( 1 ) Secretary-1 attends opening of multimedia teaching centres in Kungyangon

Yangon, 13 Jan - Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the opening ceremonies of multimedia teaching centres in Kungyangon today.

The Secretary-1, accompanied by member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, left here by helicopter and arrived at Kungyangon at 8.15 am.

The Secretary-1 and party went to Myoma Basic Education Middle School of Kungyangon to attend the multimedia teaching centre. They were welcomed there by officials of No 3 Basic Education Department, the township education officer and officials and the martial art troupe, the pompom troupe, the Kabyalut dance troupe and Kayin traditional dance troupe of pupils. A ceremony to open the multimedia teaching centre of Myoma Basic Education Middle School was held in front of the school. Headmaster U Than Zin and Chairman of School Board of Trustees formally opened the centre.

The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the signboard of the centre. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the computer application media room, study room, computer-aided instruction room, the audio visual language lab, electronic media (video) room, domestic science room, the painting room and the music and arts room, and observed the skill demonstration of pupils. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Kungyangon Basic Education High School. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed by the headmaster, teachers and members of the school board of trustees, the band troupe, Pathein umbrella dance troupe, Kabyalut dance troupe, Kayin traditional dance troupe and Myanmar martial art troupe of pupils.

A ceremony to open the multimedia teaching centre was held in front of the school. Headmaster U Moe Lwin and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Maung Maung Gyi formally opened the centre. The Secretary-1 also formally unveiled the signboard of the centre.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the computer application room, the study room, the electronic media (audio) room, the reading corner room, the computer-aided instruction room, the language lab, the electronic media (video), the domestic science room, the painting, music and arts room, and observed the skill demonstration of pupils. Then, a ceremony to mark the opening of the multimedia teaching centre was held in Thiriyadana Hall of the school.

The Secretary-1 made a speech. Township Education Officer of Kungyangon U Thein Oo reported on matters related to the multimedia teaching centre and Chairman of School Board of Trustees U Tin Tun on efforts for the opening of the multimedia teaching centre. In his speech, the Secretary-1 said that it is encouraging to see that townselders, wellwishers, old students, members of the school board of trustees and local authorities are making concerted efforts for the opening of the multimedia teaching centres of schools in Kungyangon, and that school children are learning lessons actively. The education promotion programmes have been put into motion since 1998-99 with first, second and third phases; as parents, teachers and wellwishers have cooperated in implementing the programmes, more success has been achieved than expected.

At a time when the third phase of the education promotion programmes is being launched, the special four-year national education plan which covers the basic education sector and the higher education sector, was laid down and is being implemented as of 2000-2001 academic year according to the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. Multimedia teaching centres are being opened at basic education schools, and IT learning centres, electronic resource centres, computer training centres, multimedia resource centres and language labs at universities, degree colleges and colleges. Altogether 203 learning centres have been established in universities, degree colleges, colleges and basic education schools in states and divisions, and Electronic Data Broadcasting System has been launched since 1 January 2001. Today the government, wellwishers, teachers and students are making concerted efforts for the improvement of standard of national education; since the 2000 academic year, those who have ranked first from tenth at the matriculation examination in the entire nation have been given cash awards. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged all to participate in the tasks designed for the development of human resources which are of vital importance for the emergence of a modern and developed nation and called on students to contribute to the emergence of well-rounded education.

The Secretary-1, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi accepted donations for the multimedia teaching centres.

The Secretary-1 presented video tapes for the schools to the township education officer. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party went to Maha Tilawka Hmanguthun Pagoda in Kungyangon.

The Secretary-1 offered flowers and paid homage to the pagoda. The Secretary-1 made cash donations to the fund of the pagoda. Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Thathanayanthi Ordination Hall of Masoeyein Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Kungyangon.

The Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Chairman of Kungyangon Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Jadila, Presiding Sayadaw of Masoeyein Pariyatti Sarthintaik Maha Gandavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Candajoti and members of the Sangha. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Jadila administered the Five Precepts. The Secretary-1 and party offered alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the afternoon.

