( 1 ) Secretary-1 inspects production of gold plates for Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda at Myanma Gems Enterprise

Yangon, 18 Feb- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Myanma Gems Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road at 4.30 pm today.

First, the Secretary-1 and party inspected Seinphudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw, the alms bowl, small bells, nine tiers, mythical animal statuttes to be installed at the lowest tier of the Htidaw, the bronze pivot, the bronze tray and the bronze lamp shade on show on the ground floor of Myanma Gems Enterprise. All of them will be fixed at Lawka Marazein Khaungphu Pagoda, 114 feet high, in Khaungphu Village, Talawgyi Village-tract, Myitkyina Township.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected gold plates made out of gold bars, production process of gold plates and the filigree work. These gold bars were also made from old gold plates and gold dust of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda. The gold plates will be offered to the pagoda.

Managing Director U Khin Oo of MGE reported that old gold plates and gold dust of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda were brought to MGE by the Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda Board of Trustees to refine them and offer new gold plates and Shwethingan to the pagoda. The goldsmith workshop of MGE refined old gold plates and gold dust from 26 to 30 December 2000, and produced 64 gold bars weighing 1,945.18 ticals.

The technicians, whom the Work Committee for All-round Renovation of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda and Hoisting of Shwehtidaw and the Pagoda Board of Trustees assigned the task, made gold plates out of 64 gold bars in cooperation and coordination with the supervisory committee of MGE, the Pagoda Board of Trustees and the officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

A total of 351 gold plates of different sizes ranging from 5" by 5" to 8" by 8" have been produced, and arrangements are being made for donation of these gold plates and gold bars to the pagoda. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the design for Thinkyittaw (the decorative frontlet which covers the forehead of the Buddha image) to be installed at Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image and the designs for Seinphudaw and Hngetmyatnadaw of Thabbyinnu Stupa. The Secretary-1 then inspected designs for Seinbudaw and alms bowl of Pyinyeinaye Pagoda to be built in Homein region and gave necessary instructions.

After that, the Secretary-1 and party went to two-storey Dhammethaka Sarthintaik under construction in Kyaukyaydwin Ward, Mayangon Township. The Secretary-1 inspected progress of construction work of the two-storey Sarthintaik and gave necessary instructions. Next, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to the construction site of Thabbyinnu Stupa, where they were welcomed by officials. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the 10-tiered Htidaw to be hoisted atop the Stupa and completion of the Stupa.

Secretary-1 inspects all-round construction tasks at Mindhamma Hill

Yangon, 18 Feb-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt together with officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office arrived at Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image at Mindhamma Hill where the ministers, deputy ministers, technicians and members of the Hill Board of Trustees welcomed them this evening.

The Secretary-1 paid homage to the image and inspected the all-round development tasks and gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1 viewed the prototype of Gandhakuti Kyaungdawgyi and gave instructions and left.

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( 2 ) 50th Religious Title Conferring Ceremony held

Yangon, 18 Feb - The 50th religious title conferring ceremony, sponsored by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, was held at Maha Pasana Cave on Thiri Mingala Kaba Aye Hill at noon today, attended by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than.

Also present were member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee led by Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Myingyan Koehsaungtaik Saya-daw Bhaddanta Sobhita, member Sayadaws of Yangon Division Sangha Nayaka Committee of All Ganas, Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovidha Sayadaws, Sayadaws of the Central Education Committee, lecturer Sayadaws, Dhammacariya Sayadaws and successful candidate members of the Sangha and nuns, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council Office U Arnt Maung, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Pro-Rector (Administration) of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe, division and township authorities, personnel of religious and social organizations, successful candidate lay persons, wellwishers and guests.

The commander and the congregation received the Five Precepts from Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaa Maha Rattha Guru Aungmyaybonsan Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa. Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa read the Ovada Katha of the Chairman Sayadaw. In the Ovada Katha, the Chairman Sayadaw said that at Dhammacariya and Pahtamabyan Examinations held by the Religious Affairs Department under the Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2000 after seeking the Ovada from the State Sangha Nayaka Committee, 238 members of the Sangha have passed Dhammacariya Examination, 16 have passed Pahtamabyan Examination, 18 have passed Five Nikaya Examination and nine lay persons have passed Abhidhamma and Visuddhimag Examination.

The government of the Union of Myanmar holds the religious title conferring ceremony for the successful candidates of Dhammacariya, Pahtamabyan, Nikaya and Abhidhamma and Visuddhimag Examinations, and offers alms to them. Like in previous years, the Ministry of Religious Affairs under the leadership of the government confers religious titles and certificates to successful candidates of the examinations, wellwishers led by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council offer alms to them. Then, the commander supplicated on religious matters.

He said that he had learnt from the Sayadaws that Theravada Buddhist Sasana encompasses Padiyatti Sasana, Padipatti Sasana and Padivedha Sasana. Only when Padiyatti Sasana exists for long, will Paripatti Sasana and Padivedha Sasana be able to exist. Therefore, the government is making all-out efforts for the perpetuation of Pariyatti Sasana. In Yangon Division, religious Pariyatti examinations such as Pahtamabyan Examination, Dhammacariya Examination, Tipitakadhara Selection Examination, Five Nikaya Examination and Abhidhamma and Visuddhimag Examination are being held by the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Yangon Division Peace and Development Council always provides assistance for these Pariyatti examinations. The religious title conferring ceremony is held in Yangon and Mandalay alternatively. In conclusion, he said that wellwishers donate four pre-requisites   soon, robes, monastery and medicine Ñ and other things to the members of the Sangha to be able to carry out Gandadhura and Vipassanadhura. Afterwards, the minister supplicated on religious matters. He said that it is satisfactory to see how Sasana is flourishing in the Union of Myanmar at present. Myanmar is the very place where Sasana is flourishing; two synods have been held.

Tipitakadhara Selection Examinations, which cannot be held in any nations in the world, have been held, and there have emerged eight Sasana Arzanis who passed the oral and written tests of TriPitakas. The number of those who take Dhammacariya and Pahtamabyan Examinations has increased, and so has the number of successful candidates. Pariyatti Sasana is shining bright in Myanmar, and there are many Padipatti Yeikthas as well.

The government has opened the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University with the aim of propagating genuine Theravada Pariyatti and Padipatti to the world. The commander, the minister and officials presented religious titles and certificates to the successful candidates of the examinations. Then, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paindabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained for good deeds. The merit-sharing ceremony for the 50th Religious Title Conferring Ceremony was also held at Kaba Aye this morning. Soon was offered to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha who attended the 50th Religious Title Conferring Ceremony. The donations made to the 50th Religious Title Conferring Ceremony amounted to K 2,667,317.

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( 3 ) Traditional medical practitioners holds meeting to adopt guidelines

Yangon, 18 Feb-Traditional medical practitioners organized a meeting to show the support for using Senior General Than Shwe's guidance in the message to opening of Traditional Medical Practitioners' Conference on 19 December 2000, as work guidelines as well as for following the suggestions of Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt in the opening address at the Conference. The meeting was held at Aung San Hall of Construction Training School on Baho Road in Ywama East Ward of Insein Township this morning.

It was attended by traditional medical practitioners of townships in Yangon North District Insein, Shwepyitha, Hlaingthaya, Mingaladon, Hlegu, Hmawby, