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 Wednesday,  20  December  2000
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  1. Senior General Than Shwe's Message on the occasion of Myanmar Traditional Medical Practitioners" Conference
  2. Myanmar Traditional Medical Practitioners' Conference opens
  3. 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Organizing Leading Committee meets
  4. Myanmar Traditional Medical Practitioners' Conference begins
  5. Minister receives Ambassador of Sri Lanka
  6. IT, Cosmetics and Consumer Products Expo 2000 opens in Bago
  7. MNWCWA donate books to IPRD, HED
  8. Conference on Views and Visions in the Literary Heritage of SEA continues
  9. 19 Ngaphe Township NLD members resign of own accord


(1) Senior General Than Shwe's Message on the occasion of Myanmar Traditional Medical Practitioners" Conference

YANGON, 19 Dec- The following is the full text of the message from Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe on the occasion of the Myanmar Traditional Medical practitioners" Conference held here today.

Myanmar Traditional Medicine historically has been intertwined with Myanmar culture, traditions and values and has assumed a distinct identity which has been considered as a national heritage which we can take pride. In addition, since time immemorial and even to this day traditional medicine, which has been truly indigenous, has ensured the health and well-being the people of Myanmar.

Thus, preserving, sustaining and enhancing the development of traditional medicine not only amounts to ensuring the health and physical fitness of the people of Myanmar but also safeguarding Myanmar's cultural heritage. Today, when the State Peace and Development Council is striving for the development of the country as a national endeavour, so that the Union of Myanmar is on par with other countries, the physical and mental well-being of all citizens is essential for national development.

In ensuring the health and well-being of all the people of Myanmar, it is of paramount importance to enhance the quality and promote the systematic development of traditional medicine, on which the vast majority people depend upon for their health. Traditional medicine is delicate, broad in scope and deep-rooted subject with a plethora of methods of treating diseases, numerous types of potent traditional drugs and involving many disciplines.

Therefore, exceptional efforts are needed for the systematic development of traditional medicine. Thus, for the development and propagation of traditional medicine, encouraging well experienced and learned traditional practitioners, preserving effective and potent traditional drugs and rediscovering neglected traditional methods of treatment will be essential. Effective and potent herbs, marine products and extracts of animal origin will also be required to be systematically handled and preserved. In addition, biomedical research needs to be conducted for the systematic development of traditional medicine.

Traditional methods handed down for generations, distinct in certain geographical regions, well proven methods for treatment of diseases or potent traditional drugs needs to be systematically standardized and recorded. For the scientific development of traditional medicine extensive research on traditional methods or potent traditional drugs which can cure certain diseases that cannot be cured by western medicines, need to be further enhanced.

In certain instances traditional medicine can be combined with western medicine to treat diseases. Scientific research using modern methods and equipment should be applied to extracting and preparation of traditional drugs. In order to standardize and enhance the development of traditional medicine to reach international level, the concerted efforts of Myanmar traditional medical practitioners will be essential. Therefore, at this conference unity of all traditional medical practitioners and fruitful discussions will lead to realization of our national goals.

From this conference it is envisaged that a united Myanmar traditional medical practitioners" association will emerge and under the flagship of the association, a concerted effort can be made to develop, enhance and propagate traditional medicine. I would like to wish the traditional medical practitioners" conference every success, particularly in enhancing the national heritage and prestige and in propagating the Myanmar traditional medicine throughout the world.

(2) People begin to rely more on affordable traditional drugs having less side effects than Western medicines Myanmar Traditional Medical Practitioners' Conference opens

YANGON, 19 Dec-A ceremony to open the Myanmar Traditional Medical Practitioners' Conference was held at Pyidaungsu Hall in Kyaikkasan Grounds this morning.

Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe sent the message to the conference and Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an opening address.

Also present at the conference were the ministers, the Yangon Mayor, members of National Health Committee, the deputy ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, diplomats of foreign missions, resident representatives of UN agencies, directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Health, members of Traditional Medicine Council, conference delegates of States and Divisions, members of the Central Committee for Traditional Medicine Inspection, officials of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar Red Cross Society, Myanmar Medical Association, Myanmar Nurses Association, Myanmar Dental Surgeons Association and Myanmar Health Assistants Association, Union Solidarity and Development Association and guests.

First, Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein read out the message sent by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe. Then, Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an opening address. He said: May I wish all of you to be blessed with good health and happiness. May all of you be able to strive towards the development and propagation of Myanmar traditional medicine. At the time when the Government is giving priority to enhance the status of traditional medicine, which has stood as a shining pillar in the provision of effective health care with its own norms and standards over centuries, the holding of the Traditional Medical Practitioners' Conference will certainly invigorate the on-going efforts for the development of traditional medicine.

The meeting of a great number of traditional medical practitioners from all over the country, who has valued and nurtured the Myanmar cultural heritage of traditional medicine, will certainly send the message that united efforts will be launched to enhance and uplift the role of traditional medicine in the future. Among those imbued with patriotic spirit, there are many things the Myanmar people can take pride, one of which is the purely indigenous Myanmar traditional medicine, which stands out as a shining achievement.

In a historical perspective, Myanmar traditional medicine has represented the typical Myanmar culture, the national spirit and traditional values and norms and the strong belief in Theravada Buddhism, which all put together enabled traditional medicine to flourish in the country. Thus, the State Peace and Development Council has accorded the highest priority to the development and advancement of traditional medicine, which has been an important part of its history, culture, nationalistic spirit and national character. It is also important to preserve our national heritage and nurture traditional medicine so that it is on par with other sectors of development. If we look back over the centuries, going back to the Pyu era Tagging era, They-kitty era it was evident that Aryuverda medicine was flourishing during those times.

In the Bagan era, when Three-Vader Buddhism began to flourish, traditional medicine based on Buddhist teachings and astrology became to be established. Combined with the natural geographical conditions and the cultural and traditions, it became institutionalized as a distinct discipline. Historically, in published Buddhist scriptures, in Pail or in Sanskrit there came about the introduction of a lot of prescriptions or remedies. Due to the commendable efforts of many eminent Sayadaws, learned court officials and traditional medical practitioners a lot of new traditional medicines and remedies were developed and as time passed traditional medicine became to be an effective, widely accepted norm of health care.

Traditional medicine was utilized by the successive kings who ruled Myanmar in ancient times, where they were so effective in taking care of the rulers and the court, that they were rewarded with titles and vestments according special status. Over the years, Traditional Medicine has been instrumental in maintaining the physical and mental strength of the people of Myanmar. That is why, today, there exists the people known to the world as Myanmar and traditional medicine has attained a high level of reverence. But when Myanmar was colonized and lost its independence, the colonizers tried to destroy and suppress the values, culture and traditional medicine.

At the same time Western medicine flourished while the role of traditional medicine gradually diminished. Subsequently, treatment began to vary and differ according to different practitioners and according to different geographical locations. But due to the endeavours of patriotic Myanmar traditional medical practitioners, traditional medicine continued to flourish among the people living in the rural areas. At present, the Government of the Union of Myanmar is making all out efforts to unify all traditional medical practitioners and also to consolidate the various therapeutic methods and treatment of various diseases using traditional medicine.

During the colonial time and just after independence there were over (160) traditional medical practitioners associations which continued to flourish in the rural areas. That is why currently, the Government of Myanmar, with a view to unify and uplift Myanmar traditional medicine has taken the leading role in conducting the Myanmar traditional medical practitioners congress in 1969 for the first time and again in 1979 for conducting the Myanmar traditional medical practitioners conference. Although great success has been obtained in conducting the congress and conference of Myanmar traditional medical practitioners, the establishment of curriculum for trainees of Myanmar traditional medicine and the establishment of traditional medicine hospitals, there still remained an urgent need to establish the Myanmar traditional medical practitioners association. Due to the various side effects of pharmaceuticals produced in Western countries and the high costs of these products, the people began to rely more on traditional drugs which had less side effects and which was more affordable.

At present, the National Health Plan has been implemented to address the health care needs of the people with special emphasis with regards to the needs people living in the rural areas. The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council, Senior General Than Shwe has given the following guidelines with regards to uplifting the role of traditional medicine:

- To revitalize the existing methods and therapeutic regimens of traditional medicine, herbal medicine and traditional medical practitioners.

- To promote biomedical research in traditional medicine with a view to establishing standard therapeutic regimens and to ensure quality of services provided to the people.

- To establish treatment regimens for those diseases not curable by Western medicine.

The Department of Traditional Medicine has made concerted efforts to further develop the status of traditional medicine according to the guidelines laid down by the higher authorities. These include the establishment of traditional medicine hospitals at the State/Divisional and District levels, establishment of herbal gardens and conducting traditional medical practitioners conferences at the State/Divisional level. To disseminate widespread knowledge regarding traditional medicine to the people, diploma courses, traditional medical practitioners training, refresher courses for traditional medical practitioners have been conducted on a regular basis. There are also plans to establish the Institute of Traditional Medicine in the near future.

The objectives of the Myanmar Traditional Medical Conference are:

- To further strengthen and maintain the existing methods of traditional medicine

- To preserve rare and extinct herbal medicinal plants

- To further develop traditional medicine according to the guidelines laid down by HE Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council - Standardization of traditional medicines

- To promote and preserve the traditional medicine writings on papyrus and old manuscripts.

- To establish one united traditional medical practitioners association.

In addition, traditional medical practitioners will be presenting 20 papers at this conference and there will be an exhibition of traditional medicines and products. It is also envisaged that traditional medicines can take the place of western medicines and the effectiveness and potency of traditional medicine can be established. Furthermore, by collectively showing a multitude of traditional medicines at this conference, unity and the spirit of camaraderie among the traditional medical practitioners will be promoted. Presently the Government of the Union of Myanmar has been making all out efforts and has laid down guidelines for the development of traditional medicine.

It is also the duty of all traditional medical practitioners to enhance the quality of traditional medical practice, to develop biomedical research in a systematic manner and to upgrade it to international levels. The Myanmar traditional medical practitioners conference will further enhance the establishment and solidarity of the Myanmar traditional medical practitioners association.

I would like to urge all traditional medical practitioners to put all efforts in the development of traditional medicine in all aspects since traditional medicine is closely linked to Myanmar cultural heritage. Under the leadership and solidarity of the Myanmar traditional medical practitioners association, traditional medicine will gain international recognition and attain international standards. The strategies for the development of traditional medicine are:

- To collect and consolidate ancient and valuable traditional medical manuscripts and documents and to make them easily available

- To conduct biomedical research for rare medicines and revitalize various therapeutic regimens

- To develop standard norms and to conduct research on herbal medicines, medicine of various animal origins for their various pharmacological uses and applications

- To develop more effective treatment regimens for serious and debilitating diseases by conducting biomedical research

- To find and develop ways to integrate the treatment of diseases by utilizing both traditional as well as Western medicine.

- To develop effective treatment regimens for diseases which are not curable by Western medicine

In conclusion, I would like to urge all traditional medical practitioners to share their experiences and knowledge, to strive for solidarity and endeavour towards the establishment of traditional medical practitioners association and to strive towards increasing the quality of health care provided by traditional medical practitioners. After opening the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party cordially conversed with delegates who are attending the conference.

MAI urged to pay attention to promotion of tourism

YANGON, 19 Dec - The Work Coordination Meeting 4/2000 on development of the Myanmar Airways International (MAI) of the Ministry of Transport was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Transport on Merchant Street this afternoon, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present at the meeting were ministers, Deputy Ministers for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and U Pe Than, officials of the State Peace and Development Council, departmental heads, the Chairman and members of the Board of Directors of MAI, and officials. First, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe explained the MAI's flying hours, passengers, cargo, income and expenditure between the period from August 2000 to 4 November, and Yangon-Bangkok, Yangon-Singapore, Yangon-Hong Kong and Yangon-Kuala Lumpur flights, passenger and cargo transport.

Chairman of the MAI Board of Directors U Maung Maung Ohn reported on the tasks implemented in accord with the minutes of the previous meeting. Afterwards, those present gave suggestions on a greater development of MAI. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt said MAI is found to be making a gradual progress, and spoke of the need for the MAI to try to increase the number of those who fly with MAI as well as pay attention to the arrivals of tourists by other airlines. He noted that development of the tourist industry will also bring about progress in hotel and motel services, tour companies, trading and transport services run by the national entrepreneurs and other services in the private sector. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 underscored the need to work for development and promotion of both MAI and tourism.

