( 1 ) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San pay homage to Inlay PhaungdawU Buddha Images in Nyaungshwe

Yangon, 13 Oct - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San paid homage to Inlay PhaungdawU Buddha images conveyed to Atthadisa Dhammavihara Desacari Kyaungdawgyi in Nyaung-shwe from PhaungdawU Kyaungdaw in Namhu Village, Inlay Region, Nyaungshwe Township, for obeisance of the local people, this morning.

 Before conveyance of the Buddha images to Phaungdawhseik Pyadthad-hsaung in Nantkat Creek, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party and local people were presented with traditional dances and Heya Ywama cultural boat yein by cultural troupes. At the Phaungdawhseik Pyadthadhsaung, the Vice-Senior General and wife and party paid homage to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vilasabhivamsa and other Sayadaws.

The Buddha images are being conveyed from Inlay PhaungdawU Kyaung to villages in Inlay region beginning 1st waxing of Thadingyut. At 8.45 am, the Vice-Senior General and wife and party paid obeisance to the PhaungdawU Buddha images conveyed to Phaungdawhseik Pyadthadhsaung by Nyaung-shwe Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Chairman Hlaingkyu Pariyatti  Monastery Presiding Nayaka Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Mahinda and members of the Sangha and members of the conveyance group.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye, together with Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein and Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, conveyed an Inlay PhaungdawU Buddha image. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, together with Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut and senior military officers, conveyed a Buddha image.

Next, Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein, together with Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, departmental heads and officials, carried a Buddha image. Similarly, Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, accompanied by Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, senior military officers and officials, conveyed a Buddha image. The conveyance group carried all the Buddha images on board the vehicle round Nyaungshwe and carried the images to be kept at Atthadisa Dhammavihara Desacari Kyaungdawgyi. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San watched Intha traditional men's and women's boat race and demonstration of carrying of food to the monastery in Nankat Creek.

After the ceremony, Daw Win Win Nu, wife of Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, presented prize to Heyaywama boat team and Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint to the team that demonstrated carrying of food to the monastery. Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence presented prizes to the teams that stood first, second and consolation prize-winning teams in the men's 46-oar contest respectively. Daw Mya Mya San presented prizes to the teams of Nyaungwun and Mothauk-in Villages that won first and second in the women's 26-oar contest respectively.

Vice-Senior General Maung Aye presented first, second and consolation prizes to Minchaungle Village team, Kyungyimyauk Village team and Shaywagyi Village and Minchaungshay Village teams. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San cordially greeted members of the boat teams. They went to Athtaditha Dhammawihara Dethasayi Kyaungdaw where PhaungdawOo Buddha images are to be kept. At 10 am, the PhaungdawOo Buddha images arrived at the Kyaungdaw. Members of the Sangha led by State Ovadacariya Sayadaw of Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Nyaungshwe offered "soon", flowers, water and Shwethingan to the images. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San then offered "soon", flowers and water to the images.

The Vice-Senior General and party offered Shwethigan to the images and they pay respects to members of the Sangha. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and wellwishers presented offertories to State Ovadacariya Sayadaw of Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Nyaungshwe and members of the Sangha. Wellwishers donated cash to the 16th Sangha meeting of All Shwekyin Ganas.

The donations included K 7.5 million each by Chairman of pa-O National Organization U Aung Khan Hti and Chairman of Ruby Dragon Co U Nay Win Tun and wife Daw Nan Aye Aye Myint, Chairman of Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win and wife Daw Nan Than Htwe, Chairman of Ngwehsin Co U Soe Myint and Daw Nan Than Kyi and Chairman of Yadana Win Co U Khin Myint and Daw Than Than Win, K 500,000 by Managing Director of Aden Group Co U Chit Khaing and K 200,000 by Managing Director of Hmaw Okshaung Co U Sai Ba Nyan. Patron of Leading Committee for holding of the 16th Sangha meeting of All Shwekyin Ganas Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint accepted the donations.

Those who accompanied the Vice-Senior General Maung Aye donated cash for renovation of Athtaditha Dhammawihara Dethasayi Kyaungdaw.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 attends opening of Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha, Shanlay Dhamma Beikman and accepts cash donations

Yangon, 13 Oct - The opening ceremony of Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha (Bago) and Shanlay Dhamma Beikman was held in conjunction with the fourth cash donation ceremony for all-round construction of the Sasana Yeiktha and merit-sharing ceremony at the Sasana Yeiktha in Sarthange Village, Tharyagon Village- tract, Bago Township, Bago Division at 2.30 pm today.