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( 2 ) Secretary-2 inspects livestock breeding work in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 13 Jan-The Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo, accompanied by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the ministers, Chief of Staff (Navy), Chief of Staff (Air) and the deputy ministers proceeded to May Flower prawn breeding camp in Chaungtha beach in Pathein Township by helicopter on 11 January morning after attending opening ceremony of Thathana Beikman in Labutta Township and arrived there at 1.30 pm.

At the briefing hall, Chairman of May Flower Co Ltd U Kyaw Win and Managing Director U Than Win Aung of Pale Nadi Prawn Breeding Co reported to the Secretary-2 on breeding work, tasks to be carried out and the needs to be fufilled and Lt-Col Maung Pyone gave a supplementary report. Then, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, the Commander and officials explained assistance being provided.

Afterwards, the Secretary-2 urged the entrepreneurs to try to the best of their ability for extended livestock breeding which is being encouraged by the government and he fufilled the needs. Then, the Secretary-2 and party viewed round construction of prawn breeding ponds. May Flower Co is making arrangements to breed prawns in the nine ponds which have already been dug.

The Secretary-2 and party proceeded by cars to the camp of Universal Concord Co Ltd that is jointly carrying out breeding work with Fisheries Department on profit sharing basis. At the briefing hall, Managing Director U Soe Myint reported to the Secretary-2 on, lay-out of the buildings, production and distribution of shrimps and Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein gave supplementary report. The Secretary-2 gave necessary instructions and inspected production of shrimps.

Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party proceeded by helicopters to Ngwe Hsaung beach in Pathein Township and arrived there in the evening. They viewed around digging of ponds with the use of heavy machineries, pumping water into the ponds and prawn breeding work at the site of Yuzana Prawn Breeding Group. Chairman U Haty Myint and officials conducted them around the camp.

The group has dug 100 acres of prawn breeding ponds and prawns are being bred in 13 ponds of about 29 acres. Six private companies are striving for prawn breeding on a commercial scale in the Ngwehsaung and Chaungtha regions. The Secretary-2 and party stopped over for the night at Yuzana Resort in Ngewhaung. The Secretary-2 met hoteliers at the guest hall of Yuzana Resort on 12 January morning. First, Lt-Col Tin Myo Tint of South West Command reported to the Secretary-2 on construction of roads and bridges for the development of the region and the Commander gave a supplementary report.

The entrepreneurs reported to the Secretary-2 on harmonious efforts of them for smooth transport of the region. He promised them to fufil the need to the most possible extent for the development of the region. He also said that the entrepreneurs are to keep on endeavouring based on own investment. Altogether 19 companies are doing hotel business at Ngwehsaung beach. Then, the Secretary-2 and party viewed round the prawn breeding site of Shwe Family Co Ltd.

At the briefing hall, Managing Director U Hla Maung Shwe reported to the Secretary-2 on work with the use of charts and managing Director U Kyi Sein of Shwe Khayu Prawn Breeding Group on digging of ponds and the Secretary-2 gave necessary instructions. Then, they proceeded to the project office of Yuzana Prawn Breeding Group. At the briefing hall, Chairman U Htay Myint reported to the Secretary-2 on implementation of the project.

The Commander, Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein made suggestions. The Secretary-2 expressed his pleasure to see the work. He urged the entrepreneurs to strive for the development of livestock breeding sector. Then, they proceeded to Ngaputaw Township where they attended opening ceremony of multimedia teaching centre of Basic Education High School. Then, they left there for Pathein and arrived in Pathein in the afternoon.

The Secretary-2 made a speech at the meeting with departmental officials for the development of agriculture and livestock breeding at the Ayeyawady Hall of South West Command. Also present were high-ranking military officers, members of division, district and township Peace and Development Councils, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, members of Supervisory Committee for Development of Agriculture and Livestock Breeding and officials.

