(1) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of  felicitations to Egypt

YANGON, 23 July - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council  of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Mohamed Hosni  Mubarak, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, on the occasion of the National Day of the Arab  Republic of Egypt which falls on 23 July 2001.

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(2) Secretary-1 attends ceremony to seek Ovada from Chairman Sayadaw Successful candidates of Nikaya  examinations honoured 

YANGON, 22 July - A ceremony to seek Ovada from Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka  Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Myingyan  Koehsaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita and to honour members of the Sangha from Nikaya  Sarthintaik who passed religious examinations was held at Pyilone Chantha Maha Theindawgyi of Nikaya  Tri-Pitaka Sarthintaik in South Dagon Myothit this morning, attended by the Secretary-1 of the State  Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Gana Maha Nayaka Sayadaws Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee  Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Myingyan Koehsaungtaik  Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Secretary Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja  Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara,  Sayadaws, members of the Sangha, ministers, deputy ministers, Adviser to the State Peace and  Development Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation  of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Pro- Rector (Administration) of the International Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe and officials,  officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, township authorities,  members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association and religious associations, well-wishers and guests.

The Secretary-1 and the congregation took the Five Precepts from Secretary Magway Sayadaw Bhadanta Kumara. Secretary Magway Saya-daw Bhaddanta Kumara read out the Ovadakatha of Chairman  Myingyan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita. In the Ovadakatha, the Sayadaw said that at Nikaya Sarthintaik  established in 1358 ME, five Nikaya TriPitaka Pali Athakatha treatises have been taught. At the request of  the Sayadaw, the government and the Ministry of Religious Affairs have already held the ninth five  Nikaya Pali Examination.

A rule has been laid down that all student members of the Sangha from Nikaya Sarthintaik are required to  take five Nikaya Pali Examination. Therefore, now, a ceremony to honour members of the Sangha who  have passed that examination can be held. The purpose of holding such a kind of ceremony on a grand  scale is to encourage the student members of the Sangha to earnestly pursue their studies in five Nikaya  Pali Athakatha treatises. Then, the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited Parittas.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 supplicated on religious affairs. He said that at Nikaya Sarthintaik established  by the Chairman Sayadaw, five Nikaya and Tri-Pitaka Pali treatises have been taught. Therefore, it is a  significant Sarthintaik. According to the Ovadakatha of the Sayadaw, if members of the Sangha and  disciples join hand in hand, the Buddhist Sasana will flourish not only in Myanmar but also all over the  world. Next, the Secretary-1 and party and wellwishers offered alms to the Sayadaws.

The Secretary-1 presented awards to Vina-yavidu title, Dighanikaya Vidura title and Maha Vidu title  recipient Bhaddanta Khamavudha, Vinaya Vidu title and Dighanikaya Vidu title recipient Bhaddanta  Sunnada and Bhaddanta Kosalla and Vinaya Vidu title recipient Bhaddanta Nagabala and Bhaddanta  Dhammika. The ministers also presented awards to members of the Sangha who passed the examinations.  Secretary Magway Saya-daw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon, and the Secretary-1 and party shared  merits. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 offered soon to the Chairman Sayadaw, the Sayadaws and  members of the Sangha.

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(3) Secretary-1 attends Waso-robe offering ceremony for Bangladesh Kyaungtaik in Tamway Township

YANGON, 22 July-The fourth Waso-robe Offering Ceremony for the Bangladesh Kyaungtaik in Myittanyunt Ward, Tamway Township, Yangon East District, was held in conjunction with third cash  donations presentation ceremony for Zayamingalar three-storey Ordination Hall at the Kyaungtaik this  afternoon, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru  Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and member Sayadaws,  Presiding Nayaka of the Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhad-danta Pan-ajota and members of the Sangha, 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 deputy ministers, officials of the  Office of the State Peace and Development Council, departmental heads, local authorities, executives and  members of the Township Union Solidarity and Development Association, wellwishers and guests. The  congregation received the Five Precepts from Magway Sayadaw. The members of the Sangha recited the Metta Sutta.