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the signboards of the Sasana Yeiktha and Dhamma Beikman and accepted cash donations of wellwishers.

First, the opening ceremony of Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha (Bago) was held in front of the archway of Sasana Yeiktha. Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Maha Kamathanacariya Bhand-danta Sobhana and Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin formally opened the Sasana Yeiktha.

Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the Sasana Yeiktha and sprinkled the scented water onto the archway.

Afterwards, the opening ceremony of Shanlay Dhamma Beikman was held in front of the Dhamma Beikman. Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and wellwishers of the Dhamma Beikman U Tint Lwin and Daw Kyu Kyu Thin (Shanlay) Brokerage House formally opened the Dhamma Beikman.

Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the Dhamma Beikman. Later, the fourth cash donation ceremony for all round construction of Shweminwun Sasana Yeiktha (Bago) and the merit-sharing ceremony were held at Shanlay Maha Dhamma Beikmandawgyi.

It was attended by Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika-dhaja Myitkyina Sayadaw Bhanddanta Silavamsa, members of the Sangha, Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Sasana Yeiktha and members of the Sangha and nuns.

The ceremonies were opened with the three-time Namo Tassa. Then, the Secretary-1 and the congregation received the eight precepts from the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Sasana Yeiktha.

After reciting of partitas by members of the Sangha, the Secretary-1, the commanders, the ministers and deputy ministers, and wellwishers presented offertories to Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Maha Kamathanacariya Bhanddanta Sobana of Shwe Minwun Sasana Yeiktha (Bago), to mark his 55th birthday, presented robes, umbrellas, slippers and fans, for the fourth time for missionary members of the Sangha in mountainous regions to Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin.

Then, the Secretary-1, the commanders, and ministers accepted K 68,570,000 donated for all round construction of the Sasana Yeiktha by wellwishers including K 30 million by U Thein Win and Daw Ni of Shwe Thanlwin Co, K 8 million by Daw Daisy Tan and family, K 5 million by U Pwint Kaung and Daw Khin Nwe Yi, K 3 million by Daw Than Than Sint and family, K 2 million by U Tun Shein, Daw Amar and family, K 2 million by U Tin Soe, Daw Khin Tint and family, K 2 million by U Khin Maung Kyi, Daw San San Hla and family, K 2 million by U Tin Tun and Daw Aye Aye Myint (Shwe Pyithit Auto trading), K 2 million by U Than Tun and Daw Kyi Kyi May of Tharyar Shwemyay Co, K 2 million by U Tin Nyunt and Daw Kyin Ho of Htoo Brokerage House, K1.5 million by A-one Body suit Family ( Theingyi Market), K 1.1 million by U Tin Oo, Daw Than Nwe and family, K 1,050,000 by U Sein Lin, Daw Kyi Mya and family, K 1,050,000 by Lt-Col Tin Maung Tun, Daw Kyin Aye and family, K 1 million by Ko Teza and Ma Khin Htay Myint (Singapore), K 550,000 by Lt-Col Ba Than, Daw Phyu Nyunt Thein and family, K 500,000 by U Hla Shein, Daw Yin Yin Mya and family, K 500,000 by Daw Tin and family, K 300,000 by Daw Ohn Shwe and family, K 200,000 by trust funds committee of Mingalar Market, K 200,000 by Tharyargone Village-tract Chairman U Soe Naing and family, K 200,000 by U Ba Thwin, Daw Thein Tint and family, K 200,000 by Daw San Kywe and family, K 200,000 by Daw Moe, Daw Khin Saw Wai (Pavo Gold Shop-Yuzana Plaza) , K 200,000 by Daw Thame Nge and family of Mingalar Market, K 120,000 by Daw Myint Myint Khin and family, K 100,000 by Ma San San Yu and family, K 100,000 by Ma Kyi Kyi Lwin and family, K 100,000 by U Aung Thein, Daw Khin Than Aye and family, K 100,000 by U Hoke Sein, Daw Kyin Su and family, K 100,000 by Headmistress Daw Khin Ohn Myint, teachers and students of BEHS-2, Latha, K 100,000 by U Ba Ni and U Kyaw Myint of Thabawa International Co, K 100,000 by Daw Kyi Kyi Win and family, K 100,000 by U Maung Maung, Daw Htay Htay and family, K 100,000 by U Aye, Daw Ohn Than and family, K 100,000 by Daw Tin Nyunt and family, K 100,000 by Daw Than Than Aung and family and K 100,000 by Daw Waing and family.

