( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to East Timor

Yangon, 20 May - On the occasion of the Independence of East Timor which falls on 20th May 2002, Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Xanana Gusmao, President of East Timor.

up
___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 attends ceremony to mark birthday of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumangala Lankara and to honour nine members of the Sangha of Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaik

Yangon, 19 May - A ceremony to mark the birthday of Presiding Nayaka of Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaik Tipitakadhara Dhammabandagarika Agga Maha Pandita Abhidhamma Pali specialist Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumangala Lankara (Ph.D) and to honour nine lecturer members of the Sangha of Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaik who passed the 1363 ME Tipitakadhara Selection Examination was held at five-storey Thiri Mingala Anandagonyi Kyaungdawgyi of Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaik on east wireless 2nd Street, Kaba Aye, Mayangon Township this afternoon, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 and guests received the Nine Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa.In his supplication, the Secretary-1 said he was glad to pay respects to members of the Sangha led by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa and members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee.

He learnt that Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaik is under the management of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumangala Lankara and the Sayadaw teaches over 300 student members of the Sangha Pariyatti literature. The Tipitaka Maha Ganda-yon Kyaungtaik produced outstanding members of the Sangha yearly and the Secretary-1 said he admired the wisdom, diligence and goodwill of the Sayadaw.

At the age of 19, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumangala Lankara passed the Sananekyaw Examination third level with the highest mark. At the age of 20, the Sayadaw was ordained into monkhood on 9th waxing day of Waso 1328 ME. He passed government Dhammacariya examination with three treatises and obtained Sasanadhaja Thiri Pavara Dhammacariya title.

The Sayadaw moved to Bahan Withokedayon Shwe-kyin Taikthit and resided there. At the age of 27, the Sayadaw passed both oral and written examination on Diganikaya treatises at the 26th Tipitakadhara examination and received Digabarnaka Diganicayakovida title and Tipitakadhara Tipitakovida title.

After establishing the Sarthintaik, he served religious duties giving lecture to members of the Sangha. The government conferred Tipitaka Dhammabandagarika title on 4 January 1999. There are 60 outstanding members of the Sangha from Tipitaka Maha Gandhayon Kyaungtaik who passed the Tipitakadhara Selection Examination.

Nine lecturer Sayadaws from the Kyaungtaik passed the 54th Tipitakadhara Selection Examination.

1. Ashin Candana, 31, received Visiddha Dwipitakadhara Visittha Digabhanaka title.
2. Ashin Vasahta Lankara, 27, received Dwipitakadhara Digabhanaka title.
3. Ashin Sitala (Shwenatha), 33, Dwipitakadhara Visittha Digabhanaka title.
4. Ashin Veponla Lankara, 29 and
5. Ashin Margidha, 26, received Vinayadhara title.
6. Ashin Visittha Lankara, 23,
7. Ashin Pakata Lankara, 24,
8. Ashin Tikheindra, 23, and
9. Ashin Arcina, 24 received Ubhatobhibhigadhara titles.

The Secretary-1 said he was glad to know the emergence of nine outstanding members of the Sangha in one year was the success of the Sayadaw. The Secretary-1 said the Sasana would flourish with the cooperation of members of the Sangha and disciples. Next, members of the Sangah recited Metta Sutta.

Presiding Nayaka Bhaddanta Vidhaja reported on list of well-wishers. Sayadaw Bhaddanta, anissara recited verses. The Secretary-1 and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and family presented K 300,000 for Tipitaka Gandayon Kyaungtaik to Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin. Mr Chaipon Phattha Raamornrat of Bangkok, Thailand presented K 2 million for renovation of the pagoda in Shwezigon Kyaung in Ingyinpin Village, Wetlet Township, Shwebo District, Sagaing Division to the Secretary-1.

The Secretary-1 and party and well-wishers presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumingala Lankara (Ph.D) delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

Secretary-1 inspects all-round construction tasks at Mindhamma Hill

Yangon, 19 May - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt paid homage to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township, Yangon Division, this afternoon.

The Secretary-1 inspected all-round construction tasks of Mindhamma Hill and gave necessary instructions to officials.

