N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Thursday, 16 December 1999)

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Completion of all bridges on Yangon-Sittway Highway will give Rakhine State direct road access to entire nation Ramong Bridge on Yangon-Sittway Highway in Rakhine State commissioned into service
Secretary-1 inspects regional development tasks in Rakhine State, restoration of ancient pagodas in MraukU
Secretary-1 attends ceremony to plant central pivot of MyoU Shwezigon Hsandaw Pagoda in Maungtaw Township
Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of multi-media teaching centres of Sittway BEHS Nov 2, Thandwe BEHS No 1
Secretary-2 meets visitors from Yunnan Province
Secretary-2 receives Ambassador of LPDR
Bo Tree planted to mark success of first ordination and novitiation of students from basic education schools
Minister meets visitors from Japan and Germany
Minister meets Vice Governor of Yunnan
Myanmar Two Millennia Conference begins
Minister meets Vice-Governor of Yunnan Province
Foreign military attaches Malaysia visit Bagan-NyaungU, Mandalay, Innlay
Full dress rehearsal held for opening ceremony of Maha Thantithukha Buddhist Missionary Kyaungdawgyi
Sangha Meeting of All Shwekyin Nikaya Ganas continues
ASEAN Delegates leave
MAs from Malaysia visit Gems Museum, Defence Services Museum
95 members resign from Kyauktaw Township NLD
WEATHER

(1)Completion of all bridges on Yangon-Sittway Highway will give Rakhine State direct road access to entire nation Ramong Bridge on Yangon-Sittway Highway in Rakhine State commissioned into service
YANGON, 15 Dec - Ramong Bridge on Yangon-Sittway Highway in Minbya Township, Rakhine State, was commissioned into service this morning at the pandal near the bridge, addressed by Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun presented commemorative pennants to the Secretary-l, the Secretary-3 and Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe.
The Secretary-l then presented gifts to Deputy Superintending Engineer of Ramong Bridge Project.
Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally opened the bridge. Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun formally unveiled the stone plaque.
The Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the inauguration of Ramong Bridge.
The Secretary-l and party inspected the bridge and met local residents at the ceremony.

