( 1 ) Enshrinement and Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda in Kanbalu held

Yangon, 8 Feb - The upper reliquary enshrinement ceremony and the Shwe-htidaw hoisting ceremony of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda built on Kammabala Hill, Kanbalu Township, Shwebo District, Sagaing Division, was held at the Pagoda this morning, attended by Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San. General Maung Aye enshrined the Kakusandha Buddha Image in the upper reliquary and planted the Seinphudaw atop the pagoda.

Also present on the occasion were Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara, member Sayadaws of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, member Sayadaws of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha, Sayadaws of Division and Township Sangha Maha Nayaka Committees and Sayadaws of the Working Committee of the Sangha totalling 72, Daw Khin Cho Oo, wife of Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Win Myint, ministers, officials, members of the Pagoda Construction Committee, engineers, donors.

Master of ceremonies Adviser at the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Min Kyi read out the agenda. General Maung Aye, Daw Mya Mya San and party and devotees received the Nine Precepts from Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha   Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kavindacara of Myole Kyaungtaik, Lashio. Devotees then presented paritta flowers, water, sand and thread to the Sayadaws.

Afterwards, the Saya-daws recited religious verses. Devotees sprinkled paritta water and spread paritta flowers and sand and tied paritta thread on the pagoda platform. General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San presented  the Seinphudaw which will be hoisted atop the pagoda and offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara. Donor Daw Ohn Kyi, U Kyaw Nyunt and family presented hngetmyatnadaw and offertories to the Sayadaws. Deputy Prime Minister Lt-Gen Tin Hla presented Kakusandha Image and Shwezedi and offertories, and Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win, Konagamana Image and Shwezedi and offertories to the Sayadaws.

Later, the ministers, the senior military officers and donors presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon. The congregation shared the merits gained. Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win presented gifts to architects who built the pagoda. Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin supplicated on religious matters.

At the ceremonial procession to present the Seinphudaw, Buddha images, caskets containing relics and hngetmyatnadaw to the pagoda, General Maung Aye and Daw Mya Mya San conveyed the Seinphudaw. Donors Daw Ohn Kyi, U Kyaw Nyunt and family conveyed the hngetmyatnadaw. Lt-Gen Tin Hla conveyed Sasana flag, Shwekya Thingan and a Buddha image in standing posture. Rear-Admiral Kyi Min and Lt-Gen Kyaw Than conveyed the Buddha image and the relic casket and the silver Parikkhara and the relic casket respectively.

Commanders Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Maj-Gen Soe Win conveyed Vinaya Pitaka silver scroll and silver box and the golden pagoda and the image of Shin Upagutta. Then, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister for Education U Than Aung and Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin conveyed sacred objects to be enshrined.

While Padima Buddha Image, Hngetmyatnadaw and Seinphudaw were conveyed around the pagoda, vocalist U Tun Shwe sang religious songs to the accompaniment of Mingalar drum troupe. When the master of ceremonies announced that it was the auspicious time at 9.20 am, the General enshrined Kakusandha Buddha Image in the upper reliquary in the south of the pagoda. Then, the General enshrined one sacred object after another into the reliquary. While the General was enshrining Kakusandha Buddha Image into the upper reliquary, Daw Mya Mya San, wife of the General, Daw Khin Cho Oo, wife of the Secretary-3, and wellwishers hoisted Hngetmyatnadaw atop the pagoda by means of decorated carriage.

U Kyaw Nyunt and Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Tin Hla and Lt-Gen Kyaw Than and Maj-Gen Soe Win and Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin enshrined Buddha images, Dhatu Ceti, Dhamma Ceti and Pariboga Ceti and four Arahat images into the upper reliquaries in the west, the north and the east of the pagoda respectively. While images and sacred objects were being enshrined in the upper reliquaries, Uppathakas recited Gathas. The architects closed the upper reliquaries and members of the Sangha recited Gathas. The General and party sprinkled scented water on the upper reliquaries. Then, the Htidaw-hoisting ceremony was held at the auspicious time, 9.40 am.

The General and party hoisted the Htidaw atop the pagoda. Daw Mya Mya San, Daw Khin Cho Oo and party sprinkled scented water on Seinphudaw and conveyed it by means of decorated carriage. The General and party fixed Hngetmyatnadaw and Seinphudaw atop the pagoda and sprinkled scented water on them. Afterwards, Daw Mya Mya San and party conveyed Shwekya Thingan and Sasana flag atop the pagoda by means of decorated carriage. The wellwishers hoisted Htidaws atop 16 encircling pagodas. Then, the General and party fixed Shwekya Thingan at Hngetpyawphu of the pagoda. Next, the General and party enshrined sacred objects in Gandakutitaik of Shwesigyi Pagoda.

