N980412

THE NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
( Wednesday, 22 March 2000)

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Bitumen Plant opened in Thanlyin to produce 200,000 metric tons of bitumen annually
Secretary-1 attends enshrinement, Htidaw hoisting and stone plaque unveiling of Mawgun Pagoda
Daw Kyaing Kyaing presents offertories to Myingyan Sayadaw at 90th birthday ceremony Secretary-1 reads virtues of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita
Observance of Thingyan in a traditional way discussed
Secretary-1 receives Vice-Chairman of Unocal Corporation
No 4 Sugar Mill of Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise inaugurated
Chief of Staff (Army) inspects parade columns marching from Myoma Ground to Resistance Park
Minister for Industry-l meets Chinese visitors
Minister meets Ambassador of Japan
Minister meets guests from Thailand
Minister for Home Affairs meets Ambassador of Japan
15.5 kilos of opium seized in Pinlaung
Thai Minister and party visit National Museum
25 Mingin NLD members resign of own accord
WEATHER.

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(1) Bitumen Plant opened in Thanlyin to produce 200,000 metric tons of bitumen
annually
YANGON, 21 March - The Bitumen Plant of No 1 Refinery (Thanlyin) or Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise was commissioned into service this afternoon in Thanlyin Township, attended by Secretary-l of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi said the factory has the capacity to produce 200,000 metric tons of bitumen annually.
MOGE reached agreement with contractor Nichimen Corporation on 3 April 1998 to build the factory. Under the contract, Fritz Werner Company was the machinery supplier and Porner Company took the responsibility of machinery installation, designing, rendering knowhow and test run.
Installation of machinery was completed 40 days ahead of the scheduled date, which was on 10 October 1 999.
At the meeting of the Special Projects Implementation Committee held on 2 June 1999, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe gave the following guidance.
The Senior General said that the projects put forward to the Committee are basically indispensable for the development of the nation; if these projects can be implemented rapidly, they can be beneficial to the nation quickly, therefore, it is necessary to complete the projects earlier than scheduled; moreover, it is important to use funds allocated by the Government for the respective projects without causing loss and wastage; the ministries are to set up work supervisory committees for the respective projects to pro vide systematic supervision and to carry out field tours; the projects to be implemented due to requirements of the nation and prospective benefits, need to be carried out by spending funds as thrifty as possible and to be finished as soon as possible; moreover, priority is to be given to the qualitative improvement
The minister said the contract to render machinery services was signed at 15.467 million marks. There was no change in the foreign expenditure in building the factory, but in local currency expenditure, the factory cost only K 104.22 million, K 10.11 million less than the estimated local portion of K 114.22 million. Thus, the factory was built in accord with the Head of State's guidance early completion, quality production and cost effective.
A total of 11,387 tons of bitumen produced during the test run period which lasted till 20 March 2000 were distributed to the Ministry of Construction, Yangon City Development Committee, Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise and engineering depots. Plans are under way to distribute more.
The minister also elaborated on the government's nation-building endeavours in which bitumen has become an essential requirement.
Managing Director of Fritz Werner Company Mr W Schoeltzke and General Manager of Nichimen Corporation Mr H Ueno extended greetings.
Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi presented promotion orders and bonus to staff who had striven to complete the factory earlier than scheduled.
Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Mr W Schoeltzke and Mr H Ueno formally opened the plant.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt unveiled the plaque.
The Secretary-1 and party inspected the factory.

