( 1 ) Laotian Prime Minister and wife to pay official visit to Myanmar

Yangon, 16 Aug- At the invitation of the Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic His Excellency Mr Boungnang Vorachith and Madame Khammeung Vorachith will pay an official goodwill visit to the Union of Myanmar in the near future.

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( 2 ) Man responsible to transform dry regions into forest lands with milder climate Over 60,000 saplings planted in Taungtha region to help improve climatic conditions and regional greening

Yangon, 15 Aug- A tree planting ceremony to green the Taungtha Hill in Taungtha Township, Myingyan District, Mandalay Division, was held at the foot of the hill yesterday morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The ceremony was sponsored by the Dry Zone Greening Department of the Ministry of Forestry. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt quoted Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe as giving guidance, saying, ̉There are four kinds of basic natural resources, which are, land, water, climate and forests. Depletion of forests will lead to destruction of land and water resources and adverse climate changes. If efforts cannot be made to improve the condition of the dry zone, it will change into a desert-like area in about 50 years, in which human settlement may be impossible.

Thus, not only the conventional methods, but also the innovative means should be applied to green the dry region. The Secretary-1 said the Ministry of Forestry laid down the Nine Districts Greening Project in 1994 to materialize the guidance. In 1997, the Dry Zone Greening Department was formed, and the greening project was extended to 13 districts. The DZGD has laid down the four objectives, which are, regeneration of forests in the depleted areas; conservation of the remaining forests, wider utilization of the wood-substitute fuels; and ensuring water supply to forest plantations, in implementing its tasks. It can be seen that the objectives are leading towards laying down plans to materialize the guidance.

As the Head of State has given guidance for national progress with farsightedness in building the nation, the departments should accept the guidance as work guidelines, and should apply innovative means to realize the guidance. The Secretary-1, on behalf of the State, expressed pleasure to see the ministry making arrangements for perpetual thriving of the forests. Moreover, it is an encouraging sign to see that the local people as well as the people of the surrounding areas of the forest projects are actively contributing efforts to green their regions. Water is the main requirement for greening and thriving of the forests. In this manner, collective efforts are needed to ensure water availability.

The region once was covered with forests and vegetation. As the dry region of Bagan was the place which was the centre of the First Myanmar Empire, it is sure that it would not be a dry region like at present, but a region covered with forests. Hence, it is the responsibility of man himself to transform the land of the dry regions to be covered with thriving forests and the climate to become milder. Due to the systematic efforts, the regions such as Bagan and Popa, the hills of the areas are regenerated with vegetation cover at present. Similar efforts are being made to green the Taungtha region, and the present is the second tree planting ceremony of the region. The tree planting ceremony will benefit not only the regional people, but also the posterity. It will also change the climatic conditions to good, help develop regional farming and improve the life expectancy.

Continuation of the tree planting ceremonies again and again every year will bring significant results. He wished all to harmoniously strive to green the entire region in accord with the head of State's guidance. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt planted a bo sapling. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of the Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, ministers and deputy ministers also planted neem and tamarind saplings. Also present at the cere-mony were Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, members of Magway Division Peace and Development Council, division level officials, departmental personnel of Magway Division, Myingyan District, Myingyan Township and Taungtha Township, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and Maternal and Child Welfare Association, teachers, students and local people totalling over 10,000. Over 60,000 saplings were planted at the ceremony.

The Secretary-1 inspected the sample toddy palm seeds. Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun explained the purpose of the ceremony, settlement of plantations, conservation of natural forests, installation of the water supply systems, plans for perpetual development of forests on the hill slopes and the benefits. The Secretary-1 presented cash awards and certificates of honour to U Nyein of Taungtha Township, who built a small-scale dam at a cost of K 2.5 million for the greening project, U Tin Win of KN Company for his contribution to forest conservation and wood-substitute fuel production, Myingyan District USDA Secretary U Aung Zan and Taungtha Township USDA Secretary U Thaung Sein for the association's participation in the Taungtha Hill greening project, and the Committee to Raise the Income of Duangle Village of Kyaukpadaung Township. The Secretary-1 cordially greeted those present at the ceremony.