Later, the silver conch was blown and the auspicious drum and gong were beaten nine times, which brought the ceremony to an end. The General and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party and the wellwishers performed the ritual of silver and golden showers. The General and wife Daw Mya Mya San and party then offered soon to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

General Maung Aye arrives Kanbalu, pays homage to Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda

Yangon, 8 Feb - Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye visited Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Division, yesterday.

Accompanied by Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Rear-Admiral Kyi Min, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Kyaw Than, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Military Affairs Lt-Gen Tin Hla, ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office and officials, the General left here by air for TadaU Township, Mandalay Division, yesterday.

On arrival at Mandalay International Airport in TadaaU Township in the afternoon, the General and party were welcomed by member of the Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, ministers and officials. The General and party then helicoptered to Kanbalu.

At Sasana Beikman of Maha Shwesigyi Pagoda, the General and party paid homage to Sayadaws led by Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara, who came there to attend the enshrinement ceremony of the upper reliquary of the pagoda. The General and party then paid obeisance to the pagoda. They spent the night in Kanbalu.

up
___________________________

( 2 ) More practical and effective measures required in launching control and treatment campaigns against infectious diseases

National Health Committee holds 31st Meeting

Yangon, 8 Feb The National Health Committee held its 31st Meeting at the Ministry of Health this morning, with an address by Chairman of NHC Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. The Secretary-1 said today's meeting was held to discuss effective implementation of the guidance given by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe concerning rural health care project, malaria control and treatment research project and medicine production. The Head of State has also given guidance on continuation of the special four-year national education promotion programme being implemented by the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of  Science and Technology and on laying down of the 30-year long-term plan of the health sector.

It is required to provide buildings, health aid and medicines for the effectiveness of rural health care activities, to make organization work for the flourishing of a system to set up trust funds for medical treatment operations of the already formed rural care centres and to widely extend effective health education programmes for the rural people. Scrutiny measures should be taken on doctors and medicines in applying traditional or western medicine in conducting medical treatment in rural areas. Programmes should be laid down to enable doctors working in rural areas to attend courses in order to uplift their studies.

As herbal plants which can be used in controlling malaria have been found in Myanmar since long ago, the respective ministries should make collective efforts in cultivating them and producing medicines. More practical and effective measures should be taken in launching prevention and treatment campaigns against infectious diseases.

The ministries concerned should make coordinated efforts to control AIDS which came from abroad. Concerning the health sector, priority should be given to speedy implementation of the tasks conducted in relation to the international sector. NHC Secretary Director-General of Health Planning Department Dr Kyi Soe explained realization of the resolutions of the 30th meeting. Director-General of Medical Science Department Prof Dr Maung Maung Wint reported to the meeting on teaching plans of institutes of medicine, institutes of dental medicine and medical institute under MSD. Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein briefed the participants on AIDS and venereal diseases control programmes.

Deputy Minister for Health Prof Dr Kyaw Myint explained in detail the progress in systematic implementation of AIDS and venereal diseases control programmes. Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha presented a report on collection of infant and maternal mortality rate. Director-General of Health Department Dr Wun Maung reported on the assessment on the cost-sharing health system adopted by the hospitals. Director-General of Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) Prof Dr Paing Soe and Director-General of MRD (Upper Myanmar) Dr Myint Lwin explained plantation of medicinal plants from which malaria vaccine can be deprived and research on malaria and malaria vaccines. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave suggestions, saying it is required to take effective control and treatment measures against infection and spread of malaria.

As malaria is immune to some of the medicines, new and more potent drugs should be used in fighting the disease. Research has already been conducted on local medicinal plants which can be used in producing potent anti-malaria drugs. Thus, efforts should be made for speedy implementation of the task to produce medicines from the plants as planned. Control of contagious diseases such as AIDS should be continued in accord with the discussion at the meeting. Long-term and short-term plans should be laid down for the effectiveness in conducting rural health care projects. Also present at the meeting were ministers, deputy ministers, members of NHC, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, directors-general of the departments under the Ministry of Health and officials.

up
___________________________

( 3 ) Secretary-2 attends opening of multimedia teaching centres at Kyaiklatt

Yangon, 8 Feb - Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Tin Oo, accompanied by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Chief of Staff (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, deputy ministers, heads of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, left for Kyaiklatt, Pyapon District, Ayeyawady Division, by helicopter this morning.