(2) Secretary-1 attends enshrinement, Htidaw hoisting and stone plaque unveiling of Mawgun Pagoda
YANGON, 21 March - The enshrinement, Htidaw hoisting and opening ceremony of stone plaque of Mawgun Pagoda was held in the precinct of Five Nikaya Pitakat Thonbon Sarthintaik on Pale Yadana Road in Ward 26 of Dagon Myothit (South) Township this morning in commemoration of the 90th birthday of Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Koehsaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
First, the Secretary-l, the commander, ministers, the Chief Justice and the Mayor conveyed relics of Buddha, Seinphudaw and Shwe Htidaw to the pagoda.
Next, Myingyan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Kyaik-htihsaung Sayadaw Baddanta Pananadipa and the Secretary-1 took positions for keeping relics and religious objectives into the pagoda. The ministers, the Chief Justice and the Mayor also took positions at encircling pagodas.
At the auspicious time, they placed religious objects into the reliquary of Mawgun Pagoda and its encircling pagodas.
The, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannadipa and the Secretary-1 hoisted Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda.
Afterwards, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and the Secretary-1 and party took positions in front of the stone plaque. The Secretary-1 unveiled the stone plaque.
On behalf of Myingyan Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, the Secretary-1 accepted US $ 5,555 for the trust-fund which was donated by well-wisher Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannadipa.
Later, the congregation recited Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu three times.

(3) Daw Kyaing Kyaing presents offertories to Myingyan Sayadaw at 90th birthday ceremony Secretary-1 reads virtues of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita
YANGON, 21 March - The 90th birthday ceremony of Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Koehsaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita was held at Five Nikaya Pitakat Thonbon Sarthintaik on Pale Yadana Road in Ward 26 of Dagon Myothit (South) Township this morning, attended by Daw Kyaing Kyaing, wife of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe.
Director of Religious Affairs Department U Nyunt Maung acted as master of ceremonies.
The congregation recited Namo Tassa three times.
Then, Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Koehsaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita administered the Five Precepts.
Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara read Ovadakatha of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita and Gunapuja Paper of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee.
On behalf of the State Peace and Development Council, Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt supplicated on the gratitude of the Sayadawgyi.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt read the Sayadaw's virtues, saying Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita was born of U Bo Khit and Daw Kyawh at Thiripyitsaya village, NyaungU Township, Mandalay Division, on 3rd waning of Tabaung 1271 ME. He is now 90 years old.
He was novitiated at the age of 12 at Maha Withutayama Monastery in Pakokku. After studying Pali Athakathatika treatises at the monastery, he studied the five Nikayas and Pitaka treatises at monasteries in Yangon and Mandalay. He also passed Dhammacariya examinations held by the State.
He acted as a lecturer Sayadaw from the age of 24 to 27 till he attained eight vasas. At 27, he founded Maha Thutayama Pakokku Kyaungthit in the compound of Koehsaungtaik in Myingyan. He taught Abhidhamma to 300 members of the Sangha at the Kyaungthit.
The Sayadaw founded Shwebontha Alekyaung Sarthintaik in Myingyan; Maha Withutayama Kyaungtaik, Htantabin, Bago Division; Maha Withutayama Kyaungtaik, Paungde; Ywama Pariyatti Sarthintaik, Insein; Thayettawtaik Pariyatti Mamakathittaw Kyaungtaik, Lanmadaw; Zeyathein Taik Yadanahman Kyaung, Myingyan; Yele Kyaungtaik, Taungtha; and Myathita Sarthintaik, Toungoo.
He served religious duties as a lecturer Sayadaw in various fields of Buddhism; acted as a leading member at meeting of all ganas of the Sangha for purification and propagation of the Sasana held in Hmawby in 1965; served as the Vice-Chairman in holding elections at different levels of Sangha for organizing the First Meeting of Sangha of All Ganas for purification and propagation of the Sasana. He acted as Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and State Central Working Committee of the Sangha. From 1994 till today, the is the Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and State Central Working Committee of the Sangha.
The Sayadaw himself is serving the duty to supervising over 400,000 members of the Sangha in Myanmar of the Theravada Buddhist Faith to live and practise Dhamma in accord with the Vinayas.
At present, the Sayadaw is taking the duties of the chancellor of the State Pariyatti Tekkathos (Yangon Sand Mandalay) and International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University. He has compiled religious treatises.
In accord with the ovada of the Sayadaw, the government donated a 8.637-acre plot in Dagon Myothit (South) to build a historic Sarthintaik. Construction of the religious buildings in the plot is in progress and some of the buildings have been completed. The project will cost nearly K 400 million. Completion of such a huge project within a short period is due to the ardent wish of the Sayadaw and his disciples. The State sponsored the 90th birthday ceremony of the Sayadaw who is striving for purification and promotion of the Sasana.
Sayadaw Maha Gandavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Paduma read the Thutivandana Gatha.
Daw Kyaing Kyaing, Daw Mya Mya San, Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe, Daw Khin Cho Oo, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party presented offertories to Sayadaws.
Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon.
The congregation shared the merits gained.
The Secretary-1 and party paid homage to the Buddha image on the first floor of Pyilonchantha Maha Thein Kyaung.

