( 1 ) Myanmar literature, national heritage, steeped in history of Myanmar dating from time immemorial

Yangon, 17 Feb - Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award and Scholarship Presentation Ceremony was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township this morning, addressed by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were the ministers,  the deputy ministers, Officials, the Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association and executive committee members, literary scholars, members of the literary award scrutiny committee, members of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award and Scholarship Fund Supervisory Committee, Pakokku U Ohn Pe and prize winners, students, literary enthusiasts and guests.

The Secretary-1 said that it is very satisfactory to see that Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award and Scholarship Presentation Ceremony is held every year with the aim of improving the standard of Myanmar literature and encouraging the literati of new generation, those who pursue Myanmar literature and those outstanding in education, and he also expressed his pleasure for the fact that literary wellwisher Pakokku U Ohn Pe himself is still healthy and is able to promote national interests.

Myanmar literature, a national heritage, which has been steeped in the history of Myanmar which dates from time immemorial, has emerged as an amalgam of the rich experience of Myanmar people, their subtle, profound and mature thoughts and the teachings of Theravada Buddhism. Furthermore, Myanmar literature is a national strength which has inspired Myanmar people to be able to establish a united and prosperous nation. It is found today that due to globalization, the danger of alien culture, the alien ways of life and alien norms that are totally incompatible with national culture, is growing greater.

At this time, the government is working in all seriousness for the preservation and uplift of national character and culture, as a national duty, with the aim of preventing the danger of infiltration of alien culture with national awareness, and is carrying out the tasks to promote Myanmar literature which has evoked national pride in Myanmar people in the course of history. While striving to improve the standard of Myanmar literature and fulfil national requirements from the literary field, the government is presenting more and more literary awards including National Literary Award and Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award with the aim of ensuring the further flourishing of Myanmar literature on the correct national path and continuous emergence of good literary works rich in aesthetic quality and serving the interests of the State and the people with literary skills.

At this favourable time, a literary wellwisher with strong national awareness like Pakokku U Ohn Pe has presented literary awards, and this is tantamount to helping the government work for the promotion of literary. Therefore, the government is providing all-round assistance for the task to systematically and successfully scrutinize Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award. Today, there have emerged 11 persons who have won literary awards for life and 86 who have won Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Awards.

Scholarships have been presented since 1993 to students who have got the highest marks in Myanmarsar at the matriculation examination and continued to study Myanmarsar. Up to now, altogether 32 students have been awarded scholarships. Scholarships have also been awarded since 1994 to the first year students of the University of Culture who abide by discipline and are capable of pursuing a particular branch of arts, and there are a total of 14 students who have won this kind of scholarship. Moreover, with the use of over K 5.2 million donated by Sayagyi Pakokku U Ohn Pe in 1997, 15 students  three outstanding students each for five specified subjects taught at university  have been awarded scholarship every year.

Now there are 45 students who have won this kind of scholarship. Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Awards have been presented since 1993, and during the period of eight years, award-winning manuscripts in five genres  novel, short story, poem, treatise and research  have been published by Sarpay Beikman, and out of them, six books have won National Literary Awards. In view of this fact, the manuscripts which have won Pakokku U Ohn Pe Awards, have literary standard on a par with that of National Literary Award. Literary awards for life have been presented every year to those who have devoted their life to literary work.

It is not only prize winners and the literary wellwisher but also the literary audience feels elated at seeing that such a kind of award is presented in recognition of the goodwill and efforts of a person who has persistently created writings beneficial to the State and the people throughout his life. It also gives encouragement to the literati of new generation to be able to walk smoothly on the path of their literary life. In Myanmar literary world today, there have emerged many persons whose fame of literary skills has gone beyond the territory of the nation and who have been awarded prizes in a fitting manner. This achievement reflects the development of the nation and the high standard of Myanma literature and culture.

Therefore, Myanmar literary scholars need to make concerted efforts to maintain these good results and to promote national literature with a view to enabling the nation and the people to stand tall in the world. All need to create fine writings which uplift national prestige, inheriting the fine tradition of Myanmar writers who dutifully performed national tasks while composing literary works which promote national interests and evoke national pride in the people.

During the period of globalization, all are to continue to create literary works which portray national pride and national culture with pure goodwill with the aim of keeping national awareness clear and strong and patriotism alive and dynamic and ensuring the flourishing of nationalism which enable the people to safeguard their race and cherish their culture.

At a time when the entire national people are striving for the all-round development of the Union of Myanmar, literary scholars are required to extend themselves in creating writings which help promote cultural, artistic and psychological development and contribute towards the tasks for the progress of the nation.