The surface area of the 1,788 feet high Taungtha Hill is 3,302 acres. Of the 2,005 acres of plantable land of the hill surface, 1,705 acres have been put under various kinds of tree species. Moreover, 1,194 acres of natural forests have been protected. Two tube-wells and eight reservoirs have been built to supply water to the project. Water from the Taungtha Creek is being lifted onto the hill with the power of underground oil pumping machines and lifters. The trees on the slopes are watered with sprayers. Setting up of a 600-acre Dry Zone Botanical Gardens is under way. Plantation has been started of 162 acres of the 54 three-acre plots, representing the 54 townships in Sagaing, Mandalay and Magway Divisions inclusive in the dry zone greening project area, in the gardens. On arrival at Shinmataung Hsandawshin Shwemudaw Pagoda in Yesagyo Township, Pakokku District, Magway Division, the Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win, senior military officers and others.

The Secretary-1 paid homage to the Buddha images and presented cash donations to the pagoda. He also paid respects to Sayadaw Dhammacariya Bhaddanta Kavindobhasa of Shinmadaung Monastery. He then presented offertories to the Sayadaw. Deputy Minister Col Thaik Tun reported to the Secretary-1 on Shinmataung region greening project. The Secretary-1 spoke of the need to plant tree species such as thanatkha which grow well in the region. He then inspected the project. The Shinmadaung region lying between Yesagyo Township in Magway Division and Myaing Township is 1,723 feet high. A 961-foot high rocky hill is also included in the Shinmataung range whose total area is 25,743 acres. Various kinds of plant species have been grown on all 5,351 acres of plantable land on the Shinmadaung Hill surface. Of the 8,174 acres of forests on the hill slopes, 6,500 acres have been put under protection.

Of the plantable acres of 3,526 acres on the rocky hill, 1,626 acres have been put under tree species. All the 3,000 acres of natural forests have been but under protection. The Secretary-1 and party left by helicopter for Thagyitaung oilfield of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise in Pauk Township, Pakokku District in Magway Division. They were welcomed by Commander of No 101 LID Col Khin Maung Tun and senior military officers, members of Magway Division Peace and Development Council, Managing Director of MOGE U Kyaw Nyein and officials Minister for Energy Brig-gen Lun Thi reported on geological condition of Thagitaung test well No1, Sabai Kanpaphyu region, geological survey in Thagyitaung oilfield, prospects of the test well, amount of natural gas and crude oil and arrangements for production. Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min reported on management.

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions and inspected the test well No 1 and drilling. The Secretary-1 presented gifts for service personnel of Thagyitaung oilfield to Chief Engineer (Drilling) U Tin Myint Than. The Thagyitaung test well 1 is situated 26 miles west of Pakokku between Kyaukkhwet Letpando oilfield and Ayadaw oilfield. The test well is 5,875 feet deep and produces 2.967 million cubic feet of natural gas and 196 barrels of crude oil per day. The kind of oil is light crude oil and a new oil and natural gasfield has emerged. The Sabai test well 1 is being drilled, 9 miles south of the Thagyitaung test well 1. The new oilfileld will be 9 miles long and three miles wide.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Tantkyitaung Swedawshin Pagoda where members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and officials. The Secretary-1 offered flower and light to the pagoda and presented donations to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun reported on measures undertaken for greening of Tantkyitaung by the Arid Zone Greening Department, growing of plants and conservation and future tasks for greening of Tantkyitaung areas. The Secretary-1 then fulfilled the requirements. The Secretary-1 scattered seeds of tamarind, cotton, lead tree (Leucaena glauca), cutch (Acacia catechu) and neem from the platform of Tantkyitaung Sawdawshin Pagoda.

The Secretary-1 presented donations to members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. The Tankyitaung is 1,840 feet high and the area of the mountain is 36,910 acres. Out of 4,791 acres, altogether 2,191 acres have been cultivated. Out of 28,870 forest conservation acres, 17,100 acres of forest have been conserved. The Secretary-1 paid obeisance to Tatkyitaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Somabudhi and presented offertories to the Sayadaw. The Secretary-1 and party inspected forest plantation and left for Bagan-NyaungU Airport by helicopter and arrived there in the evening. The Secretary-1 and party went to the office of Tuyintaung Greening Project in NyaungU Township. They were welcomed by Director-General of Arid Zone Greening Department (Upper Myanmar) U Tun Tun and officials.