The Secretary-2 and party were welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, authorities of Pyapon district and Kyaiklatt Township and department heads. The Secretary-2 attended the opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre of Basic Education Middle School in Kyaiklatt. Headmistress Daw Tin Than and Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U May Aung formally opened the multimedia teaching centre. Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U Tin Nyo formally unveiled the signboard of the centre.

Then, the Secretary-2 and party inspected the visual presenter room, the computer application room, the computer-aided instruction room, the electronic media (audio system) room, the language lab, the electronic media video system, the printed media room and the reading room, and observed the skill demonstration of the pupils.

The Secretary-2 and party also attended the opening ceremony of the multimedia teaching centre of No 1 Basic Education High School in the same town. Headmistress Daw Hla Myint and Treasurer of the School Board of Trustees U Than Htay formally opened the centre. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann formally unveiled the signboard of the centre. Afterwards, the Secretary-2 and party inspected the computer-aided instruction room, the computer application and e-mail room, the visual presenter room, the electronic media room and the painting and domestic science room, and watched the skill demonstration of the pupils.

The ceremony to mark the opening of the multimedia teaching centre of No 1 BEHS was held in Myasandi Hall of the school. The pupils entertained the Secretary-2 and party and guests with songs and dances. Headmistress Daw Hla Myint reported on matters related to the multimedia teaching centre of the school. Director-General U Tin Nyo reported on installation of multimedia teaching centres at schools in Ayeyawady Division and Pyapon District and implementation of education promotion programmes. Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin, Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo and Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein also spoke on the occasion.

Treasurer U Than Htay reported on efforts for the opening of the multimedia teaching centre and future tasks. Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann explained matters related to implementation of special four-year education promotion plan in Ayeyawady Division.

The Secretary-2 presented video tapes to be used as teaching aid for the school. Then, the Secretary-2 gave instructions. Chairman of Kyaiklatt Township Peace and Development Council U Aung Myint and Treasurer U Than Htay handed over K 2.8 donated to the funds of construction of the new school building by wellwishers, to Headmistress Daw Hla Myint. The Secretary-2 also inspected No 1 Basic Education Primary School at Ward-1, Kyaiklatt.

up
__________________________

( 4 ) Myanmar and Uzbekistan establish diplomatic relations

Yangon, 9 Feb-The Union of Myanmar and the Republic of Uzbekistan, being desirous to establish relations of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation on the basis of principles of the Charter of the United Nations and norms of the international law and in accordance with the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations and on Consular Relations, have decided to establish diplomatic relations between the two states on 8th February 2001.

up
__________________________

( 5 ) Union Flag conveyed from City Hall to Bayintnaung Sports Ground in Thongwa

Yangon, 8 Feb - The Union Flag, which rested for one year at the City Hall, was conveyed from there to Bayintnaung Sports Ground in Thongwa, Yangon South District, this morning under the Union Flag relay programme in four districts in Yangon Division.

At 6.40 am, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay took out the Union Flag from the silver bowl in the guest hall of the Mayor's Office after saluting it. The Mayor carried the flag, flanked by four Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers, Union nationals and students to the designated place in front of the City Hall on Maha Bandoola Street with the accompaniment of the Myodaw music troupe. The Mayor handed over the Union Flag to Chairman of Management Committee for Organizing the 54th Anniversary Union Day Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than. The commander then handed over the flag to Secretary of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Maj Myo Thant. Maj Myo Thant carried the flag onto the Union Boat and planted it in the silver bowl at 6.50 am.

The Union Flag, flanked by four Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers and Union nationals on the Union Boat, left for Thongwa along Maha Bandoola Street, Maha Bandoola Bridge, Yamonna Street, Shukhintha Ring Road, Thanlyin Bridge Approach Road, Thanlyin Bridge and Thanlyin-Bago Road.

Along the road, the Union Flag was accorded rousing welcome by vast multitudes of people and a great number of members of Township Peace and Development Councils, the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Myanmar Police Force, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Working Committee for Women's Affairs, workers and farmers, teachers and students and departmental employees waving miniature flags and putting up banners across the roads.

On arrival at the archway of the entrance of Thongwa at 8.20 am, Maj Myo Than took out the flag from the silver bowl on the Union Boat and carried it, flanked by four Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers and Union nationals, and handed over the flag to Secretary of Yangon South District USDA U Lwin Oo.

The flag was conveyed by relay teams of Yangon South District USDA, Thanlyin Township General Administration Department, Thanlyin Township USDA, Thanlyin Township Fire Brigade, Thanlyin Township Red Cross Brigade, nurses of Thanlyin Township, Kyauktan Township General Administration Department, Kyauktan Township USDA, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and other departments and associations. At the archway of Bayintnaung Sports Ground in Thongwa, the flag was handed over to Chairman of Thongwa Township Peace and Development Council U Myo Nyunt.