(2)Secretary-1 inspects regional development tasks in Rakhine State, restoration of ancient pagodas in MraukU
YANGON, 15 Dec - Chairman of the Work Committee for Development of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt- Gen Win Myint the ministers, the deputy ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, and officials, left here by Tatmadaw flight on 14 December morning and arrived at Sittway Airport at 9 am.
The Secretary- 1 and party were welcomed there by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command, Commander of Danyawady Naval Region Command Headquarters Commodore, Deputy Commander of Western Command, military and civilian officers, and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.
The Secretary-l and party then arrived in Buthidaung where they were welcomed by of Buthidaung Station, Tactical Operations Commander, district and township authorities, departmental officials, and USDA members.
They then proceeded to Gandamar Model Village in Buthidaung.
In the briefing hall of the village, Tactical Operations Commander reported to the Secretary-l on building of 15 model villages in Buthidaung and Maungtaw, Townships, households and population of the villages, location of the villages and provisions for agricultural works, followed by supplementary reports by Commander and Minister Col Thein Nyunt.
After hearing the reports, the Secretary-l made a speech on the occasion, saying model villages were built with the aim of ensuring well-being of national races and their children.
He spoke of the need for the villagers to work hard and make arrangements for requirements of the villages in health, education and transport sectors.
The Secretary-l then inspected Gandama Model Village and met the villagers.
Next, they went to Kainggyi Model Village in Maungtaw Township where they were welcomed by district and township authorities, departmental officials, and USDA members.
Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs reported on agriculture, transport, education, health, and power and water supply of the village.
The Secretary-1 attended to the needs of the village.
Then, the Secretary-l and party arrived in Maungtaw where they attended the ceremony to erect the central pivot of ,MyoU Shwezigon Hsandawmyat Pagoda.
The Secretary-1 met officials of Border Areas Immigration Inspection and Control Headquarters there.
Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population and Head of Border Areas Immigration Inspection and Control Headquarters reported on regional security, prevalence of law and order and immigration works in border areas and Deputy Minister for Commerce on border trade.
The Secretary-1 and party then arrived at the construction site of Kissapanadi Bridge near Kyauktaw and inspected the completed bridge which will be opened soon.
In the briefing hall, Deputy Superintending Engineer reported on preparations for the opening ceremony of the bridge, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe on Yangon-Sittway Highway Project, completion of the road section between Sittway and An and passing of cars including buses on it.
The Secretary-1 and party then arrived in-MraukU where they inspected renovation works at Ashaymya Tazaung Pagoda.
Maj-Gen Aung Htwe, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Deputy Director of MraukU Archaeology Department reported on excavation of ancient buildings in the cultural heritage region of MraukU which was divided into four zones, the number of pagodas in the zones, restoration of pagodas with their approved State funds for 1999-2000 and pagodas being restored with the donations of well-wishers.
The Secretary-l heard the reports and gave instructions.
They then proceeded to Shitthaung (a) Yan-aung Zeya Pagoda in MraukU and paid homage to Buddha images there.
Rector of Yangon Technological University, leader of the technicians group for restoration of the pagoda, reported on architectural design of the pagoda and repair and maintenance of the pagoda.
The commander of regional Defence Services Intelligence unit, on behalf of well-wishers, handed donations amounting to K 3.4 million to the Secretary-l.
For restoration of ancient pagodas in MraukU, the well-wishers made the donations including K 500,000 each by U Kyi Than and Daw Than Than Yi family of Yangon, U Tha Aye and Daw Than Than Nu family, K 300,000 each by the regional Defence Services Intelligence unit, U Tin Shwe and Daw Aye Yi, U Tin Maung Win and Daw Aye Aye Myint, U Sein Hok and Daw Sein Than, U Yauk Hwa and Daw Than Than Win family and U Aye Maung and Daw Kyin Sein of Yangon.
The Secretary-l and party paid obeisance to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indacariya of Aungmye Bawdi Sasana Yeiktha in Buthitaung and spent the night at the MyaukU Hotel.
This morning, the Secretary-l attended the opening ceremony of Ramong Bridge on Yangon-Sittway Highway.
He also attended the ceremony to open the multimedia teaching centre of Sittway Basic Education High School No 2 and the same occasional No 1 BEHS in Thandwe.
The Secretary-l arrived back here in the evening.

(3)Secretary-1 attends ceremony to plant central pivot of MyoU Shwezigon Hsandaw Pagoda in Maungtaw Township
YANGON, 15 Dec - A ceremony to plant central pivot of MyoU Shwezigon Hsandaw Pagoda in Maungtaw Township, Rakhine State, was held yesterday afternoon, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Staff Officer of Maungtaw Township Religious Affairs Department acted as master of ceremonies.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party received the Five Precepts from Ahlodawpyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party then presented offertories to members of the Sangha.
Afterwards, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party took the designated places on the pagoda.