The Seceretary-1 planted a Gangaw tree to mark the Tuyintaung Greening, The commander, the ministers and the deputy ministers also planted tamarind, Bo tree and tarmarind trees. Deputy Minister Col Thaik Tun reported on measures undertaken by the Arid Zone Greening Departrment, planting of trees for greening of Tuyintaung, abailability of water, work being done and requirements. The Secretary-1 said Tuyintaung region is a rock area and so perennial trees such as lead trees are to be grown. He gave instructions on planting of saplings and seeking ways for water availability. He then attended to the needs. The Secretary-1 inspected rain trees, large banyan trees, neem trees, tamarind trees, moonseed vines, Bo-trees and nurseries of banyan and toddy palm in the project compound.

The Tuyintaung region consists of Kangyigon Hill, Nwedaw Hill, Thagyar Hill, Thet Oo Hill and Paikhlan Hill, and the area of the region is 2,760 acres. Out of 1,300 acres of cultivable of land, 430 acres have been cultivated and forest conservation areas is 120 acres. Tasks are being implemented for water supply with the use of 28 600-gallon tanks, two dams, artesian wells, tanks and water-pumps. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Tuyintaung Swedawmyat Pagoda where they were welcomed by members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees. The Secretary-1 offered flowers and lights to the pagoda and made cash donations to the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 inspected greening of Tuyintaung from the platform of the pagoda. The Secretary-1 and party visited Bagan Pagoda No 1512 Myepontha Pagoda. He then inspected work being carried out for durability of the artistic works of the pagoda with the use of chemicals provided by UNDP and UNIECF, and gave instructions to the officials. They went to Bagan pagoda No 1467 Lawka Oakshaung Pagoda. The Secretary-1 inspected the stone sculptures and wall paintings of the Pagoda and left instructions.

The Secretary-1 also visited Hnahtat Pagoda and inspected ancient glazed works and decorative works in relief with stucco of the inter pagoda, and gave instructions on maintenance of the works not losing olden style. In the evening, the Secretary-1 and party visited Lawka Nanda Swedaw Pagoda and donated cash for the pagoda to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. They paid homage to Mukkha Buddha images in the precinct of the pagoda. They proceeded to Shwezigon Pagoda and paid reverence to the pagoda and Buddha images. The Secretary-1 presented cash donations to the Pagoda Board of Trustees. They visited Mukkha Buddha Image and Shin Araham Theindaw. The Secretary-1 and party later arrived back at the Tatmadaw Guest House in Bagan-NyaungU and spent the night there.

( 3 ) Yangon Division Cultural Performing Arts Competitions open

Yangon, 15 Aug- The opening ceremony of the Ninth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions of the Yangon Division was held at Saya San Hall at Kyaikkasan Grounds in Tamwe Township, Yangon East District here this morning, attended by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and wife Daw Marlar Tint. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint and wife, military region commanders, members of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, members of the committee for holding the competitions, supervisory committee members, judges, participants and others. The Commander formally opened the competitions and delivered a speech. The commander and guests enjoyed the performance of the participants and artistes, and the ceremony came to a close. Altogether 350 participants are taking part in the competitions which will be held till 19 August.

Commander inspects agricultural and livestock breeding tasks

Yangon, 15 Aug- The State Peace and Development Council member Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, accompanied by No 1 Military Region Commander Col Khin Maung Soe and officials, inspected agricultural tasks at Yangon Division Vegetable Production and Poultry Farming Special Zone near Nyaunghnapin Village in Hmawby Township today. The commander arrived at Hmawby Hsan Hall of the special zone-1 where members of Supervisory Committee welcomed him.

The special zone-1 in-charge Manager of Yangon Division Agriculture Services U San Maung, the special zone-2 in-change Deputy Commissioner of Yangon North District General Administration Department U Saw Hla Myint, and in-charge of the special zone-3 Head of Yangon Division Land Records Department U Naing Win reported on conditions of land clearance and reclamation, cultivation tasks and poultry farming in the respective zones and departmental officials on conditions of tasks to be carried out, and entrepreneurs on agriculture and livestock breeding tasks to the commander. After giving necessary instructions there, the commander inspected farming of 5,500 poultry of Shwetharaphu Co Ltd and gave instructions.