The Secretary-2 said Ayeyawady Division plays an important role in the effort for the development of both agriculture and fishery sectors. I feel very pleased to see prawn breeding work in the division during the tour. I can say for sure that fish and prawn breeding work will develop soon. All officials concerned are to supervise the work at grass roots level and give necessary assistance to the entrepreneurs.

Then, Minster Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Deputy Minister Col Theik Tun and officials also spoke on the occasion. Next, the Secretary-2 made concluding remark and cordially greeted the attendances. After the meeting, the Secretary-2 and party left Pathein by helicopters for Annawatun Fish Breeding camp at Yegyawkwin in Danubyu Township, Maubin District and arrived there at 3.30 pm. They viewed around fish breeding work there.

Then, the Secretary-2 met with chairmen of Peace and Development Councils of Maubin and Hinthada Districts and Maubin, Pantanaw, Danubyu and Nyaungdon townships, officials and fish breeding entrepreneurs at the briefing hall of the camp. First, Chairman U Htay Myint of Annawatun Fish Breeding Group reported to the Secretary-2 on work. Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister Col Theik Tun and officials made discussion on fish breeding work. Then, the Secretary-2 gave necessary instructions and viewed breeding of fish fries. Annawatun Group could produce 650,000 viss in 1998-99 and 760,000 viss in 1999-2000. 1,000,000 viss is targeted in 2000-2001 and 227,171 viss has been produced up to 7 January.

Chief of Staff (Army) attends Armed Forces Day Military Band Competition

Yangon, 13 Jan- The 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition continued for the fifth day at the People's Square this morning. Before the competition, the band comprising school boys and girls of No 1 Basic Education High School of Dalla Township demonstrated their skills with martial and marching songs.

Then, Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Patron of Organizing Committee for Tenth Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) Military Band Competition Chief of Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo presented prizes to leader of the band Maung Saw Kyaw Swa Maung. Afterwards, bands representing Coastal Region Command, Triangle Region Command, No 33 Light Infantry Division, North-West Command and Eastern Command took part in the competition.

Also present were Chief of Staff (Navy) Captain Soe Thein, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Military Band Competition Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han, senior military officers, members of the panel of judges, guests, families of Tatmadawmen, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, teachers and students.

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( 3 ) Secretary-2 receives Chinese guests

Yangon, 13 Jan-Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo received President of Tianjin Second Light Industry General Corporation and Tianjin Light Industrial Foreign Trade Corporation Ms Xiao Yong and party at the guest house of Ministry of Defence this afternoon. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw, Deputy Minister for Livestock and Fisheries U Aung Thein, Deputy Minister for Energy U Tin Tun, CEC member of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Nyein and officials.

Donations presented to Vocational Training School for the Blind in Kyimyindine

Yangon, 13 Jan- Families of Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) and wellwishers donated rice and cash to Vocational Training School for the Blind of Social Welfare Department on Panbingyi Street in Kyi-myindine Township this morning. Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of the Bureau of Special Operations Chief of Staff (Army) Lt-Gen Tin Oo attended the ceremony and inspected the school.

Also present on the occasion were Chief of Staff (Navy) Captain Soe Thein, Deputy Minister for Labour Brig-Gen Win Sein, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned and wellwishers.

Principal of the school Daw Khin Sein Cho reported on establishment of the school and training for the blind children. Then, Chief of Staff (Navy) Captain Soe Thein, Camp Commandant of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Hla Aung Thein and Officiating Colonel Air Staff (Mechanical) Lt-Col Ye Chit Pe presented rice donated by Tatmadaw families to Director-General U Sit Myaing of SWD. Similarly, wellwishers presented donations to the director-general and the principal. Afterwards, Director-General U Sit Myaing reported on the conditions of the schools under the department and development of the schools. Students of the school entertained the guests with songs.