Then, the Secretary-1, the commander, the ministers and wellwishers presented Waso robes and offertories to the members of the Sangha. U Soe Aung of Thukha Co. and family presented K 300,000 for  construction of the Ordination Hall and K 222,836 for Dattawshin Pagoda kept in Ywadaw, the People's  Republic of Bangladesh; U Maung Kein-Daw San Myint (Thiha Thudhamma Thingi) and family, K  500,000; U Kyaw Naing-Daw Khin Khin Myint of Dagun Timber Shop and family, K 100,000 for the  Ordination Hall and K 250,000 for the Dattawshin Pagoda and U Saw Oo and son U Than Maung Oo and  family of Kyaukmyaung K 130,000 to the Secretary-1. The commander accepted K 1,723,947 including K  111,111 donated by U Ba Ni and U Kyaw Myint of Myanma Thabawa International Co; K 100,000 each  by U Nyan Tun Aung (MAA) Ltd and U Thurein-Daw Aye Aye Lwin and family; K 50,000 each by Daw  Tin Tin Oo of Kauklyin Street in Thuwunna, Mr Jatindralal Barua and Ms Mallika Barua of Chittagong in Bangladesh, Daw Thein Nu and Daw Khin Mya and family, and Daw Thein Tin and family of No 11, 89th Street, Kandawgalay.

Afterwards, Magway Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the  ceremony.

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(4) Secretary-1 attends 16th donation ceremony for construction of Thatbyinnyu Pagoda 

YANGON, 22 July - The 16th ceremony to donate cash for construction of Thatbyinnyu Pagoda was held  at Thatbyinnyu Pagoda in Mayangon Township this afternoon. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and  Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and accepted donations. Also present  were wife of the Secretary-1 Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, member of the State Peace and Development  Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin  Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, chairmen and members of the Working Committee for  Construction of Thatbyinnyu Pagoda and subcommittees, officials of the State Peace and Development  Council Office, heads of department, wellwishers and guests.

Secretary of the Working Committee Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen. Thura Aung Ko  reported on construction of Thatbyinnyu Pagoda, and Chairman of the Working Committee Minister for  Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe on donations and expenditure for construction of the pagoda.

Then, the Secretary-1 and wife donated exercise books and pencils to Presiding Nun Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Aphwalay Daw Dhammesi of Dhammesaka Nunnery Sarthintaik. The Secretary-1  accepted donations  K 10 million by Yangon City Development Committee, K 20,317,550 by Gunkul  Engineering Co Ltd, K 3 million for the fourth tier of Shwehtidaw by families of the Ministry of  Transport, K 3 million for 500 KVA transformer by U Kyaw Pe-Daw Hla Win and family, K 3 million by  U Tin Sein (Myanmar Universal Bank), K 200,000 by the families of the Ministry of Industry-2, K  100,000 by the families of the Ministry of Commerce and K 1,687,500 for AMP 4 Pole Manual Change  Over Switch by Glover Electrical Industries (Pte) Ltd.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than accepted donations  K 450,000 each by Myanma Five Star Line,   Inland Water Transport and the Directorate of Waterways, K 300,000 by the Directorate of Development  of Water Resources and Improvement of River System, K 450,000 by the Institute of Marine Technology  and K 300,000 each by Myanma Shipyards and Civil Aviation Department. Minister U Aung Khin  accepted donations  K 105,000 by families of the Ministry of Livestock Breeding and Fisheries, K 172,936  by families of the Ministry of Immigration and Population, K 150,000 by families of the Meteorology and  Hydrology Department, 150,000 by Myanma Airways, K 126,000 by the Education and Training  Department under the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development  Affairs, K 300,000 by families of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs, K 100,000 by  Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise, K 500,000 by Asia World Col Ltd, K 500,000 by Thiha Thudama  Manizotadara U Thein Win (recipient of medal for excellence performance in social field  second class)
and Thiha Thudama Theingi Thiri Thudama Theingi Daw Ni of Shwethanlwin Co Ltd, K 300,000 by MFF Co. Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe accepted donations Ñ K 300,000 by U Kyaw Nyunt and  brothers, K 300,000 by U Aye Tun (Aung Thein Than Co) and family, K 200,070 by Sandi Traditional  Medicine family, K 100,000 by Santhawda Co, K 105,000 by U Win Aung and family, K 10,000 by  Myanmar Rice Merchants Association, K 13,000 by U Ko Thurein-Daw Swe Swe Han and family, K  10,000 by U Sein Kyi and family, K 10,000 by U Aung Myint-Daw Yin Yin Lwin and family and K  105,000 by Myanma Investment and Commercial Bank Ltd (Yangon).

