N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Wednesday, 22 December 1999)

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State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends get-well message to President of Sri Lanka
Secretary-1 attends merit-sharing ceremony for offering Shwethingan to Alodawpyi Pagoda
Opening of multimedia teaching centres enables students to get international-level education .Secretary-1 attends opening of NyaungU Township BEHS multimedia teaching centre, inspects regional development
Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of Hsuhtoopan Thitsamandaing Lawkamarazein Hsutaungpyi
Minister inspects maintenance of railroad, bridges in Dawei
Minister for Foreign Affairs leaves for China
Minister meets Chairman of Allure Group of Thailand
Attorney-General, State/Division Law Officers Meeting continues
Spoken Japanese and French Courses conclude in Shan State
Workshop on Cross-Border Migration and Reproductive Health Study held
Regional Workshop on ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Process ends
Chinese women's delegation visits day-care school
54 members resign from Myaungmya Township NLD
WEATHER

(1)State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends get-well message to President of Sri Lanka
YANGON, 22 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, Senior General Than Shwe sent a get-well message to Her Excellency Madame Chandrika Bandranaike Kumaratuilga, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, who had received sustained injury from a terrorist bomb attack during election rally in Colombo on 18 December.

(2)Secretary-1 attends merit-sharing ceremony for offering Shwethingan to Alodawpyi Pagoda
YANGON, 21 Dec - A ceremony to share merits for offering Shwethingan to Alodawpyi Pagoda and for donating iron frames and prayer hall was held at the prayer hall of Alodawpyi Pagoda in Bagan on 20 December attended by Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
The Secretary-l and party took the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa.
The Secretary-1 and party presented offertories to members of the Sangha. The members of the Sangha recited Parittas.
Masoeyein Taikthit Presiding Sayadaw in Mandalay Bhaddanta Sucittabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.
Gem merchant U Tin Aung-Daw Khin Khin of Mandalay presented a diamond for Onnalonmwayshindaw of, Alodawpyi Buddha image to the Secretary-l.
The Secretary-l, on behalf of the well-wishers, presented the diamond as Onnalonmwayshindaw to the Buddha image.
The Pagoda Board of Trustees presented lacquerware paintings of the Alodawpyi Pagoda to the Secretary-l and Gem merchant U Tin Aung-Daw Khin Khin.
The Secretary-1 and party performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of merit-sharing ceremony.
The Secretary-l and party went to Sasana Waiponla Thukhakayi Ordination Hall of Aungmye Bodhi Dhamma Yeiktha in Bagan-NyaungU and paid respects to Alodawpyi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa and new Sayadaw of Masoeyeintaik Bhaddanta Sucittabhiva-msa.