The students who have won scholarships are also to strive to become Myanmar literary scholars with perseverance and determination who are capable of promoting Myanmar literature, the hard core of national culture. Preservation and uplift of national culture plays a pivotal role in enabling the Union of Myanmar to keep national character intact and to keep abreast with other nations in the trend of international development. Therefore, the students of the University of Culture who have won scholarships are to work hard to become artists and artistes who can strive for the further flourishing of Myanma traditional culture and propagate it to the world.

The outstanding university students are also to extend themselves in striving to become intellectuals and intelligentsia on whom reliance can be put in building the nation anew. To recapitulate, all literary scholars and outstanding students who have won literary awards and scholarships, need to be proud of themselves with the knowledge that they have managed to put up a pillar of success in their life as a result of their efforts. It is believed that they will continue working hard to be able to set up another pillars of success in the field of promoting the interests of the nation. In addition, the presentation of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Awards will contribute to emergence of artists and artistes and human resources who are imbued with patriotism and cherish the Myanmar way of life.

In conclusion, the Secretary-1 said " May Sayagyi Pakokku U Ohn Pe who are making donations with noble goodwill and national outlook for the further flourishing and propagation of Myanmar literature, preservation and uplift of Myanmar culture and emergence of outstanding intellectual and intelligentsia, be healthy for many years to come and able to work for the promotion of Myanmar literature, and may Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Awards and scholarships associated with the lofty aims of Sayagyi Pakokku U Ohn Pe continue to be a dynamic force for the promotion of national interests.

Then, the Secretary-1 presented Life-long Contribution to Literature Award to Sayagyi U Htay Myaing (Dagon Tayar) through Secretary of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award Selection Committee U Maung Hlaing (Maung Swe Nge). The Secretary-1 also presented first, second and third prizes to Tint Tun (Chauk), Shwedah Maung Lay Yi and Yenantha Maung Kyaw Nyunt in the collected poems genre respectively and Shi (Ingyin), Min Tin Tun and Kyaw Nyo Lwin (Kyaukse) in the novel genre respectively. Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe presented first, second and third prizes to Saw Myinzu (Pyapon), U Soe Tint, on behalf of Mya Danti and Kyaunggon Ei Hmu in the collected short stories genre respectively. Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung presented first, second and third prizes to U Myat Kyaw (Myanmar Language Commission), Ba Tint (Chemistry-Arts) and Tekkatho Ko Latt in the treatise genre respectively and Maung Yin Hline (Pyinmamyaing), Maung Maung Myint and Aung Nyein Chan (Mann Tekkatho) in the research literature genre respectively.

Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein presented Scholarship Awards to Ma Ni Ma Soe of University of Distance Education (Hinthada Branch), Maung Win Zaw Oo of UDE (Hinthada Branch), Ma Thi Thi Oo of UDE (Eastern Yangon University Branch) and Maung Aung Myo Hsan of UDE (Pakokku Branch), Maung Min Thu of Second Year (Art Major) and Ma Thet Nwe Win of Second Year (Music Major) of University of Culture. Then, the ceremony to present Pakokku U Ohn Pe Outstanding Student Award for 1999-2000 academic year to winners was held.

Minister for Education U Than Aung presented first, second and third prizes to Ma Wai Wai Han of Mingaladon Basic Education High School No 2, Ma Tin Zar Myo of Kamayut BEHS No 2 and Ma Lwin Thanda Myo of Kyimyindine BEHS No 1 for their outstanding performance in the Myanmarsar respectively. Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San presented first, second and third prizes to Ma Lwin Mon Thant of Aungmyethazan BEHS No 8, Ma Moh Moh Aung of Aungmyethazan BEHS No 8 and Maung Thein Zaw Tun of Natogyi BEHS in their outstanding performance in the English respectively. Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt presented first, second and third prizes to Ma Thi Thi Tun of Letpadan BEHS No 1, Ma Myinzu Aung of Mingaladon BEHS No 2 and Maung Phyo Than Htoo of Kamayut BEHS No 2 in their outstanding performance in the Maths respectively.

Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung presented first, second and third prizes to Ma Myinzu Aung of Mingaladon BEHS No 2, Ma Myat Theingi Swe of Myanaung BEHS and Maung Myo Teza Lin of Chanayethazan BEHS No 16 in their outstanding performance in the Science respectively.

Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyi Aung presented first, second and third prizes to Ma Myat Theingi Swe of Myanaung BEHS, Maung Kyaw Myo Lwin of Dagon BEHS No 1 and Ma Nwe Lin Htet of Dagon BEHS No 1 in their outstanding performance in the Social Science respectively. Then, wellwisher U Ohn Pe reported on the purpose of his donation. Afterwards, Chairman of U Ohn Pe Literary Award Selection Committee U Myo Thant (Maung Hsu Shin) read out the message of thanks of Life-long Contribution to Literature Award winner Sayagyi U Htay Myaing (Dagon Tayar). On behalf of all winners, Shi (Ingyin) spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 had documentary photo taken together with literature award winners and scholarship award winners.

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( 2 ) Secretary-l attends meeting of Malaria Control Drug Production Committee

Yangon, 17 Feb-The Malaria Control Drug Production Committee held its first meeting at the Ministry of Industry-l this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department.

The Secretary-l said that Myanmar is a mountainous country and is teeming with creeks and streams, the breeding-gounds of mosquitoes. In the past, malaria was common in mountainous rural areas but now it has spread even to urban areas, he said. He said that Head of State Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on extensive production of potent drugs with the use of herbal plants cultivated in the country for prevention and treatment of malaria rather than buying drugs from abroad.

The Secretary-l said cultivation of herbal plants, with the use of which drugs for prevention and treatment of malaria can be produced, has been successful in the country and research work has also been carried out to some extent.

He noted that the malaria control drug production committee was formed in order to produce efficacious drugs for malaria with the use of herbal plants and findings of research.

The ministries concerned are to take part in discussions on cultivation and research, he added. Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung reported on cultivation of Sinkona plant with the use of which drugs can be produced for malaria treatment, cultivation projects and arrangements to extend cultivation. Deputy Factory Manager of Myanma Pharmaceutical Factory U Win Aung reported on experimental production of quinine sulphate from Sinkona and Assistant Director of the Centre for Technical Development of Medical Production Dr U Myo Myint on experimental production of artemicinine from Dawna Shwewa Artemicia leaf.

Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win presented a supplementary report Director of Medical Services Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han reported on production of new malaria drugs.

Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein presented matters related to research on production of new malaria drug by Medical Research Department. Director-General of Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) Dr Paing Soe also presented a report on researches which have already been done and which are being done. Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung explained arrangements for production of new malaria drug by the ministry. Deputy Minster for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung reported on the establishment of Sinkona nurseries and Dawnashwewa cultivation technique. Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone explained assistance to be provided by the ministry.

Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung also explained the acquisition of technologies for production of new drug for treatment of malaria. After hearing the reports, Secretary- I Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions to the officials.

Then, Secretary-l Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected documents related to drugs for treatment of malaria, Sinkona seeds and Sinkona nurseries, sample of drug for treatment of malaria manufactured by Myanmar Pharmaceutical Factory, equipment for production of Artemicia and sample of medicine and gave necessary instructions to the officials

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( 3 ) Chief Medical Officer inspects health care services of No-1 Tyre & Rubber Factory

Yangon, 17 Feb- Chief Medical Officer Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe of the Ministry of Industry-2 arrived at No 1 Tyre & Rubber Factory of Myanma Tyre and Rubber Industries in Thaton Township, Mon State yesterday afternoon.

She was welcomed there by Managing Director U Oo Zun and staff, members of Thaton District Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Committee for Women's Affairs. At 3.30 pm, the Chief Medical Officer heard reports on condition of the pre-primary school of the factory by the managing director and the general manager of the factory.

Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented gifts to children and inspected the dispensary of the factory. Then, the Chief Medical Officer inspected chemical raw material and production process of the factory. At 4 pm, the Chief Medical Officer met health employees and staff of the factory. She then explained arrangements for attending the needs of the dispensary. On 17 February morning, Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (Central) Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe met executives of township MCWAs in Thaton District gave instructions. Then, the Vice-Chairperson presented gifts of MMCWA (Central) to pre-primary schools in Thaton District.

Later, the Vice-Chairperson inspected the delivery room of Thaton Township MWCA and fulfilled the requirements.

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( 4 ) Vientiane Mayor concludes visit

Yangon, 17 Feb- Mayor of Vientiane of the Lao People's Democratic Republic Mr Bounheaung Douangphachanh and party, who paid a visit here at the invitation of Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, left here for home by air this morning. They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Vice-Chairman of YCDC Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, Secretary Col Myint Aung, member Col Tin Soe, heads of departments concerned, Ambassador of LPDR Mr Ly Bounkham and embassy staff.

Union Day delegates leave for home

Yangon, 17 Feb-The members of national race cultural troupes and the Union Solidarity and Development Associations from states and divisions who attended the 54th Union Day Flag Hoisting Ceremony, left for home by air, train and car today.