Secretary-1 previews Myanma Traditional Apparel Show

YANGON, 19 Dec - Chairman of the Central Committee for Preservation and Safeguarding of Myanma Cultural Heritage Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt previewed the Myanma Traditional Apparel Show at the National Museum on Pyay Road today.

On arrival at the National Museum, the Secretary-1 was welcomed by Minister for Culture U Win Sein and officials. He viewed the display of ancient mural painting designs exhibits, Bamar, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Chin, Mon, Rakhine and Shan national costumes, traditional weaving and looms, natural dyes, traditional gold and silver tapestries. Minister U Win Sein and other officials conducted him round the exhibition. Later, the Secretary-1 also previewed the Myanma traditional apparel model show, and demonstration of Myanma traditional novitiation ceremony. The Myanma Traditional Apparel Show will take place at the National Museum from 9 am to 5 p.m from 22 December, 2000 to 21 January, 2001.

Dinner and gathering held to commemorate birthday of Jesus Christ

YANGON, 19 Dec - The dinner and gathering commemorating the birthday of Jesus Christ organized by Myanmar Christian Council of Churches took place at Yangon Kachin Baptist Church in Shwepyi Aye Street, Sangyoung Township, today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were 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, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, representatives and clergymen of Myanmar Christian Council of Churches and guests. First, Reverend Jr Ja Naw blessed the gathering, and Chairman of MCCC Reverend Saw Margay Gyi and General Secretary Archbishop Mahn San Si Htay extended greetings.

The Secretary-1 noted that the gathering of the brethren sheltered with the peace and loving-kindness of Jesus Christ afforded peacefulness and tranquillity. He recalled the memorable moments at the first gathering of Yangon Kachin Baptist Church in November 1997 and noted that they once again gathered at the dinner and gathering to commemorate the birthday of Jesus Christ this year. He spoke of the virtues of Jesus Christ born to the world of humanity to expound the truths of humbleness, honesty, serenity, understanding, sympathy and other morals, and celebrating of his birthday.

Christians exchange gifts meaning to remove and expel hatreds and prejudices, he said and called on the Christian brethren to pray for forgiveness, loving kindness and reunion, peace and prosperity of the Union on the auspicious occasion to commemorate the birthday of Jesus Christ.

The government, he said, extended the promise to work with all national brethren for the Union to become peaceful, united, developed and free of prejudices. The nation is becoming peaceful and stable, and people are filled with loving kindness enjoying the freedom of worship, with all religions flourishing on their own. The government, he said, will continue to encourage for propagation of all religions that will bring about a greater national development. Afterwards, Christian musicians played religious tunes with chanting of songs, followed by a ritual of praying.

(3) 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Organizing Leading Committee meets

YANGON, 19 Dec Ñ The 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Organizing Leading Committee held its third meeting at Defence Services Museum and Historical Research Institute this morning, with an address delivered by Chairman of the Leading Committee Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

Also present at the meeting were Chairman of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Management Committee Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, deputy ministers, heads of department and guests.

Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo said committee-wise accomplishments should be presented at the meeting to take collective measures in seeing to the requirements. As a patriotic force, the Tatmadaw born of the people has overcome various dangers in cooperation with the people in serving duties in political, economic, administrative and social sectors of the nation. Thus, unlike the armed forces of other nations, the Tatmadaw is endowed not only with the military experiences, but also with political, economic and administrative qualities.

Because of its possession of these qualities, the Tatmadaw is able to successfully discharge the national duties. The Tatmadaw has to overcome many obstacles in building the nation. At present, the people have witnessed obviously who the constructive forces are and who the destructive elements are. As the opposing group inside the nation has no more internal strength, it is openly relying on foreign countries.

The Tatmadaw together with the people will crush all those who are posing danger to the nation. The objectives of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Ñ to forge national solidarity with Union Spirit; to strive together with the people for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation; to crush together with the people all dangers threatening the State; and to build a modern Tatmadaw of high calibre to be able to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes.