Then, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin presented documents related to the Sasana Yeiktha to the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw. The vice-chairman Sayadaw of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee delivered a sermon, followed by sharing the merit gained.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 inspected the construction of Lopyi Ayechantha Pagoda in the compound of the Sasana Yeiktha. and gave necessary instructions.

Secretary-1 inspects all-round construction of ancient historic Kyaikpadagyi Hsandawshin Pagoda

Yangon, 13 Oct - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt inspected all-round construction of ancient historic Kyaikpadagyi Hsandawshin Pagoda in Padagyi Village in Yangon South District this morning.

The Secretary-1, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the site of all-round construction of the pagoda.

Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko reported on progress of work of the pagoda, preparations for Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony and donations. Next, Director-General of Department of Archaeology U Nyunt Han reported on foundations believed to be ancient ordination hall in the east of the precincts of the pagoda, laterite Buddha images, laterite and research on ancient earthen objects discovered.

Chairman of Yuzana Construction Group U Htay Myint reported on construction of the wall, construction of entrance road to the pagoda and religious buildings. Myanmar architect U Ohn Tin reported on decoration of Myanmar artistic works at the prayer halls, flag masts and the wall. Managing Director of ACE Construction U Tint Hsan reported on construction of four prayer halls on the pagoda platform, flag masts and museum where Htidaw donated by Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw is to be kept and the site chosen.

The Secretary-1 then gave instructions. The Secretary-1 inspected Seinphudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw to be hoisted atop Maha Dhammayanthi Yanaung Pagoda in Kaungkha Myothit in Kutkai Township, in northern Shan State and Buddha images and relics to be enshrined at the Kyaikpadagyi Pagoda. A ceremony to plant Bandara mango tree was held in the south-west of the pagoda precincts. At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1 planted the mango tree and sprayed scented water on it. The Secretary-1 inspected Bo tree, construction of the flag mast, laterite Buddha images excavated, ancient earthen objects, construction of religious buildings on the entrance to the pagoda and on the pagoda platform. He then gave instructions.

The Secretary-1 inspected construction of Khanda ordination hall in Padagyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik, Padagyi Village, Kyauktan Township. He then gave instructions. The Secretary-1 and party went to Padagyi Sanpya Village Basic Education Primary School.

The Secretary-1 fulfilled the requirements for extended building of the school. The Secretary-1 and party made arrangements for extension of rural health care unit in Padagyi Sanpya Village. The Secretary-1 inspected pre-primary school of village maternal and child welfare association.

Then, the Secretary-1 chose the sites for rural health care unit and pre-primary school and fulfilled the requirements. The Secretary-1 cordially greeted the villagers. The Secretary-1 and party inspected the well used by ancient kings of Pada nation 2000 years ago. He gave instructions on cleanliness of the well.

The Secretary-1 and party left Kyauktan in the morning.

( 3 ) Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspects regional development in Sagaing Division

Yangon, 13 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence,  met with departmental officials at Thiriyadana Hall in Ayadaw this morning and gave instructions on regional development.

First, the Chairman of Ayadaw Township Peace and Development Council reported on the geographical conditions and background history of the township, measures being taken for economic, social, health and education sectors. Next, officials of Myanma Agriculture Service, Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, Irrigation Department, Public Works, Development Affairs Department, Myanma Posts and Telecommunications and Myanma Electric Power Enterprise reported on work being carried out and future tasks for regional development.

Then, Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing gave a supplementary report. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint made a speech. He said that the Government has laid down the five rural development tasks to ensure the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. So as to bring about equitable development in all parts of the nation, the 24 development zones were designated and measures are being taken for regional development. As economic progress plays a leading role in rural development, priority will have to be given to agriculture and livestock breeding undertakings for self-sufficiency in food.

The Government is also providing necessary assistance for ensuring regional food sufficiency. As there a shortage of water for agricultural purpose in Ayadaw Township, the river water pumping project is being launched, thus contributing to regional development. The local authorities and departmental officials are to strive together with the local people in cleaning and beautifying the township. The Ayadaw Township won the Sasakawa Award presented by WHO in 1986, benefiting from the cooperation among the people in the health care services. Thus, with the participation of the people in harmony, regional development tasks will be successfully implemented. The departmental officials are to exert relentless efforts together with members of social organization out of pure goodwill in implementing the five rural development tasks.

Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to Basic Education High School in Ayadaw. The Township Education Officer and the School Head conducted Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party round the listening room, the computer room and the computer aided instruction room. Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the People's Hospital in Ayadaw. Deputy Director-General of Health Department Dr Hla Pe and the Medical Superintendent conducted Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party round. The Medical Superintendent reported on health care services in the township.