(3)Opening of multimedia teaching centres enables students to get international-level education Secretary-1 attends opening of NyaungU Township BEHS multimedia teaching centre, inspects regional development
YANGON, 21 Dec - Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt left here by Tatmadaw aircraft for Bagan-NyaungU yesterday morning.
The Secretary-l was accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, Chief of Staff (Air), officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials.
On arrival at Bagan-NyaungU Airport, they were welcomed by Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council, Deputy Commander of Central Command, military and civilian officials and members of Union Solidarity and Development Association.
At Dhammarasaka Pagoda in Bagan, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to the Buddha images and the stupa. They also inspected the re-digging of an ancient pond near the pagoda.
Members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees presented a lacquerware painting of the pagoda to the Secretary-l.
The Secretary-1 and party then inspected construction of Myanmar Lacquerware Conference Hall and preparations being made to hold the ceremony to welcome the second millennium in Bagan archaeological region.
In the evening, the Secretary-l and party attended the opening of the multimedia teaching centre at NyaungU Township Basic Education High School.
Also present on the occasion were Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, senior military officers, local authorities, departmental personnel, members of USDA and social organizations, the director-general of No 2 Basic Education Department and officials, donors, the township education officer, school heads, members of the school board of trustees, Headmaster U Khin Maung Htwe and teachers and their pupils.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt unveiled the plaque marking the opening of the centre by pressing the button.
Headmaster U Khin Maung Htwe and Chairman of the School Board of Trustees Capt Win Aung (Retd) formally opened the centre.
The Secretary-1 and party then inspected the interactive language lab, computer application room, computer aided instruction room, prayer room, printed media and reading room, projected media room, art room, domestic science room and performing arts room.
Headmaster U Khin Maung Htwe explained that the opening of the centre was to enable his pupils to get access to the international level education system and installation of advanced equipment at the centre in accord with the education promotion programme.
Capt Win Aung (Retd) reported on efforts being made for all-round progress of the school and installation of modern equipment.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary- 1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said progress has been achieved within the period of two years in opening multimedia teaching centres with the collective participation of parents, people, members of the school boards of trustee and teachers in enabling students to acquire international-level education in accordance with the education promotion programme.
Witnessing the opening of the multimedia teaching centres at other schools in various parts of the country, members of the school boards of trustees, parents, the people, teachers and students of the remaining schools are also striving in harmony and unison to open such classrooms at their schools.
The high intellectual level of the students can be assessed by witnessing their efficiency in using computers, though their computer training period was short, at this multimedia teaching centre opened today with the assistance rendered by the Ministry of Education and efforts made by members of the school board of trustees.
The parents, people, teachers, students and members of the school board of trustees should continue to strive for further progress of their multimedia teaching centre.
Students should also make efforts to become good and brilliant citizens benefiting the nation in the future.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt accepted the donations.
On arrival at Meiktila, the Secretary-l and party were welcomed by Commander of No 99 Light Infantry Division Brig-Gen Htay Oo, militias and civilian officials and members of USDA.
The next morning, the Secretary-l and party attended the ceremony to hoist the Shwehtidaw of Hsuhtoopan Thitsamandaing Lawkamarazein Pagoda, which was held near Thayakon village in Pyawbwe Township.
Back in Meiktila, they inspected the agricultural station of Flying Training Base.
On arrival at Mandalay International Airport, they were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein, military and civilian officials and members of USDA.
At the briefing hall of the project, the Secretary-l heard a report on building of the approach roads to the airport, fencing of the compound, digging of drainage canals, taking of fire preventive measures, airport services, staff strength and greening of the airport presented by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and officials.
Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave suggestions on offering systematic airport handling and services, assignment of duties and greening of the compound.
Accompanied by officials, the Secretary-1 inspected the tower and the terminal.
The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the evening.
Member of the Penal of Patrons of USDA Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Secretary-General U Than Aung, Central Executive Committee members U Aung San, Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, who accompanied the Secretary-l during the tour, met with USDA members at Meiktila District USDA Office yesterday.
They discussed the association's future tasks, the situation of youths and welfare functions.
Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein also inspected Meiktila District People's Hospital yesterday. Officials reported to him on health care activities. He then inspected various wards of the hospital.
Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung and Deputy Minister for Finance and Revenue Brig-Gen Than Tun also inspected their respective department offices in the Meiktila.

(4)Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of Hsuhtoopan Thitsamandaing Lawkamarazein Hsutaungpyi Pagoda held in Pyawbwe Township
YANGON, 21 Dec - Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of 108-cubit high Hsuhtoopan Thitsamandaing Lawkamarazein Hsutaungpyi Pagoda built by Kaba Shweyinaye Sayadaw Abhidhaja Agga Maha Sadammajotika Bhaddanta Vijjabala was held at the pagoda on Maha Mingala Zeya Theikdhisandawya Hill near Thayagon Village in Pyawbwe Township in Mandalay Division this morning.
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt hoisted Shwehtidaw and presented Hngetmyatnadaw and Seinphudaw to the pagoda.
The Secretary-1and party took the Five Precepts from Kaba Shweyinaye Sayadaw Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Vijjabala.
The Secretary-1and party presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vijjabala delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.
The Secretary- 1 and party presented Seinphudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Shwehtidaw to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vijjabala.
Next, the Secretary-l and party and well-wishers went round the pagoda, conveying Seinphudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Hsatthwaphudaw and tiers of Shwehtidaw for public obeisance.
Afterwards, the Secretary-l and party hoisted the tiers of Shwehtidaw, Hsatthwaphudaw and Hngetmyatnardaw atop the pagoda through decorated carnage and well-wishers presented Shwehtidaws of 12 encircling pagodas.
The Secretary-l climbed the pagoda and hoisted Seinphudaw atop the pagoda.
Next, the Secretary-l and party performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of hoisting of Shwehtidaw.
The Secretary-l and party went to pay respects to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vijjabala at Maha Thiri Mingala Zingyan Taiktawgyi.

(5)Minister inspects maintenance of railroad, bridges in Dawei
YANGON, 21 Dec - Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by Commander of No 8 Operations Control Command, Deputy Director-General of Road Transport Administration Department and officials, inspected Dawei Chaungtaung railroad on 20 December.
The minister then inspected repair of railroad and maintenance of bridges between Kaleinaung and Mahlwetaung Railway Station.
He gave instructions on the enforcement of discipline and works to be carried out.

(6)Minister for Foreign Affairs leaves for China
YANGON, 21 Dec - At the invitation of Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Mr Tang Jiaxuan, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung left here by air this morning to pay a goodwill visit to the People's Republic of China .
Minister U Win Aung was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Mines, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador of PRC Mr Liang Dong and embassy staff.
Members of the delegation are Deputy Director-General U Aung Bwa and Director U Thein Zaw of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

(7)Minister meets Chairman of Allure Group of Thailand
YANGON, 21 Dec - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met Chairman Mr Upakit Pachariyangkun of Allure Group Co Ltd of Thailand who called at his office this afternoon.
Also present at the call were Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, Managing Director of Myanmar Hotels and Tourism Services and official.