They were seen off by Chairman of Reception Subcommittee for Observance of the 54th Anniversary Union Day Commander of No 4 Military Region Commandant of Defence Services Records Office Brig-Gen Myo Myint and sub-committee members and officials.

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( 5 ) GAD holds coordination meeting

Yangon, 17 Feb-The General Administration Department held the third four monthly coordination meeting for year 2000 at the training hall of the department at 65, Saya San Road, Bahan Township, this morning, with an address by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing.

Present were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, the Director general of Myanmar Police Force, directors-general of departments, the deputy &rector-general of MPF, deputy directors general and officials. Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that GAD serves as a link between the people and the government. So, GAD is to make efforts to become an organization on which the State can rely. After realizing the State policies and guidance, all are to discharge their duty concerning prevalence of rule of law, ensuring peace and tranquillity and undertaking regional development and undertaking public welfare tasks. Specially, efforts are to be made to achieve success in rural development tasks during the period of the third short-term five-year plan. Then, the deputy minister gave a speech. The director-general and officials reported on implementation of tasks in their respective sectors. After hearing reports, the minister gave necessary instructions.

Crash courses at NMF, FF

YANGON, 17 Feb-With the aim of enabling the public to have agricultural knowledge, Nursery Market Festival and Flower Fair were held at Myaypadetha Park and Mingaladon Park respectively today. A crash courses on growing roses and mangoes were conducted at Nursery Market Festival and similar course on growing roses was opened at Flower Fair. The courses will be organized at the weekends, and those interested may attend them.

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( 6 ) Minister for Construction inspects roads and bridges in Sagaing Division, Chin State and Magwe Division

Yangon, 17 Feb-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials inspected roads from Kalay to Falam on 14 February. At Thaing Ngin camp, Superintending Engineer U Lay Maung of Chin State and Deputy Superintending Engineer U Thein Tun of Road Special Group (11) reported to the minister on work minister gave instructions on repairing the roads in accord with the set standards.

Afterwards, the minister and part; arrived at Var bridge. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Hsan Win of Bridge Special Group (14) presented facts about the bridge. The minister gave instructions on points to be followed in maintaining the bridge. The newly built 340 feet long Var bridge is located on Kalay-Falam-Haka road and built across the Manipura river. It was originally a bailey suspension bridge. It was changed into reinforced concrete lower structure and bailey frame upper structure for increasing endurance. It can stand 20-ton load. Later, the minister and party arrived in Falam. Deputy Superintending Engineer U Thein Tun of Road Special Group (11) reported into the minister on maintenance and upgrading of Thaing Ngin-Falam Road. The minister gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister and party inspected Falam-Haka road and quarries.

In Falam, the minister heard a report on road construction in Chin State on 15 February. The minister gave instructions. Next, the minister met with employees of Public Works in Chin State. Later, the minister and party inspected Haka-Gangaw road. . At Bonzoo Camp, Superintending Engineer of Magwe Division U Tint Lwin and Superintending Engineer of Chin State U Lay Maung reported on tasks and work done. The minister gave instructions.

On February 16, the minister met with employees of Public Works in Htilin Township and Kyauk Htu Township. Then. the minister and party inspected Kyauk Htu-Saw section. He met with officials in Mindat District at Kangyi Ywa junction on Saw-Seik Pyu road and gave necessary instructions.

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( 7 ) Bangladeshi minister visits Business Promotion Centre of AWB

Yangon, 17 Feb- Minister of Commerce of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Mr MD Abdul Jalil, who attended the Third BIMST-EC Trade/Economic Ministerial Meeting in 14 and 15 February, accompanied by Ambassador of Bangladesh Mr Ahmed Rahim, arrived at Business Promotion Centre of Asia Wealth Bank Head Office in Ahlon Township this morning. Chairman of the Bank U Aik Tun and officials welcomed the Bangladesh minister and party. In the meeting hall of the centre, the minister and party met Myanmar private entrepreneurs and industrialists, and discussed promotion of relations between private entrepreneurs of two countries, development of trade and investment matters. Then, the minister and party were served with lunch.

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Yangon, 17 Feb-Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and officials arrived at Ingabo Orchard in Kyaikhto Township on 16 February.The officials concerned reported on cultivation of grapefruit, cockscomb and durian and use of advanced cultivation techniques to improve the fruit quality. The minister discussed matters related to sown-acreage, research and water supply with members of Cultivation Coordination Committee and officials of MAS. He inspected nurseries and grapefruit plants. Then, he inspected Ingabo coconut oil factory and oil palm plantations.

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