The deputy director-general and Director Dr Htay Lwin of HD reported on matters related to receiving the Sasakawa Award to Lt-Gen Ye Myint who left instructions. Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the publications on the Sasakawa Award and the health care aids. Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the wetland of Township Development Affairs Department, the Township Development Market, the water supply centre in Kanbawza Village and the No 3 water pumping machine and gave instructions to officials.

Next, Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party arrived at Ayadaw river pumping project near Magyizauk Village in Ayadaw Township. Assistant Director U Ni Ni of Water Resource Utilization Department reported on facts about Ayadaw river water pumping project-2 which will supply water to 20,000 acres of farmland from Mu River, the main canal and tributaries canals, earth work and arrival of heavy machinery. After inspecting the project site and earth work of the main canal, Lt-Gen Ye Myint left for Wetlet by car.

At 3.30 pm, Lt-Gen Ye Myint met with departmental personnel at the town hall in Wetlet and gave instructions on regional development. Officials reported on geographical conditions, undertakings of regional development and regional products of Wetlet Township, regional conditions of Shwebo District and tasks to be carried out. Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing gave a supplementary report. Then, Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave a speech. He said that the economic development of the people plays a vital role in the development of the State; moreover, it is essential to safeguard community peace and tranquility and prevalence of law and order; therefore, the Government is undertaking agriculture and livestock breeding tasks and community peace and tranquility and prevalence of law and order with a view to fulfilling food, clothing and shelter needs of local people in border regions and rural areas as well as States and Divisions; and on the other hands, the government is carrying out development of human resource.

Departmental personnel are to go right down to grass-roots levels to equal develop rural and urban regions without gaps among them in undertaking five rural development tasks; in this regard, the departments concerned, under the supervision of the local authorities, are to organize local people to join hands with social organizations in performing the development tasks; and as it is important that Shwebo District is the main paddy cultivation and production district of Sagaing Division which is the rice bowl of the State, efforts are to be made for production tasks.

At 6 pm, they arrived at Wetlet Township Hospital. Officials conducted them round the operation theatre, the lab, the X-ray room and patient wards. Lt-Gen Ye Myint and party visited the wards. They then left Wetlet and arrived in Mandalay at 8.15 pm.

( 4 ) Lt-Gen Aung Htwe tours Kyaukme, Nawnghkio regions

Yangon, 13 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, left Lashio for Kyaukme by car on 11 October morning.

At Bayint Naung Hall in Kyaukme Station, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe met with Col Aung Min of Kyaukme Station, local authorities, departmental officials, members of Myanmar War Veterans Organization, Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigades, Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and gave instructions on efforts to be made for rural development.

Col Aung Min of Kyaukme Station reported on construction of 53 miles and two furlongs long Hsipaw-Nantlan-Tonlaw section of the Special Development Union Highway in Shan State. Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing gave a supplementary report on arrangements for construction of the road. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on upgrading of the road, durability of the roads, work site safety, timely completion of the roads meeting the set standard. The Union Highway will link Hsipaw, Nantlan, Tonlaw and Panketu in Shan State (North) and Mongkai, Leikha and Loilem in Shan State (South).

Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and party proceeded to Nawnghkio. Lt-Gen Aung Htwe met with departmental officials and social organizations at the town hall. Also present were Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing, Col Aung Min of Kyaukme Station, local authorities and departmental officials. Officials reported on agriculture, rural development tasks, transportation, education, health and other matters.

Then, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe delivered an address. He said that there are a lot of vacant, fallow, virgin and fertile lands in Nawnghkio region. Local people in the township can easily access to major towns in Shan State. If emphasis will be paid on agriculture tasks in Nawnghkio region, it will contribute much toward development of Shan State. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given guidance on undertaking cultivation tasks in Nawnghkio region. A total of 88.21 per cent against 2.3 million population of Shan State (North) have sufficient supply of rice. Departmental officials are to provide assistance to local farmers. It is necessary to study technologies for boosting the per-acre yield. At present, roads linking Shan State (North) and (South) are being constructed for better transport.

He said that township level departmental officials are to undertake 12 national objectives of the State and Our Three Main National Causes as the work guidelines and to systematically implement management and administration matters of the township. And the departmental personnel are to join hands with local people for driving out destructive elements of the State and for carrying out rural development tasks.

Next, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe cordially met with departmental officials and social organization members. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe arrived Mandalay International Airport in TadaU through Nawnghkio. He left the airport and arrived back here in the afternoon.