Chairman U Myo Nyunt carried the flag, flanked by the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers and Union nationals and handed it over to Maj Myo Thant at the designated place in the sports ground. Maj Myo Thant conveyed the flag, flanked by the Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air) and police officers and Union nationals, and planted it in the silver bowl on the stage. The Guard of Honour of Yangon Command and over 20,000 people from Thongwa Township and other townships in Yangon South District, saluted the flag to the strains of the National Anthem played by the military band of Yangon Command. The sports ground was packed with people who came to salute the flag, and they were entertained with Myawady Anyeint and documentary films.

up

___________________________

( 6 ) Donations for all-round construction of Mindhamma Hill have amounted to nearly K 140m

Yangon, 8 Feb-Stone sculptors, Myanmar handicraft technicians, engineers and workers are carrying out carving of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image, which is kept on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township here and all-round construction of the Hill from September to date. The carving of the Image has now completed over 90 per cent. The Hill is crowded with members of the Sangha, nuns and laity including tourists who pay homage to the Image daily. Wut associations took turns to recite religious verses from 7 am to 10 pm. The Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Information are opening bookshops there and selling different kinds of books and journals. Generous donations by public from 5 August 2000 to date totalled K 139,664,720.

up

___________________________

( 7 ) Pre-conference of WVO (Chin State) held

Yangon, 8 Feb-The pre-conference of Myanmar War Veterans Organization (Chin State) was held at Hakha Town Hall at 8 am on 6 February. It was attended by members of Central Organization Committee of MWVO Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and Director-General of Directorate of Transport Col Nyan Tun Aung, Patron of Myanmar War Veterans Organization (Chin State) Chairman of Chin State Peace and Development Council Col Than Win, Secretary Lt-Col Win Naing and members, members of Supervisory Committee of MWVO (Chin State), district/township level officials, officials of Chin State Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Chin State Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs, Chin State Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and invited guests. Maj Zat Argyi (Retd) chaired the conference and Capt Maung Yone (Retd) and Sgt Telephone (Retd) presided over the conference and Daw Mon The and Daw Me Zein Hsanacted as masters of ceremonies.

The master of ceremonies read out the agenda and opened the conference. Then, Chairman Maj Zat Argyi (Retd) delivered an opening speech. Capt Myint Soe (Retd), Capt Sein Min (Retd) and Maj Maung Toe (Retd) of Supervisory Committee for Chin State MWVO read out three sections of the report respectively. Afterwards, Capt Tin Shwe (Retd) read out the report on National Politics, Capt Shein Myint (Retd) on National Defence and Security, Capt Thet Aung (Retd) on Economic Sector, and Capt Ye Mon (Retd) on Community Works Sector. Chairman Maj Zat Argyi (Retd) made a concluding speech and the ceremony came to an end with the chanting of slogans. Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veteran Organization presented K 1 million, Chin State Peace and Development Council K 150,000, Mindat and Phalam District Peace and Development Councils K 30,000 each, Chin State USDA K 20,000, Chin State All-Bus Lines Control Committee K 50,000 for the Organization.

Journalists visit New Century Resource Centre, Centre for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts

Yangon, 8 Feb-Local and foreign journalists comprising Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of Myanma Radio and Television, Director (News) of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Hla Tun, the chief editors of dailies and advisers, President of Foreign Correspondents Club U Sao Kai Hpa and members viewed New Century Resource Centre and Centre for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts being opened on Botahtaung Pagoda Road and at the corner of Merchant and 54th Streets this morning.

At the briefing hall of NCRC, Director-General of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) U Saw Lwin explained the purpose of the opening of the centres and the structure of NCRC to the journalists. The study group then inspected Winner Computer Group booth, Service Centre, World Peace International Co Ltd, CE Technology and May Kha Computer Sale and Service Centre where they were conducted round by Director-General U Saw Lwin and officials. They also viewed Computer Training Centre, e-Education Learning Centre, e-Education Resource Centre and Language Lab, Software Engineering, Hardware Engineering and Network Engineering. The journalist group proceeded to the Centre for Ancient Myanmar Manuscripts where they were welcomed and conducted round by Librarian of Yangon University and Head of Ancient Myanmar Literature Affairs Daw Tin Phone Nwe and officials. They studied ancient Myanmar manuscripts and various kinds of publications in Myanmar and English there.

up

___________________________

___________________________