The Secretary-2 gave instructions on requirements and assistance to be provided and inspected handicraft, academic activities and rooms. Then, the Secretary-2 inspected computers and printer for blinds and application and gave necessary instructions. Later, the Secretary-2 and party had photo taken together with teachers and students.

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( 4 ) Bhumi Phassa Mudra Marble Buddha Image donated to Buddhist Association of PRC

Yangon, 13 Jan - Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint this morning attended the consecration ceremony of the Bhumi Phassa Mudra Marble Buddha Image to be donated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Union of Myanmar to the Buddhist Association of the People's Republic of China in the precincts of Maha Muni Buddha Image in Mandalay. The image is 54 inches in height and 45 inches in breadth with a nine-inch throne, and it weighs one and half tons. The Secretary-3 paid obeisance to the image, offered alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha and sprinkled scented water on the image.

Also present at the consecration ceremony were  member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint and wife, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, the Mandalay Mayor and wife, senior officers of the Central Command, Consul of the PRC to Myanmar Mr He Shi Jing and officials, among others. Soon was offered to 18 members of the Sangha at 5 am.

The consecration ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of the gatha starting with namo tassa by the congregation led by the Secretary-3. Then, the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha consecrated the image. Afterwards, State Ovadacariya Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Maha Aungmyay Waso Kyaung Maha Withuddhayon Taikthit Joint Shwekyin Sasanabaing Bhaddanta Agghiya administered the Five Precepts. Next, Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited parittas. Minister U Aung Khin supplicated on religious matters.

Later, the Secretary-3, the Commander and wife, ministers, deputy ministers, and officials the Embassy of PRC offered alms to the Sayadaws. Chairman of Mandalay Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Maha Aungmyay Myataungtaik Shwewawin Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sasanabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

After the consecration ceremony, the Secretary-3, the Commander, ministers, deputy ministers, PRC Consul Mr He Shi Jing and officials sprinkled scented water onto the stone image. Precisely at 7.24 am, the auspicious time, the Secretary-3 and party conveyed the image to the entrance of the archway. Then, the image was conveyed to the PRC by car. The image will be kept overnight for public obeisance at Kyaukme today, in Lashio on 14 January, in Kutkai on 15 January, in Muse on 16 January, and in Shweli on 17 January. The Chinese delegation will convey it on to the PRC starting from Shweli on 17 January.

Secretary-3 inspects construction of Hsinmin Cement Plant in Kyaukse Township

Yangon, 13 Jan-Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, accompanied by Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and officials, left here on 12 January and arrived at Mandalay International Airport at 8.35 am.

The Secretary-3 and party were welcomed at the airport by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, military officers, Chairman of Mandalay City Development Committee Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein and officials of department and the Union Solidarity and Development Association. The Secretary-3 and party went to the construction site of Hsinmin Cement Plant of the Union of Myanmar Economic Holdings Ltd at Nwarlekauk limestone hill in Kyaukse Township.

They were welcomed by Tactical Operations Commander Col Tun Kyi, Chairman of Kyaukse Township Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Kyi Shein and members, departmental personnel and members of USDA. Project Director Major Than Tun reported on the project of the cement plant that can produce 400 tons a day, Adviser Engineer of UMEHL U Nyunt Hlaing on location of the plant and power and water supply.

Secretary-3 inspects construction Minister U Aung Thaung gave a supplementary report and the Secretary-3 gave instructions. The Secretary-3 and party proceeded to the briefing hall of Kyaukse Cement Plant of Myanma Ceramics Industries. Minister U Aung Thaung reported on the cement plant that can produce 500 tons a day. Managing Director of Myanma Ceramics Industries U Than Shwe reported on production, raw materials, selection of location for the plant, investment, appointment of service personnel, implementation of the project and annual production, General Manager MCI U Myint Thaung on the project, progress of work and seating plan for machines.