(4) Observance of Thingyan in a traditional way discussed
YANGON, 21 March - A meeting was held this evening to coordinate observance of Thingyan in line with Myanmar traditions and culture, addressed by Patron of Committee for Observing Traditional Thingyan for 1361 ME Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.
The Secretary-1 said the meeting was held to observe Thingyan in accord with the tradition of upholding Myanmar culture. As in the previous years, discipline enforcement committee, cultural preservation and prize distribution committee should be formed to hold Thingyan on a grand-scale and in accord with traditions and culture.
Attention should be given to ensuring people to enjoy the festival with pleasure and satisfaction, restoring the traditions and culture and prevention of fires and deterring destructive acts.
Director-General of Pyithu Hluttaw Office U Myint Thein reported on formation of committees of the festival.
Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay presented matters relating to discipline enforcement, preservation of culture and prize distribution, joined in by Minister for Culture U Win Sein.
Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave suggestions.
The meeting was held at the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army).
The 1361 ME Myanmar Traditional Maha Thingyan will be observed with the following objectives:
-to preserve traditions and culture in observing Maha Thingyan in a traditional way;
-to enable people to participate in the festival in a gentle and polite way and in a pleasant atmosphere;
-to freshen the body and mind of the people with Atar water in enabling them to serve the State's duties with full vigour in the New Year.
-to enable the people to continue to preserve and safeguard the essence of Myanmar trait, characters and culture.

(5)Secretary-1 receives Vice-Chairman of Unocal Corporation
YANGON, 21 March - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received Vice-Chairman of Unocal Corporation Mr John Imle and party at the guest house of Ministry of Defence at 5 pm today.

(6) No 4 Sugar Mill of Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise inaugurated
YANGON, 21 March - No 4 Sugar Mill (Taungzinaye) of Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, in Lewe Township, Yamethin District, Mandalay Division, was opened this morning. Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Coun cil Lt-Gen Tin Oo atteneded the openirig ceremony of the sugar mill.
Tactical Operations Commander Col Tun Kyi, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department under the ministry, officials of Yamethin District and Lewe Township, teachers and students, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, and local people.
The Secretary-2 formally unveiled the signboard of the mill.
Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Chief Representative Miss Rose Mary of Guang Dong New Technology Import and Export Zhuhai Corporation of the People's Republic of China formally opened it the mill.
Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and officials inspected the mill.
In the briefing hall, Managing Director U Myo Myint of Myanma Sugarcane Enterprise reported to the Secretary-2 and officials on construction of the mill, sown acreage of sugarcane in the district and township and per-acre-yield, test runs of the mill and staff strength of the mill.
It was followed by a supplementary report of Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin.
The Secretary-2, giving instructions, said according to the requirements of the nation for economic development, sugar mills including the present one were built, and sown acreage of sugarcane is to be extended and quality strain is to be cultivated for increase in production.
Efforts are to be made for boosting production of sugarcane through the cooperation of regional authorities concerned, officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and sugarcane farmers, he noted.
After making the speech, the Secretary-2 presented a gift of fruit basket to Miss Rose Mary.
No 4 Sugar Mill built near Taungzinaye Village in Lewe Township can crush 1500 tons of sugarcane a day. Guang Dong New Technology Import and Export Zhuhai Corporation under took installation of equipment at the mill which costs over 16 million US dollars. The Secretary-2 and party, after attending the opening ceremony of the mill, proceeded to Swachaung Dam Project being implemented in Yedashe Township, by helicopter.
They were welcomed there by Chairman of Toungoo District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tun Aye and officials.
Director U Win Maung of Construction 5 of Irrigation Department reported to them on progress of work in implementation of the project and capability of irrigated farm lands on completion of the dam.
Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Deputy Minister U Myo Myint reported on prevailing conditions of the project and Lt-Col Tun Aye on cooperation of officials of the district and township in implementation of the project.
The Secretary-2 gave instructions on the reports and then met farmers of the villages in the project area and officials.
Then, the Secretary-2 inspected building of the main embankment spillway and diaphragm cut-off wall.
The dam is being built across Swa Creek near Baungtok Village. On completion, it can irrigate 35,000 acres of cultivated land.
The Secretary-2 and party arrived back at Yangon this afternoon.