(4)Secretary-1 attends opening ceremony of multi-media teaching centres of Sittway BEHS Nov 2, Thandwe BEHS No 1
YANGON, 15 Dec - The opening ceremonies of multimedia teaching centres of Sittway Basic Education High School No 2 and Thandwe Basic Education High School No 1 were held at the respective schools today, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
A ceremony to open multimedia teaching centre of Sittway Basic Education High School No 2 was held at the school at 10.30 am today.
Headmaster and Chairman of School Board of Trustees formally opened the multi-media teaching centre.
Then, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt pressed the button to unveil the signboard of the multi-media teaching centre.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party inspected audio system media, projected media, printed media, painting room, arts room, computer aided media, audio visual media, library and reading corner at the school.
Then, the opening ceremony of multi-media teaching centre of Sittway Basic Education High School No 2 was held at Dhamma Zeya Hall of the school.
Headmaster reported to the Secretary-1 on history of the school, progress of students education and development of all-round education.
Later, Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt made a speech on the occasion.
Then, the prizes presentation ceremony for outstanding students who had passed the matriculation examination 1999 was held at the school.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented first prize to Maung Min Zan Wai who won the first in Rakhine State with five distinctions.
Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint presented prizes to Ma Kyi May Soe, on behalf of the seven students with four distinctions and Commander Maj-Gen Aung Htwe presented prizes to Maung Ko Ko Maung, on behalf of the seventeen students with three distinctions, to Maung Kyaw Soe Lin, on behalf of the thirty three students with two distinctions and to Ma Wai Wai Paing, on behalf of the thirty-first students with one distinction.
The Secretary-l and party went to Thandwe where they were welcomed by members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils and departmental officials and officials.
Then, the opening ceremony of multi-media teaching centre of Thandwe Basic Education High School No 1 was held at the school at 2.30 pm today.
Headmistress Daw Khin Myint and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Khin Maung formally opened the multi-media teaching centre.
Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt pressed the button to unveil the signboard of the multi-media teaching centre at the school.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected the printed media, electronic media (Audio System), projected media, electronic media, (Video System), computer aided instruction, computer application & E-Mail, arts and crafts room, painting room and music room at the school.
The opening ceremony of multi-media teaching centre of Thandwe Basic Education High Schoo1 No 1 was held at Dwaya Shwepyi Hall of the school.
Headmistress Daw Khin Myint reported to the Secretary-1 on the academic matters and opening of multi-media teaching centre and provided aids.
Then, Secretary of School Board of Trustees explained about efforts for the emergence of multi-media teaching centre at the school in cooperation with parents, well-wishers, to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address and signed in the visitors' book at the school.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt posed for photo with the headmistress, teachers and students.
Afterward, Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address.
He said opening of multi-media teaching centres these days was due to concerted efforts of the local authorities, parents and the school boards of trustees.
The students' keen interest in and enthusiastic involvement at the multi-media teaching centres showed their high level of intelligence.
He noted that human resources development plays a vital role in building a modern and developed nation. He thanked for the assistance rendered to the government to bring about all-round development of education and that such help was placed on record.
He called on teachers to make the most efficient use of the centres in their teaching and training of the students, ensure that the students uphold cultural traditions, develop patriotism and enhance Union spirit.
The Secretary-l urged the students to exhibit their skills and try to become intellectuals and technocrats who serve the interests of the nation. He stressed the need for the teachers, the school boards of trustees and parents to be able to continuously turn out intellectuals and technocrats beneficial to the nation.

(5)Secretary-2 meets visitors from Yunnan Province
Y ANGON, 15 Dec - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo met Vice Governor of Yunnan Province, Chairman of Yunnan Provincial Supervision Committee for Paunglaung Hydropower Project Mr Shao Qiwei and party who called at Dagon Yeiktha of Ministry of Defence at 2 pm today.
Also present at the call together with Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo were Minister for Industry-2, Minister for Electric Power, Director-General of Electric Power Department and officials and together with the guests was Ambassador of the People's Republic of China Mr Liang Dong.

(6)Secretary-2 receives Ambassador of LPDR
YANGON, 15 Dec - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo met Ambassador of Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Ly Bounkham who called at Dagon Yeiktha of Ministry of Defence at 1 pm today.
Also present at the call together with Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Tin Oo were Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, Minister for Commerce, Director-General of Political Department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Director-General of the office of the State Peace and Development Council and officials and together with the ambassador was›Military Attache Col Phanh Sonephachanh.

(7)Bo Tree planted to mark success of first ordination and novitiation of students from basic education schools
YANGON, 15 Dec - A ceremony to share merits gained of the first ordination and novitiation of 3,000 students from basic education schools sponsored by No 3 Basic Education Department (Yangon City) was held at the respective places today.
Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo offered 'soon' and presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.
Altogether 100 men were ordained in the ordination hall in Kaba Aye Hill under the supervision of Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Thirinandabhivamsa and Joint Secretary Sayadaw and nine member Sayadaws.
Director-General, departmental officials, TEOs, school heads, teachers and well-wishers donated provisions to member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and 100 temporary monks.
The Secretary-2, Commander, Minister, Chairman of CSSTB, the deputy ministers and the directors-general offered 'soon' to members of the Sangha and nuns totalling 3,500 at three-storey Sonsarhsaung in, Kaba Aye Hill.
A ceremony to share merits for ordination and novitiation of No 3 BED was held at Maha Pasana, Cave in Mayangon Township.
The congregation received Five Precepts from Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita, Bhaddanta Thirinandabhivamsa and members of the Sangha recited the Parittas.
Next, the Secretary-2, Minister for Education, Chairman, the deputy ministers, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore, Director-General and officials presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.
Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Labasasmi delivered a sermon.
A ceremony to plant Bo tree to mark the success of donation and novitiation held in the precincts of Pitakat Taik in Kaba Aye Hill.
Deputy Director of No 3 BED reported on planting of Bo trees.
Minister for Education formally unveiled the stone plaque.