First, the Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the Image. Then, the Secretary-1 heard reports on all-round construction tasks of Ganda-kuti Kyaungdaw where the Image is kept presented by officials concerned. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions and inspected progress of all-round construction tasks. The Secretary-1 gave instructions to officials and left the Hill.

( 3 ) Construction of Hepatitis-B Vaccine Factory inspected

Yangon, 19 May - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, together with Deputy Minister Professor Dr Mya Oo, inspected the construction site of Hepatitis-B Vaccine Factory being undertaken by Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) on No 7 Highway in Dagon Myothit (East) Township at 2 pm today.

Director-General Dr Paing Soe of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) reported to the minister on progress of work, tasks to be carried out and Resident Representative U Shwe Tun Hlaing of Samsung Corporation and Mr Kim of Golden Midas Co on construction work and requirements. The minister attended to their needs. Then, the minister and party inspected the construction site and gave instructions on construction of the factory, production of vaccine according to the GMP system and completion of tasks ahead of schedule with a view to providing health care to the public as soon as possible. Afterwards, the minister and party inspected the new Psychiatric Hospital. At the briefing hall, officials reported on completion of the buildings, hospital admissions, settlement of the hospital staff and tasks to be carried out step by step.

The deputy minister gave a supplementary report. Professor Dr Sao Sai Lon of the Psychiatric Department reported on academic matters of the hospital and requirements of teaching aids. The minister gave necessary instructions and inspected progress of construction tasks.

Minister inspects maintenance of waterways

Yangon, 19 May - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, together with Deputy Minister U Pe Than, Director-General of the Department for Water Resources and Improvement of River System U Chit Khin and officials, arrived at Akauk Port in Nyaungdon this morning.

The minister and party inspected measures for prevention of the river bank erosion by boat. They also inspected condition of the waterway along the Ayeyawady River and maintenance of the river bank near Bo Myat Tun Bridge. Later, the minister and party went to Kyaletwa dredger which was dredging the river near Maubin Bridge.

They also inspected road works along the axis of Maubin Bridge. The minister gave instructions on maintenance of the bridges. Next, the minister and party inspected the jetty of Inland Water Transport in Maubin and gave instructions on convenience and safety of passengers.

Myanmar delegation leaves for Bangkok to attend ESCAP Meeting

Yangon, 19 May - The Myanmar delegation led by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha left here by air this morning to attend the 58th Ministerial Level Annual Meeting of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 20 to 22 May.

The minister and party were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, directors-general of departments under the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development and families.

Ambassador of Myan-mar to Thailand U Myo Myint will attend as deputy leader of the delegation at the meeting. On 15 May afternoon, Director-General U Soe Lin of Foreign Economic Relations Department, Deputy Director U Win Kyi of Planning Department and General Manager U Kyi Aye of Myanma Railways left here by air to attend the high-ranking officials meeting.

Minister for Home Affairs leaves for Malaysia

Yangon, 19 May - Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing left here for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this morning to attend the the special meeting of ASEAN ministers on fighting against terrorism to be held in Kuala Lumpur on 20 and 21 May.

He was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Ambassador of Malaysia to Myanmar Mr Dato' Cheah Sam Kip, heads of Myanmar Police Force and departments and their families.

 Myanmar and Malaysia soccer teams play goalless draw in friendly warm-up

YANGON, 19 May - The second Myanmar-Malaysia friendly warm-up soccer match (2002) took place at Youth Training Centre (Thuwunna) at 4 pm today.

Among the spectators were Chairman of the Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-General Thura Aye Myint, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of Malaysian Embassy, members of Panel of Patrons of Myanmar Women Sports Federation, senior military officers, the commander of No 2 Military Region and officials and guests.

In the match, tentatively selected Myanmar soccer team and Malaysia team played goalless draw.

( 4 ) USDA Management Multiplier Course concludes

Yangon, 19 May - The conclusion of Basic Management Multiplier Course 1/2002 for executives of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, organized by Pabedan Township USDA, was held at the hall of No 1 Basic Education High School, Pabedan this afternoon.