It is required not only for the Tatmadawmen of the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy, Air) and members of the Myanmar Police Force, Auxiliary Fire Brigade Forces and Myanmar Red Cross Society, who will take part in the parade columns, but also for the entire national brethren to make collective efforts for successful implementation of the objectives. The work committees and the subcommittees should collectively find means to remedy the difficulties to their most possible extent in implementing the task; and concerning the tasks which are beyond their limit, they should submit in time to the Leading Committee.

The Tatmadaw which is also loyal to the State and the people will never betray the national cause. The brethren organizations of the Tatmadaw, MPF, Fire Services Department and MRCS should strive to contribute from the respective sectors in strengthening and modernizing the Tatmadaw in enabling it to safeguard Our Three Main National Causes. While service its three main duties, the Tatmadaw should also promote the national interest and to crush together with the people the opposition elements trying to grab power through shortcut.

The emcee, Lt-Col Soe Min of Adjutant-General's Office presented progress in realizing the resolutions of the previous meeting. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than explained accomplishments of the Management Committee. Director of Military Training Brig-Gen Aung Kyi reported to the meeting on implementations of the Military Parade Work Group and requirements, Chairman of Nation-Building Endeavours Exhibition Committee Minister Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe on preparations to hold the exhibition and Colonel-General Staff (Air) of Office of Commander-in-Chief (Air) Col Tin Win on selection of paintings to be displayed at Tatmadaw Convention Centre.

Officials of the work groups also took part in the discussions. Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Director of Public Relations and Psychological Warfare Brig-Gen Khin Aung Myint, Vice-Quartermaster-General Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and senior military officers presented work plans sector wise. Deputy Director-General of MPF Police Brig-Gen Hla Tun, Director-General of FSD U Myint Tun and Executive Director of MRCS U Aung Than gave suggestions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by Lt-Gen Tin Oo.

(4) Myanmar Traditional Medical Practitioners' Conference begins

YANGON, 19 Dec-A conference of traditional medical practitioners was held at Pyidaungsu Hall in Kyaikkasan Grounds this morning. Present were Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Ministers Dr Mya Oo and Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general of departments under the Ministry of Health, deputy directors-general, rectors, directors and departmental officials, members of Traditional Medicine Council, delegates and guests.

The conference was presided over by Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein with members of Panel of chairmen U Nyan Tun, U Nyan Lwin, U Kyaw Sein and U Soe Hlaing. Deputy Director of Traditional Medicine Department U Wa Tun acted as master of ceremonies. Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein said the conference was significant and holding the conference meant preservation of good traditions of traditional medicine. Myanma traditional medicine is a national traditional science full of essence and every race and nation upholds its dignity and value, he said. It is a national duty of all citizens to preserve and promote traditional medicine which is national culture as well as national medicine in Myanmar and to safeguard national character of the nation and the people for perpetuation, he said.

He said the conference was held with three objectives to enable medical practitioners to work in harmony, to provide health care service through traditional medicine and to implement the guidelines for improvement of traditional medicine laid down by the State.

The minister said the conference was held with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. He spoke on appointment of service personnel after formation of the department in 1997, opening of traditional medicine hospitals in Yangon, Mandalay, Pathein, Myeik, Taunggyi, Myitkyina, Pyay, Mawlamyine and Sittway and construction of the hospital in Monywa, opening of seven herbal gardens in cities and 14 district treatment centres.

He said the State Peace and Development Council is building a modern developed nation after laying down the Twelve Objectives and National Health Committee has laid down plans and carried out health care services for the people applying effective Myanma traditional medicine while implementing the objective of uplift of health, fitness and education standards of the entire nation. At a time when the government is endeavouring for national development with added momentum, it also encourages and promotes public health services, he said.

He spoke of the need for Myanmar traditional medicine practitioners to serve the interest of the nation and the people under the leadership of the government. It is important for them to discuss the eight topics with their knowledge, he added. The minister urged the traditional medicine practitioners to carry out the results of the conference as the future tasks.