(8)Minister meets visitors from Japan and Germany
YANGON, 15 Dec - Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein met General Manager of Tomen Corporation of Japan Mr Y Sekimoto and party who called at his office at 3.30 pm today.
Similarly, Minister U Khin Maung Thein met Director of Fritz Werner Co of Germany Mr P D Christ and party who called at his office at 4.30 pm today.
Also present at the calls was Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar.

(9)Minister meets Vice Governor of Yunnan
YANGON, 15 Dec - Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met Vice Governor of Yunnan Province Mr Shao Qiwei and party who called at his office at 4 pm today.
Also present at the call were officials of the Ministry of Commerce.

(10)Myanmar Two Millennia Conference begins
YANGON, 15 Dec - Myanmar Two Millennia Conference, sponsored by the Universities Historical Research Department, began at International Business Centre this morning.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education U Than Aung said Myanmar and international scholars will exchange views and hold discussions on invaluable cultural heritage of Myanmar history and traditions and culture, valuable lessons to face and overcome the new challenges of the new millennium. While facing the new challenges such as over population growth, technological developments, international relations, spiritual problems, peace and security in the new century, efforts for revitalization of the cultural image will continue to flourish.
Recently, fossils of Amphipithecus and Pondaungia, the source of human beings were found in Pondaung at Ponnya regions and Bronze Age tools in Nyaunggan region. The works to recover the valuable records of the past should continue. Finding of fossils and ancient tools is the result of development in new excavation techniques and equipment. It is hoped that the new means found by Myanmar and international scholars at the paper reading session will help solve the problems and overcome the challenges of the new century and Director-General of UHRD in presenting the paper on Myanmar' s past 2,000 years, journey, said Myanmar's political and cultural situations which had passed through the past 2000 years still reflect the nation' s present situation.
Deputy Minister for Education, diplomats of foreign missions, historical researchers of Myanmar and abroad, officials of the Ministry of Education, guests and resource persons also attend the conference.
Fourteen papers were read on the first day session.
Resource persons of Myanmar, Australia, Bangladesh, the People Republic of China, Japan, India, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States, Britain, France and Germany will read 44 papers at the conference which continues till 17 December.

(11)Minister meets Vice-Governor of Yunnan Province
YANGON, 15 Dec - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe met a delegation led by Vice-Governor of Yunnan Province Mr Shao Qiwei who called at his office at 3 pm today.
Also present at the call were Deputy Minister and Director-General of Transport Department.

(12)Foreign military attaches visit Bagan-NyaungU, Mandalay, Innlay
YANGON, 15 Dec - A study group comprising foreign military attaches to Malaysia led by Dean of Military Attaches Military Attache of Republic of Korea to Malaysia Col Yoo Yong Gueri and their families visited Bagan-NyaungU, Mandalay and Taunggyi and arrived back here by Tatmadaw flight this morning.
The study group left here by Tatmadaw flight on 13 December morning for Bagan-NyaungU and arrived at Bagan-NyaungU airport.
They visited Bagan Archaeological Museum, U Ba Nyein's lacquerware works and Ananda Pagoda in the morning.
In the afternoon, the study delegation went to Mandalay by Tatmadaw flight and arrived at Mandalay.
They were welcomed by Tatmadaw officers and departmental officials.
Then, the study group from Malaysia visited Myanansankyaw Shwenandaw, Shwenandaw cultural museum, U Sein Myint's gold embroidery works and Yadanapura Myanmar Arts and Handicraft Beikmam.
The study group visited Maha Muni Pagoda in Mandalay yesterday morning and left Mandalay for Heho. They were welcomed at Heho airport by Tatmadaw officers and departmental officials.
Later, they visited Innlay Lake in Nyaungshwe and watched demonstration of Innlay traditional boat race in the afternoon.
The study group went to demonstration of Innlay traditional weaving and silk industries and visited the PhaungdawU Pagoda.
They made a donation for the pagoda's fund and left there for Taunggyi.
The study group visited Taunggyi market and went sight-seeing in Taunggyi this morning.
They arrived back here by Tatmadaw aircraft at 11.30 am today.