(8)Attorney-General, State/Division Law Officers Meeting continues
YANGON, 21 Dec - The 16th Coordination meeting of the Attorney-General and State/Division Law Officers continued for the second day this morning at the Attorney-General's Office.
Directors-General Dr Tun Shin gave clarifications concerning presentation of the State/Division law officers.
Deputy Attorney-General U Khin Maung Aye also explained relevant matters.
In his concluding address, Attorney-General U Tha Tun said concerning amendment of some of the laws, coordination will be made with the respective departments in redrafting a law based on the changing situation and the situation of the period in which the law was drafted.
In filing law suit against the teak smugglers in accord with the Public Property Protection Law, ways should be found to obtain the actionable degree soonest.
Regarding the 1993 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, it is not in a situation to make amendments as it was drafted in accord with the International Convention.
Law officers serving at different levels should organize their subordinates to become efficient, as their functions required cooperation.
They should make cooperation with the local authorities and departmental personnel of the respective regions they are assigned to in discharging their duties.

(9)Spoken Japanese and French Courses conclude in Shan State
YANGON, 21 Dec - The Spoken Japanese and French Courses organized by Shan State (South) Union Solidarity and Development Association concluded at Shan State (South) USDA Office in Taunggyi yesterday.
Present on the occasion were member of Panel of Patrons of USDA Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Maung Bo, departmental officials, officials of Shan State, District and Township USDAs, instructors and trainees.
Commander Maj-Gen Maung Bo gave a speech.
He said it is necessary that USDA members must pursue foreign languages, for they should try their best in building the State.
Then, member of Secretariat of USDA U Khin Maung Thein made a speech.
USDA CEC members U Than Shwe and Brig-Gen Pyi Sone explained about tasks and work to be done and organization matters.
Then, U Khin Maung Thein presented certificates to Secretary of Shan State USDA U Nyan Linn and gifts to the instructors.

(10)Workshop on Cross-Border Migration and Reproductive Health Study held
YANGON, 21 Dec - The Workshop on Cross-Border Migration and Reproductive Health Study, co-sponsored by Population Department of the Ministry of Immigration and Population and UNFPA, was held this morning at the department.
Also present on the occasion were Director-General of Immigration and National Registration Department Col Maung Htay, officials of UNFPA and the respective departments and resource persons.
Afterwards, resource persons presented papers.
followed by a general round of discussions.
The workshop ended with concluding remarks by Country Technical Adviser of UNFPA Dr RS Sanna.

(11)Regional Workshop on ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Process ends
YANGON, 21 Dec - The Regional Workshop on the ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Process continued for the second and final day at the Hotel Equatorial this morning.
Present on the occasion were senior investment officials from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam and observers.
Delegates of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam reported to the workshop on prospects of foreign investment in ASEAN region and implementation of the basic agreement related to investment in ASEAN member nations, progress in implementation of the projects under Hanoi Plan of Action and work procedures.
Participants took part in the discussions and assessed the papers submitted to the workshop. Then, the workshop came to a close at 3 pm.

(12)Chinese women's delegation visits day-care school
YANGON, 21 Dec - The visiting Vice-President of All China Women's Federation Mrs Shen Shuji and goodwill delegation visited the daycare school of Ministry of Industry-2 Maternal and Child Welfare Association on U Tun Nyein Road in Mayangon Township this afternoon.
They were welcomed there by Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, patron of Ministry of Industry-2 MCWA Daw Moe Moe Myint and members, the chairperson of the association and officials.
Member. of Panel of Patrons of Ministry of Industry-2 MCWA Dr Daw Khin Hsan Nwe explained matters related to the baby and day-care school.
Daw Moe Moe Myint then presented gifts to the guests.
Yesterday the guests went to Mandalay together with Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe. They met members of Mandalay Division MCWA,and observed activities of Mandalay Division MCWA.

(13) 54 members resign from Myaungmya Township NLD
YANGON, 21 Dec - A ceremony to present letters of resignation of 54 members of Myaungmya Township National League for Democracy, Ayeyawady Division, was held at the office of Myaungmya Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission at 2 pm on 11 November 1999.
Fifty-four members of Myaungmya Township NLD, Ayeyawady Division, of their own volition, resigned by sending letters of resignation to the party concerned on 11 November 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.
Member of Myaungmya Township NLD U Aye Myint, on behalf of the party members, explained about the resignation from the party and handed over the letters of resignation to Secretary of Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission U Win Sein.

(14)WEATHER
Maximum temperature on Dec 20 was 30.5 °C (87°F)
Minimum temperature on Dec 21 was 14.3 °C (58°F)

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