in a short time.Afterwards, the minister inspected storage of condensate in Nyaungdon (South) area.A total of 4.5 million cubic-feet of natural gas and 90 barrels of condensate have been exploited from Test Well No 9. Arrangements are being made for transportation of natural gas through pipeline from Nyaungdon to industries in Yangon.

The minister went to the construction site of Phyu Creek Bridge at mile post No 2/143. Superintending Engineer (Planning) U Myint Lwin reported on progress of work and tasks to be undertaken. The minister gave instructions.The minister inspected maintenance of the road between Phyu and Nyaunglebin Townships.The minister and party proceeded to the site of Sittaung Bridge (Shwekyin-Madauk) on Shwekyin-Madauk Road.They were welcomed by Project Senior Engineer U Win Aung and officials.U Win Aung reported on progress of work. The minister fulfilled requirements of construction materials, and gave instructions.

Yangon, 17 March- The renovation of religious structures in the sacred ground of the Shwedagon Pagoda is now under way.Similarly, the prayer halls on the platform- U San Chein Tazaung at Wednesday (South) Corner, U Kyi Ein-Daw Than Tazaung, Rakhine Tazaung at Saturday (S-W) Corner and Palele Tazaung at Yahu (N-W) Corner are being renovated.The original wellwishers and those who had made donations for renovation of the structures may contact the Pagoda Board of Trustees within one month from now to make contributions to the renovation.

Yangon, 17 March- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor of Yangon U Ko Lay, accompanied by officials of Supervisory Committee for Agriculture and Livestock Breeding and heads of department,, inspected regional development tasks, livestock breeding and agricultural work in Yangon North District this morning.

First, the mayor inspected cultivation of summer paddy at Kyainn and Zigon agricultural regions.Afterwards, the mayor inspected development undertakings in Thongwa, Kyaungsu and Tingoakkyi village-tracts.Later, the mayor inspected the breeding of fowls at Htaukkyant and Pale fowl breeding camps and left necessary instructions.

Yangon, 17 March- Course No 3 of Applied Accounting and accompained Management Course UMFCCI Level-1 opened under the supervision of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and with the assistance of Myanmar Society of Accountants concluded at the meeting hall of UMFCCI building at the corner of Merchant Street and 39th Street this afternoon.

It was attended by Adviser to UMFCCI U Khin Maung Yi, Secretary General U Zaw Min Win and Central Executive Committee members, course instructors, trainees and guests.

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( 9 ) Sanitation work carried out at DSGH

Yangon, 17 March- Hailing the 56 h Anniversary Armed Forces Day, a total of 1,200 members of Myanmar Police Force Battalions Control Command, the Criminal Investigation Department, the Special Investigation Department, the Railways Police Force, the YCDC Police Force and Yangon Division Police Force, 350 members or Fire Brigades and Red Cross Societies four Yangon Districts totalling 1,550 carried out sanitation work at Defence Services General Hospital in Mingaladon this morning.

Deputy Director-General of MPF Police Brig-Gen Hla Tun and senior police officers, Commandant of DSGH Col Tin Thein Lwin, Commandant of Obstetric, Gynaecological and Pediatric Hospital Lt-Col Thein Tan and officials inspected the sanitation work.

Books donated to Sarpay Beikman Library in Mandalay

Yangon, 17 March- Wellwishers from various townships donated books for Sarpay Beikman Library to be opened in Mandalay.

U Chit Thaung of Hline Township donated 156 books, Major Than Swe of Mayangon Township 199 books, U Kyaw Zeya of Sule Pagoda Road 108 books, U Khin Soe of Thanlyin Township 197 books, Daw Mya Than of Thuwunna 100 books, Daw Thin Soe Kyi of South Okkalapa 216 books, Deputy General Manager (Admin) of Printing and Publishing Enterprise) 1,685 books, U Khin Maung Lay of Kyauktada Township 120 books, Daw Wa Tin (Retd) of Sarpay Beikman 100 books, U Aung Soe of Thingangyun Township 213 books, U Htay Aung of Bahan Township 124 books, Editor Daw Thin Thin Zin of Sarpay Beikman 105 books, Captain Hin Kyaw 100 books, U Pyone Maung Maung-Daw Khin Thida Tun of Innwa Bookshop 1,264 English magazines and Librarian Daw Tin Phone Nwe of Universities Central Library 1,244 books. Altogether 6,773 various kinds of books have been received so far.

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