(13)Full dress rehearsal held for opening ceremony of Maha Thantithukha Buddhist Missionary Kyaungdawgyi
YANGON, 15 Dec - The full dress rehearsal for the opening ceremony of Maha Thantithukha Buddhist Missionary Kyaungdawgyi was held in the precinct of the Kyaungdawgyi, Natchaung Ward, Tamway, this morning.
The rehearsal included reciting the dispensing of metta by Mingun Sayadaw by members of wut associations, arrival of the Secretary-l, Patron of the Committee for Holding the Opening Ceremony of the Kyaungdawgyi, and party, sending for Penang-Singapore Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhama Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pahavamsa to the Maha Mingala stone plaque of the Kyaungdawgyi, reading words in the stone plaque inscription by Sayagyi U Kyaw, member of Myanmar Calendar Advisory Board, unveiling the stone plaque by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panavalunsa, unveiling the signboard of the Kyaungdawgyi by the Secretary-l, opening the Kyaungdawgyi by the Minister for Construction, the Minister for Religious Affairs and the Chairman of the Upahtaka, and taking position in the hall by the Secretary-l and party.
Present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee for Opening of the Kyaungdawgyi Vice-Mayor, Member Deputy Commander of Yangon Command and officials.

(14)Sangha Meeting of All Shwekyin Nikaya Ganas continues
YANGON, 15 Dec - The first day's afternoon session of the 15th Sangha Meeting of All Shwekyin Nikaya Ganas continued at Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Nyaungshwe Township, Shan State, yesterday.
The meeting read the messages of the Maha Nayaka Sayadaws of Shwekyin Nikaya Ganas and discussed matters on Shwekyin Nikaya Panyatti Sarthintaiks and Viniya.
Well-wishers of Kengtung Township offered soon to members of the Sangha who had attended the first day meeting of the 15th Sangha Meeting of All Shwekyin Nikaya Ganas.
In the evening, Myasetkya Sayadaw Dhammakathika Bahujanahitasdhara Bhaddantahtialihana delivtered a sermon.

(15)ASEAN Delegates leave
YANGON, 15 Dec - Delegates of ASEAN member nations led by Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN Secretariat Mr Immanuel Robert Inkirwang who attended the Third Meeting of ASEAN Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Divisions which was held from 13 t0 14 December at Traders Hotel, left here by air this afternoon.
The delegates were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Director-General of Immigration and National Registration Department and officials of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and embassies concerned.

(16)MAs from Malaysia visit Gems Museum, Defence Services Museum
YANGON, 15 Dec - A study group comprising foreign military attaches to Malaysia led by Dean of Military Attaches Military Attache of Republic of Korea to Malaysia Col Yoo Young Guen and their families visited the Myanma Gems Museum on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this afternoon.
They were welcomed by Assistant Director of Myanma Gems Museum of Myanma Gems Enterprise and Adviser.
The study group then went to Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this afternoon.
Officials of the museum conducted them round the museum.
Later, the study group visited the Shwedagon Pagoda.

(17)95 members resign from Kyauktaw Township NLD
YANGON, 15 Dec - Ninety-five members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State.
Ninety-five members of Kyauktaw Township NLD, Rakhine State, of their own volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Kyauktaw Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission Office and the party concerned on 25 September 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

(18)WEATHER
Maximum temperature on Dec 14 was 34.0 °C (93°F)
Minimum temperature on Dec 15 was 21.5 °C (71°F)

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