Next, delegate U Than Tun of Ayeyawady Division tabled a motion on formation of Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners Association and U Soe Min of Kachin State seconded the motion. U Hla Shein of Mon State tabled a motion on implementation of research work on treatment in cooperation with traditional medicine and western medicine and Lt-Col Lwin Ko of Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence second it. U Chit Swe of Bago tabled a motion on conservation of medicinal plants in the region on manageable scale and Daw Khin Win Myint of Forest Research Department in Pyinmana seconded it. U Aung Aung of Mandalay Division tabled a motion on research on medicine and prescription for diseases that cannot be cured with western medicine and Daw El Mali of Kachin State second the motion.

The afternoon session was presided over by Deputy Minister Dr Kyaw Myint with members of Panel of chairmen U Mya Win (Thawda Win), U Soe Hlaing, U Aung Si and U Nyan Lwin. Deputy Director of Traditional Medicine Department U Soe Win acted as master of ceremonies. Delegates from states and divisions tabled the motions and seconded them. The deputy minister announced two resolutions passed by the conference, two records and an approval. The conference ended with the concluding remark by the chairman.

Minister inspects factories in Hmawby Township

YANGON, 19 Dec- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, accompanied by officials inspected Asbestos Cement Plant of Myanma Ceramic Industries in Hmawby Township this morning. First, Factory Manager U Tin Oo reported to the minister on work. Then, he inspected local and foreign asbestos samples of quality control department and production processes of the factory.

He gave instructions on manufacturing quality products, distributing the products at fair prices and minimizing wastage. Afterwards, the minister proceeded to No 2 Brick factory in Hmawby Township where he inspected production process and left necessary instructions. Then, he arrived at No 3 Plastics Factory in Hmawby Township. He inspected weaving polythene bags, making plastics threads, recycling by-products and production of plastic wares and gave necessary instructions.

Later, he proceeded to medicine raw material production department of Myanma Pharmaceutical Industries where he inspected herbal plant cultivation, production of mosquito repellents and lotions. He gave necessary instructions. Central Executive Committee member of Union Solidarity and Development Association U Aung Thaung met with executives and organizers at Hlegu Township USDA office. And he inspected the shop of Industry-1 there.

Minister for Health views traditional medicine and medical equipment exhibition

YANGON 19 Dec-Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein together with Deputy Ministers Professor Dr Kyaw Myint and Professor Dr Mya Oo and officials viewed traditional medicine and medical equipment exhibition at Tamadaw Convention Centre in Dagon Township today. At the exhibition, ministries and private companies that manufacture indigenous medicines exhibited their products. The exhibition was crowded with visitors. The exhibition will be opened to public till 22 December from 9 am to 6 p.m. Admission is free.

(5) Minister receives Ambassador of Sri Lanka

YANGON, 19 Dec- Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung received Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa at his office at 2 p.m today. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of Myanma Radio and Television, Director-General U Chit Naing of Information and Public Relations Department, Managing Director U Tin Kha of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Managing Director Col Myint Thein of Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Managing Director U Bo Kyi of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise, Adviser to the Minister for Information U Kyaw Min and Head of Office Captain Soe Aung.

Minister meets Indian guests

YANGON,19 Dec- Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met President of Federation of Chamber of Industry of Eastern India Mr Sumit Mazumder and party at his office at 1 p.m. today. Similarly, Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone met Ambassador of Sri Lanka Mr Ubhayasekara Mapa at his office at 3 p.m. today.

Also present were Director-General U Nyunt Aye of Directorate of Trade, Managing-Director U Min Hla Aung of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading and officials, the Director-General of Myanma Investment Commission and officials.

Hotels and Tourism Minister receives Indian guests

YANGON, 19 Dec- Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Chairman of Indian Industry (CII), Eastern Region Mr Sumit Mazumder and party at his office at 11 am today.

They discussed matters concerning promotion of tourism. Also present on the occasion were Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Service U Kyi Tun and officials.

Tatmadaw Agricultural Course-41 opens

YANGON, 19 Dec- The Tatmadaw Agricultural Course-41 opened at Saya San Hall of Central Rice Cultivation Centre in Hamawby Township this morning, with an address by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin.

Also present on the occasion were directors -general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry, senior military officers of Myawby Station, course instructors and trainees. The minister cordially greeted the trainees. The 14-week course is being attended by 110 Tatmadawmen of regiments and units.