Then, the commander inspected Taingmyankyaw, Taing Ah Man and Myo Myint Kyaw Poultry Farms and gave instructions on cultivation of vegetables around the farms. The commander also inspected the vegetable plantations in the special zone-1. Afterwards, the commander inspected the plantations of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation on 190 acres of land, those of Ministry of Energy on 60 acres, those of Ministry of Home Affairs on 120 acres, and those of Ministry of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs on 165 acres, and left there in the evening. Over 2,300 acres of vegetables have been cultivated, over 123,000 hens are being raised, and fish ponds have been dug up on over 300 acres in the special zone-1.

( 4 ) Minister receives Malaysian guests

Yangon, 15 Aug- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met Managing Director Mr Kunio Yoshikawa of Aragan Toys Sdn Bhd of Malaysia and party at his office this evening. Present at the call were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director General of Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung and officials.

Minister U Tin Winn receives guests

Yangon, 15 Aug- Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Tin Winn received Managing Director of Channel J of Japan Mr Nagaharu Hayabusa and party at his office here this afternoon.

Minister receives Ambassador

Yangon, 15 Aug- Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein received Ambassador of Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori at his office at 10 am today. Also present at the call were Vice-Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Than Lwin and Adviser at the ministry U Kyi Shein.

( 5 ) Minister for Culture U Win Sein receives Thai Education Deputy Minister

Yangon, 15 Aug- Minister for Culture U Win Sein received a Thai delegation led by Deputy Minister Dr Sirikorn Maneerin of Ministry of Education, Thailand, at his office at 11 am today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt, Ambassador of Thailand Mr Oum Maolanon, departmental heads of the Ministry of Culture and officials.

Culture Deputy Minister meets Thai Education Deputy Minister

Yangon, 15 Aug- Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt met with Deputy Minister of Education of Thailand Dr Sirikorn Maneerin at his office this afternoon. They discussed matters relating to signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Archaeology Department of Myanmar and the Fine Arts Department of Thailand. The discussions were centred on plans being made by the two sides to reach an agreement in cooperation in the archaeological field and restoration of ancient edifices and artifacts and exchange of archaeological experts. Also present were directors-general and rectors of departments and universities under the ministry, officials, the 14-member Thai delegation led by the Thai deputy minister and Counsellor of the Thai Embassy Miss Buskorn Prugsapongse.

( 6 ) Clinic of Yangon Supreme Court opened

Yangon, 15 Aug- A ceremony to open a clinic of the Supreme Court (Yangon) for the staff was held at the clinic on the second floor of the Supreme Court this afternoon. Chief Justice U Aung Toe formally opened the clinic. Also present were Deputy Chief Justice U Than Oo, Supreme Court Judges U Khin Myint, Dr Tin Aung Aye, U Myint Thein, U Chit Lwin, U Tun Shin, the director-general, directors, advisers, deputy directors and officials.

Ministers meet livestock breeding and fishery entrepreneurs

Yangon, 15 Aug- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein met livestock breeding and fishery entrepreneurs at the Ministry of Commerce this afternoon. Present were Deputy Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, advisers, the directors-general and managing directors, officials of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Myanmar Livestock Breeding Federation, Myanmar Fisheries Federation and guests.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone called for cooperation of fishery entrepreneurs for holding of international level trade fair on Myanmar's marine products, penetration international market and flow of fisheries investment into Myanmar. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein spoke on gaining profit by direct export to foreign countries, sale promotion by holding trade fair on fish and meat sector and participation of private entrepreneurs. Director-General of Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye reported on procedures of the international trade fairs. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan and those present took part in the discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone.

Hsipaw and Nawnghkio BEHSs get multimedia teaching centres

Yangon, 15 Aug- The ceremonies to open multimedia teaching centres of Hsipaw Basic Education High School and Nawnghkio BEHS in Kyaukme District were held at the respective schools on 12 August.

Present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, CEC member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Director-General of No 2 Basic Education Department (Upper Myanmar) Lt-Col Win Htein, departmental officials, local authorities, members of Parent-Teacher Association, the School Board of Trustees, teachers, students and guests. The opening of the multimedia teaching centre of Hsipaw BEHS was held at the school in the morning.