Today's donations totalled K 48,352,056. In speaking words of thanks, the Secretary-1 said that although  the construction of Thabinnyu Pagoda is a mammoth task, construction work have been done continuously  due to donations of wellwishers. Large construction tasks have been carried out and only small tasks and  Myanmar handicraft work remain to be done. Seinphudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw to be installed at the  pagoda have been completed, and Shwehtidaw is also being made. Various committees have been formed  to systematically construct the pagoda. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to  ancient Buddha images at the pagoda and inspected progress of construction work.

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(5) Waso robes offered to members of the Sangha

YANGON, 22 July-Danubyu Township Association (Yangon) held its third Waso-robe offering ceremony  at the office of the association at 468/A on Lower Kyimyindine Road, Kyimyindine Township, this  morning. At the ceremony, Saya-daw of Pali Tekkatho Sarthintaik Bhaddanta Kondan a administered the  Five Precepts. Patron of the Association Minister for Immigration and Population U Saw Tun and wife  Daw Yee Yee May, members of Panel of Patrons of the Association, executives and members presented  Waso robes and offertories to the members of the Sangha. The Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by  sharing of merits gained and the ceremony came to a close.

Minister U Win Aung leaves for Vietnam to attend ASEAN meeting 

YANGON, 22 July - At the invitation of the Chairman of the 34th ASEAN Standing Committee and  Minister for Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Mr Nguyen Dy Nien, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung  left here by air this morning for Vietnam to attend the 34th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM),  ASEAN+3 Ministerial Meeting, 8th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), ASEAN Post Ministerial  Conferences (PMCs) and Second Ministerial Meeting on Mekong-Ganga Cooperation to be held from 22  to 29 July, 2001 in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Minister U Win Aung was seen off at the airport by Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Minister for  Communications, Posts & Telegraphs Brig-Gen. Thein Zaw, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin  Maung Win, the Charge d'Affaires ai of the Vietnamese Embassy here and officials of the Ministry of  Foreign Affairs. Ambassador of Myanmar to Vietnam U Khin Aung, Ambassador of Myanmar to Brunei  Darussalam U Than Tun, Ambassador of Myanmar to Cambodia U Tint Lwin, Director-General of the  ASEAN Affairs Department U Aye Lwin, Director-General of the Political Department U Thaung Tun,  General Staff Officer (Grade I) of the Office of Strategic Studies Lt-Col Si Thu, Minister Counsellor of  Myanmar Embassy in Thailand U Nyan Lynn, Counsellor of Myanmar Embassy in Vietnam U Tint Swe  and Assistant Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Myint Thu will also attend the meetings.

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(6) Minister for Industry-1 tours Mandalay Division 

YANGON, 22 July-Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung together with officials inspected construction  of two-storey building of No 3 Basic Education High School in Kyaukse, Mandalay Division on 21 July.  Construction of the building is being carried out by Myanma General and Maintenance Industries of  Ministry of Industry-1. Then, he inspected the proposed site for building of plastic bag factory at the department of factories project in Kyaukse.

Later, he inspected construction of Kyaukse cement factory. Next, he inspected Winthuza Shop in Kyaukse. He proceeded to No 3 paper Mill of Myanma Paper and Chemical Industries in Paleik, Singaing  Township. He inspected work process and left instructions. Then, Central Executive Committee member  of Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aung Thaung met with secretaries and executives of  district and township USDAs of Mandalay, PyinOoLwin, Kyaukse, Yamethin and NyaungU Townships.  Later, he inspected Myanma Umbrella Factory of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries and Soap  factory No 3 of Myanma Pharmaceutical and Toiletries Industries in Chanayethazan Township.

Minister inspects Thaton-Bago-Pyundaza railroad

YANGON, 22 July-Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, together with officials, inspected the Thaton-Bago-Pyundaza railroad section and gave instructions on maintenance of the railroad on 20 July. In the afternoon, CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Pan Aung met  with the members of DaikU Township USDA and gave instructions on future tasks.

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(7) Commander attends departmental meetings

YANGON, 22 July- A four-monthly work coordination meeting between Ayeyawady Division Peace and  Development Council and Public Works, the Irrigation Department, the Directorate of Water Resources  and Improvement of River Systems and the Myanma Railways was held at the meeting hall of the office of  Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council on 16 July afternoon. It was attended by Ayeyawady  Division Peace and Development Council Chairman South-West Command Commander Maj-Gen Thura  Shwe Mann, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Tint Swe, senior Tatmadaw officers, local authorities,  departmental officials and guests.