(6) IT, Cosmetics and Consumer Products Expo 2000 opens in Bago

YANGON, 19 Dec- A ceremony to open the Information Technology, Cosmetics and Consumer Products Expo 2000 of Myanma Pyayson Chantha Co Ltd of Bago was held at the venue in front of Shwemawdaw Pagoda on Phaya Street in Bago on 16 December morning.

Present on the occasion were Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye and wife Daw Kyi Kyi Ohn, members of Division Peace and Development Council, district and township authorities, departmental officials, service personnel, entrepreneurs, band troupes, students and guests totalling over 3,000. Secretary of Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Min and Chairman of Myanma Pyayson Chantha Co Ltd U Zaw Min Aye formally opened the expo.

Then, U Zaw Min Aye presented the commemorative pennant to Lt-Col Aung Min. Afterwards, the commander and wife and officials viewed computers and accessories, CD-ROM, books, electrical and electronic apparatus, cosmetics, construction and household goods, foodstuff and packaging materials, medicines and medical equipment, sport equipment, textile and personal goods displayed at the expo. The expo was open up to 20 December.

(7) MNWCWA donate books to IPRD, HED

YANGON, 19 Dec- A ceremony to donate books on women's affairs to Information and Public Relations Department and Higher Education Department by Myanmar National Working Committee for women's Affairs was held at Social Affairs Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning.

Present were Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Vice-Chairperson of MNWCWA Prof Daw May May Yi, member Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Adviser to Education Work Group Daw Khin Than Nwe, Adviser to Information/Communications Work Group Daw Khin Khin Lay, member of Yangon Division WCWA Daw Marlar Tint, Director-General U Chit Naing of IPRD, Managing Director U Tin Kha of News and Periodicals Enterprise, Managing Director U Bo Kyi of Myanma Motion Picture Enterprise, Director-General U Saw Lwin of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar), General Manager Lt-Col Thet Soe of PPE and officials. Vice-Chairperson Prof Daw May May Yi explained the purpose of the donations.

Then, MNWCWA member Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented books to IPRD and HED. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein and Professor Daw Khin Aye Win of Psychology Department of Yangon University accepted the donations. The deputy minister spoke words of thanks. The donations were prize-winning essay books to mark the 1998 and 1999 Myanmar women's Day and women's Affairs magazines for 1999 and Year 2000 worth K 527,000.

(8) Conference on Views and Visions in the Literary Heritage of SEA continues

YANGON, 19 Dec- the Conference on Views and Visions in the Literary Heritage of SEA continued for the second day at International Business Centre on Pyay Road this morning.

Present on the occasion were researchers of Universities' Historical Research Department, professors and lecturers of Hosiery and Myanmarsar Departments of universities and colleges, officials, members of Myanmar Historical Commission, resource persons of Australia, Bangladesh, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, America, Britain and Vietnam and observers.

Dr Khin Maung Nyunt presided over the conference in the morning session of the second day.

Lecturer Arbaiyah Mohd Noor of Malaysian University of Malaysia presented the paper on Malay Historiography and Literary Activities in the 19th century, Professor U Khin Aye of Myanmarsar Department of Yangon University on the role of Jatakas in Myanmar Literature, Associate Professor Dr Stephen Lee Keck of Singapore National University on Lord Cuizon, Historic Preservation and the Problem of the Myanmar Past and Visiting Professor P Lim Pui Huen of Singapore on Memory and Heritage in Malaysia and Singapore.

Member of MHC U Hla Thein presided over the afternoon session. Vice-Chairman of MHCU Sai Aung Tun, Professor Dr Tin Soe of Economic Department of University of Distance Education (Yangon), Dr Withaya Sucharithanarugse of Thailand and Daw Tin Tin Myaing of London Education Sciences submitted their paper to the conference. The conference will be held final day of the on 20 December.

(9) 19 Ngaphe Township NLD members resign of own accord

YANGON, 19 Dec-Nineteen members resigned from the National League for Democracy of Ngaphe Township, Magway Division. Nineteen members of Ngaphe Township NLD, Magway Division, of their own accord, resigned by sending letters of resignation to Ngaphe Township Multiparty Democracy General Election Sub-Commission and the party concerned on 3 June 2000 as they no longer wished to participate in party politics of NLD.
 

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