The Secretary-3 then gave instructions. The Secretary-3 and party spent the night in Mandalay. The Secretary-3 and party paid obeisance to Maha Muni Yokeshindawmyatgyi at dawn this morning and offered " soon", water and lights. Next, the Secretary-3 and party also paid obeisance to Bhumi Phassa Mudra Stone Buddha Image donated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs to Buddhist Association in the People's Republic of China and presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.

The Secretary-3 and party visited vegetable plantation of Mandalay City Development Committee in Hsinphyukan. The Secretary-3 and party arrived back here. Yesterday morning, CEC members of USDA U Aung Thaung, Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Col Thein Nyunt, U Thaung, Brig-Gen Khin Maung and Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin met secretaries and executives of Mandalay Division USDA, district and township USDAs and organizers at Division USDA Office. U Aung Thaung explained political, economic and social developments, organizational matters and implementation of the future tasks.

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( 5 ) Mindhamma Hill teeming with devotees

Yangon, 13 Jan- Members of the Sangha, nuns, lay persons and students visited Lawka Chantha Abhaya Laba Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township today. The engineers and staff of Building Project Special Group-2 of Public Works continued to build the Gandakudi Kyaungdawgyi, southern and northern stairways and retaining walls. Myanmar sculptors U Ohn Tin and U Hla Kyu and party made finishing touches on Buddha images,the decoration work of Gandakudi Kyaung-dawgyi and southern and northern stairways.

Members of the Sangha led by Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Revata of Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, paid homage to the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Laba Muni image and presented cash towards the pagoda funds. Wut associations recited religious verses. Books on religious affairs and general knowledge, copies of Lawka Niti and 2001 calendars were on sale at book shops of Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Information on Mindhamma Hill. Donations for the project up to date have amounted to K 127,305,271.

Ancient Bagan Laymyethna Pagoda consecrated

Yangon, 13 Jan- The enshrinement ceremony of ancient pagoda No 1185 Laymyethna Pagoda in Bagan Cultural Heritage Zone was held in conjunction with the consecration ceremony at the pagoda, southern part of Myingaba Village, yesterday morning. Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and wellwishers of the Republic of Korea donated Buddha images to be enshrined and provisions to Sayadaws. Then, the Minister, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and wellwishers put religious objects into the reliquary. Renovation of the pagoda was sponsored by Popa Kyaungtaw Sayadaw and Buddhists of Korea and Myanmar and it was completed earlier this month.

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( 6 ) Minister inspects oil palm plantations, construction tasks

Yangon, 13 Jan- Secretary of the Leading Committee for Regionwise Development of Agriculture Sector Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Brig-Gen Lun Maung and Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Aye Kyway, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, arrived at the oil palm project of Asia World Integrated Farm Ltd in Khonmaw Village, Myeik Township, yesterday morning. They heard reports presented by the officials of the farm.

They then proceeded to oil palm plantations of Myan Naing Myint Co Ltd in Zawe Banlamut region of Taninthayi Township and attended to their needs. The minister and the commander inspected preparations for construction of Taninthayi Bridge. In Yebyu, they heard reports on oil palm plantations of Shwe Kanbawza Agriculture Co Ltd by officials. Afterwards, the minister and the commander heard reports on construction of Taninthayi-Bokpyin Road and attended to their needs.

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( 7 ) Minister inspects roads and bridges in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 13 Jan-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun and officials of Public Works inspected Hsarmalauk-Maubin-Kyaiklat-Gonnyindan road and Yangon-Hsarmalauk road section this afternoon. The minister inspected progress of work in building Maubin-Hsarmalauk section. The minister and party went to Maubin and inspected Maubin-Kyaiklat section and Kyaiklat-Gonnyindan section. Senior engineers reported on progress of work, and the minister gave instructions on completion of the work. The minister and party went to the site of Gonnyindan Bridge, where Deputy Superintending Engineer U Htay Myint reported on progress of work. The minister inspected the main bridge and approach roads. Gonnyindan Bridge will be opened soon.

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