The commander made a speech at the meeting. On 17 July morning, the commander met with members of  Division, District and Township USDAs at the office of Divisional USDA. He met with members of  Division, District and Township Agricultural Production Supervisory Committees at the meeting hall of  Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council and gave instructions. Afterwards, he attended the  ceremony to clarify Order No 1/99 of the Ministry of Home Affairs at the same venue. In the afternoon, he  gave instructions to members of Division, District and Township Agricultural and Livestock Breeding  Supervisory Committees and Industrial Development Committees.

Commander attends tree planting ceremony in Mandalay

YANGON, 21 July-Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of  Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint attended 11th tree planting ceremony of Mandalay City Development Committee on 20 July. Then, the commander accompanied by officials inspected development work being carried out by MCDC. Then, he attended Waso robes offering ceremony held at  Masoeyein Taikthit Dhammadipati Kyaung Saung in Maha Aungmye Township. Later, he attended the  novitiation and cash donation ceremony held at Chanthagyi Hsutaungya Pagoda in Pyawbwe West Ward  in Aungmyethazan Township. At the ceremony, five persons were ordained and 54 novitiated. U Soe  Nyein and wife Daw Mya Kyin of Chanayethazan Township donated K 3.4 million to seven social and  religious organizations.

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(8) Cash presented to war veterans, outstanding children

YANGON, 22 July-A ceremony to present cash to elderly war veterans at the age of 75 and above, disabled war veterans and outstanding students of war veterans in Mon State by the Central Organizing Committee of the Myanmar War Veterans Organization was held at the State Hall of Mon State yesterday morning. It was attended by Mon State War Veterans Organization Patron Mon State Peace and Development Council Chairman South-East Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, MWVO  Central Organizing Committee member Director-General of the Civil Aviation Department Col Win  Maung (Retd), Deputy Commander Brig-Gen. Myo Hla, senior Tatmadaw officers, local authorities and  personnel of the non-governmental organizations and others. Commander Brig-Gen. Myint Swe delivered  an address at the ceremony. Altogether 15.55 million kyats of cash assistance were presented to 59 elderly  war veterans, 202 disabled war veterans and 7 outstanding students who are offsprings of war veterans.

Mayor inspects prawn breeding camp in Kyauktan

YANGON, 22 July-Chairman of the Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, accompanied by officials, arrived at the prawn breeding camp of the Production Department of YCDC at  Kayet Village-tract in Kyauktan Township, Yangon Division this afternoon. After inspecting the camp, he  gave necessary instructions and attended to the requirements for the progress of the breeding tasks there.  Joint-Secretary of YCDC U Kyi Win, Head of the Production Department U Than Sein, Joint-Head Maj.  Tin Pe and officials reported on quality, size and production of prawn at the prawn breeding pond No A-5,  breeding tasks carried out at pond Nos A-1 and A-2, progress of work and situation of prawn hatching  ponds to the mayor who gave instructions on promotion of production, minimizing of wastage, systematic  supervision and ultilization of modern techniques.

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(9)  Painting and sculpture exhibition to be held

YANGON, 21 July-Myanmar Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central) will hold its painting and sculpture  exhibition at Tatmadaw Convention Centre on U Wisara Road here in December 2001. The Central  Committee for Organizing the exhibition was formed at the meeting of the Central Executive Committee  today. The exhibition will be held with the aim of implementing one of the social objectives of the State:  Uplift of national prestige and integrity and preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage and  national character; evincing Myanmar painting and sculpture works to the public; enabling the public to  enjoy paintings and sculptures from various States and Divisions; exposing Myanmar paintings and  sculptures to international sphere; promoting the lives of artists and sculptors and handing down  traditional cultural heritages to new generations. Further details on the exhibition will be informed to  Township artists and artisans asiayons.

Observance of International Literacy Day coordinated

YANGON, 20 July-The coordination meeting for organizing a ceremony to mark International Literacy  Day, which falls on 8 September 2001, was held at the meeting hall of the Myanmar Education Research  Bureau on Pyay Road this morning. Present were Patrons of Committee for Organizing the ceremony  Sayagyi U Than Oo, Sayagyi U Thaung Htut and Sayagyi U Ye Aung, Chairman of the Committee  Chairman of MERB of the Ministry of Education U Myint Han and committee members, directors-general  and chairmen of departments and boards under the ministry, departmental officials and guests. Patron U  Than Oo and Chairman U Myint Han gave opening addresses. Secretary of the Committee Research  Officer U Aung Kyi reported on work to be carried out for holding the ceremony successfully. Those  present also took part in the discussion. Then, the ceremony came to a close with concluding remarks by  Chairman U Myint Han.

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