Headmaster U Sai Aung Nyunt, Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Aung Than Oo and Ma Tin Nilar Win, who passed the matriculation exam in 2000-2001, with two distinctions formally opened the centre. Then, the commander formally unveiled the signboard of the centre. Afterwards, the commander, the CEC member and party inspected the centre. Ma Soe Wai Wai, who won the first prize for BEMS level all-round development in Shan State (North) in 2000-2001, spoke words of thanks. Headmaster U Sai Aung Nyunt reported on tasks being implemented for the multimedia teaching centre. Chairman U Aung Than Oo reported on concerted efforts made for the opening of the multimedia teaching centre, and expressed words of thanks.

Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council presented K 555,500 for the centre; Kyaukme District and Hsipaw Township Peace and Development Councils, departments and NGOs K 354,000; the national race leaders from Special Region (3) K 400,000; national race entrepreneurs K 1,288,000; Hsipaw townselders and old students K 4,056,142; and K 500,000 for the trust funds of the centre to Headmaster U Sai Aung Nyunt. The commander presented teaching aids to the headmaster. After the ceremony, the commander, the minister and party, together with the headmaster, teachers and students, posed for documentary photos.

A similar ceremony was held at Nawnghkio BEHS later in the morning. Head of the school U Tin Soe, Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Khin Maung Cho and Ma Than Than Nwe, who passed 2000-2001 matriculation exam with one distinction, formally opened the multimedia teaching centre. Next, the commander pressed the button to unveil the signboard of the centre, and together with the minister and party, inspected the centre.

The headmaster reported on the tasks being implemented for the centre and Chairman U Khin Maung Cho on concerted efforts made for the opening of the centre and spoke words of thanks. Later, Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council presented K 570,000 for the centre; Kyaukme District and Nawnghkio Township Peace and Development Councils, departments and four village-tracts K 4,043,565; entrepreneurs K 1,391,700; old students, members of the School Board of Trustees, education staff families and students' parents K 962,630; and K 500,000 for the trust funds of the cente to the headmaster. The commander presented teaching aids to the headmaster. After giving a speech, the commander, the minister, the school head, the School Board Trustees, teachers and students had documentary photos taken.

( 7 )  Exhibition of "The Legacy of Bagan" opens

Yangon, 15 Aug- The opening ceremony of the exhibition of "The Legacy of Bagan" was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road this morning, with an address by Minister for Culture U Win Sein. Also present were the ministers, Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Ambassadors, heads of department, Myanmar historians, NGOs and guests. Minister U Win Sein delivered a speech. He said: First of all, may I wish all of you to be in good health and prosperous. Today ceremony is the opening ceremony of the exhibition on "The Legacy of Bagan".

The exhibition is organised by the Department of Archaeology to implement the policy of Ministry of Culture (which is "..to preserve, expose and cherish Myanma cultural heritage with a view to promoting the spirit of appreciation on cultural heritage and to uplift the spirit of national patriotism".) on one hand and to commemorate the centenary of the founding of the Department of Archaeology which will fall on early 2002 on the other. As everybody knows, throughout Bagan historic period, Bagan kings, ministers, royal families and people built a large number of stupas, temples, ordination halls, brick monasteries etc. It is amazing to observe the number of monuments (4446) in an area of 19 square miles.

This is one and the only site in the world. However, at the end of Bagan period, due to earthquake, and human calamities, gradually many ancient monuments got deteriorated and many monuments have collapsed and turned into brick mounds. Moreover, after Myanmar became a British colony, all the ruined ancient monuments were not given priority for renovation and preservation. Similarly, a few ancient monuments have been selected for preservation. Many monuments were left in deterioration. Therefore after 1975 earthquake many monuments collapsed or became damaged. So when the Department of Archaeology carried out renovation work on monuments in 1993; the number of Bagan ancient monuments were reduced from 4446 to 2230.

Many also became heaps of brick mounds. In 1995, under the guidance of State Peace and Development Council, Ministry of Culture started the reconstruction, renovation and preservation works in Bagan. The funds for the  Bagan restoration work was provided by the Government as well as by the donation of NGO and the public. In undertaking the restoration work, the Ministry of Culture has laid down three objectives. (1) to undertake the restoration work in order to get the full satisfaction of the donors (2) to undertake the restoration work without destroying the original workmanship and to build in its original design, (3) to undertake restoration and conservation work with a view to last longer. In line this objective, the Dept. of Archaeology has done timely restoration of 1101 ancient temples and stupas out of 1175, only 74 monuments are remaining for restoration. Moreover, the Dept. of Archaeology has already excavated 447 mounds out of 892.