(7) Chief of Staff (Army) inspects parade columns marching from Myoma Ground to Resistance Park
YANGON, 21 March - Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo inspected the practising of parade columns which will participate in the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade, at the Resistance Park this morning.
Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 55th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo arrived at the Resistance Park this morning.
Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo, together with Chairman of the Working Committee for the Armed Forces Day Parade Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Chairman of Security Sub-committee Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint Deputy Adjutant-General Col Ye Tun, Defence Services (Army) Officers Training School Principal Col Kyaw Thu, Parade Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo and Reserve Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min and senior military officers, inspected the practising of parade columns and gave necessary instructions.
The parade columns marched from Myoma Ground to the Resistance Park from 6 am to 10 am.

(8) Minister for Industry-l meets Chinese visitors
YANGON, 21 March - Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung met Vice Director Mr Zhengliz of China Shanxi Jinhua textile Mill Factory and party at his office at 4 pm today.

(9) Minister meets Ambassador of Japan
YANGON, 21 March - Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin met Ambassador of Japan Mr Kazuo Asakai, who has completed his tour of duties at his office at 1 pm today.

(10) Minister meets guests from Thailand
YANGON, 21 March - Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein met Senior Vice-President of Charoen Pokphand Co Ltd of Thailand Mr Joseph N Sivasri and party at his office at 9.30 am today.
Present were directors-general, managing-directors and officials of departments and enterprises under the ministry.

(11) Minister for Home Affairs meets Ambassador of Japan
YANGON, 21 March - Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing met Japanese Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Kazuo Asakai who has completed his tour of duty and party at his office at the corner of Saya San Road and No 1 Industry Road at 9 am today.

(12) 15.5 kilos of opium seized in Pinlaung
YANGON, 21 March - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Myanmar Police Force acting on information. waited at Nyanbin village, Pinlaung Township, Southern Shan State on 7 March searched one Takee, son of U Pan Te, Takaukkhun village, Hsiheng Township, and seized 15.5 kilos of opium in 10 packets.
Action is being taken against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.

(13) Thai Minister and party visit National Museum
YANGON, 21 March - Visiting Thai Minister Mr Pongpol Adireksam and party, accompanied by Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Pensak Chalarak and officials of Ministry of Forestry visited the National Museum on Pyay Road this morning. They were welcomed by Director Daw Nu Mra Zan of the National Museum, Department of Cultural Institute, and officials.
Director Daw Nu Mra Zan conducted the guests round the museum.

(14) 25 Mingin NLD members resign of own accord
YANGON, 21 March - Twenty-five members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Mingin Township, Sagaing Division.
Twenty-five members of Mingin Township NLD, Sagaing Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Mingin Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-commission and the party concerned on 14 September 1999 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.

(15) WEATHER
Maximum temperature on 20-3-2000 was 37.5°C (100°F)
Minimum temperature on 21-3-2000 was 21.4 °C (70°F)

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