It was attended by Central Executive Committee member of USDA U Aung Thaung, the secretary and executives of Pabedan Township USDA, members of Pabedan Township Maternal and Child Welfare Association, the headmistress and teachers and trainees. USDA CEC member U Aung Thaung made a speech and presented first, second and third prizes to Daw Theint Theint Shwe, Daw Yi Yi Win and Daw Yin Yin Htay respectively.

Then, Pabedan Township USDA Secretary U Aung Naing presented certificates to trainees. Pabedan Township USDA Executive U Myint Naing presented cash for the school to the headmistress. Then, the ceremony came to a close.

( 5 ) Coord meeting on highland cultivation project held in Kachin State

Yangon, 19 May - Kachin State held a coordination meeting on highland cultivation project at the meeting hall of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Office on 13 May afternoon.

Present were Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe, Secretary Lt-Col Myint Thein and members, Chairman of Myitkyina District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Hla Thaung and officials, members of Kachin State agricultural supervisory committee, departmental officials, the secretary of Kachin State Union Solidarity and Development Association and officials.

After the commander's address, Kachin State Deputy Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Kan, Staff officer U Ohn Myint of Kachin State Settlement and Land Records Department, Staff Officer U Kyaw Tun Aye of Agricultural Mechanization Department and Staff Officer U Cho Tun of Immigration and Population Department reported on agricultural works being implemented and programmes for highland cultivation tasks to be carried out. Then, the commander attended to their needs and made a concluding speech.

Commander makes tour of inspection in Thaton Township

Yangon, 19 May - Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung, accompanied by Brig-Gen Myint Soe of Thaton Station and departmental officials of Mon State, visited the construction site of Zaittaye sluice gate near Aungkantha Village, Thaton Township on 16 May morning.

Project Assistant Director U Mya Aye of the Irrigation Department reported on progress of work and condition of water flow into the creek. Then, the commander inspected the installation of the sluice gate and the feeding of water into the main canal, and gave instructions. Next, the commander inspected the flow of water into the main canal and Kawtthan creek by boat. The sluice gate can benefit over 20,000 acres of field on both sides of Thaminyoe Canal in Thaton Township.

It can also prevent the region from being flooded in the rainy season and can supply water for cultivation of summer paddy. In the afternoon, the commander inspected extension of the operation theatre at Thaton District People's Hospital and construction of No 2 Basic Education High School in Thaton and gave instructions.

Commander inspects bridge and roads

Yangon, 19 May - Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Htay Oo, accompanied by departmental officials, on 16 May morning, went to Bo Myat Tun Bridge (Kyeinpinse bank) and inspected the earth work at Kyeinpinse bank, preparatory works to prevent erosion and the dredger (Yemontaung). Then, the commander fulfilled the needs.

Later, the commander saw over the Nyaungdon-Danubyu-Zalun Road. Next, the commander paid homage to Zalun Pyitawpyan Buddha Image and offered gold foils to the Image. He then inspected renovation of the tazaung and attended to the requirements. Afterwards, the commander inspected the Zalun-Hinthada Road. He paid reverence to Sayadaw Maha Gandavacaka Pandita Bhad-danta Visuddhacara and presented offertories.

( 6 ) Agga Maha Saddhammajotika title recipient Sayadaw honoured

Yangon, 19 May - A ceremony to honour Agga Maha Saddhammajotika title recipient Sayadaw Presiding Nayaka of Aungban Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sasana was held at the three-storey building of the Kyaungtaik on 3rd lane in Myoma Ward, Bahan Township, this morning, attended by Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Aungmyebonsan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paindabhivamsa.

At the ceremony, Aungban Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sasana administered the Five Precepts. U Thura Swe of Religious Affairs Department, harpist Tun Wunna Soe of University of Culture, Shwe Shwe Khaing and U San Thin Hlaing of Yangon Division RAD read the biography of the Sayadaw and verses. Then, Vice-Chief Justice U Than Oo of Supreme Court and wellwishers donated provisions to the Vice-Chairman Sayadaw and the Aungban Sayadaw. Next, the congregation took the sermon, followed by sharing of merits. At the ceremony, dawn "soon" and provisions were offered to 300 members of the Sangha and nuns.