Excavations revealed the remains of temples, stupas and monasteries. After excavation, many excavated structures have been reconstructed. Now the number of reconstructed monuments has reached up to 227. If the number 892 will be added to the existing monuments number 2230, the total number will become more than 3000. In doing restoration and conservation of Bagan Buddhist monument, the Department of Archaeology never demolished or dismantled any or whole parts of ancient monuments.

A few people criticised us that ancient monuments should not be restored instead these monuments should leave as it is, without restoration. Besides, they also criticised that foreign tourists dislike such restoration works. We don't know whether tourists like or dislike our work. We are doing our duty to strengthen and conserve the endangered ancient monuments not to collapse within a few years. It is for the benefit of more than 50 million Myanmar people that we restore and preserve Bagan monuments. In fact Bagan ancient monuments are not merely social or residential buildings.

These monuments are religious living monument highly venerated and worshipped by Myanmar people. If we do not undertake timely measures of conservation and restoration of our cultural heritage monuments, after 1000 years or so, all the monuments will become heaps of debris mounds. We will also become undutiful citizens. Therefore, it is our national duty to preserve, strengthen and restore all the cultural heritage monuments of Bagan to last and exist forever. I believe by visiting this exhibition our people will appreciate the value of Bagan art and architecture.

Moreover I hope our people will cherish and love our cultural heritage and our nation. In this way, Myanmar people will join hand with us in preserving Myanma cultural heritage. In conclusion, I want to announce that we will organise such kind of more exhibition in the future which will arouse the interest of the people and give useful information to the people. The ministers and party observed the booths at the exhibition. Bagan dances were presented to the guests. The exhibition opens till 15 September daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Visitors will be performed by the Bagan dance on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is K 10 for adult, two US dollars or FECs. Books published by the departments of the Ministry of Culture are also available.

Industry-1 Ministry meets

Yangon, 15 Aug-  The Ministry of Industry-1 held the first four-monthly meeting at the training hall of the ministry this morning. The meeting reviewed the ministry's accomplishments during the four-month period and coordinated means for success of the plans of the fiscal 2001-2002. Present at the meeting were Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Thein Tun and Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, directors-general and the managing directors of departments and enterprises of the ministry, general managers and factory managers from states and divisions.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister said the discussion should be centred on finding means for development of the production and distribution sectors. All the staff should strictly adhere to the rules and regulations laid down by the ministry. Heads of department presented production of the industries of the various bodies under the ministry during the period and assessed the advantages and weaknesses. They also gave suggestions for successful implementation of the future tasks. The meeting continues on 16 August.

( 8 )  Teleplay to hail USDA General Meeting

Yangon, 15 Aug- Hailing the Annual General Meeting of the Union Solidarity and Development Association for the Year 2001, the shooting of a teleplay titled "Kyesin-patle-wunyan-hlettithaw Ataingmathi-Shwepyi" (Golden Land surrounded by pearly stars) written by Nyein Min commenced this morning at USDA (Headquarters). The director was Zinyaw Maung Maung, and Academy Nyunt Win, Academy Ne Aung, Academy Dwe, Academy Lwin Moe, Academy Nanda Hlaing, Eindra Kyaw Zin, Thet Hta Oo, U Saw Naing (Shan State), Academy Myint Myint Khaing and others took part in the teleplay.

Myanmar-Sri Lanka friendly football matches on 17, 19 August

Yangon, 15 Aug- The Sri Lanka selected football team arrived here this morning to play friendly matches against the Myanmar selected football team, which is under training for XXI SEA Games. The visiting team led by Mr Abeyratna Polgamapola Ralalage Nandana Bandara was welcomed at the airport by General Secretary of Myanmar Football Federation U Bunny Tin Aung and officials, and staff from the embassy of Sri Lanka. The two teams will play friendly matches at Thuwunna Sports Ground at 4 pm on 17 and 19 August. Admission fees are K 400 and K 200 per head.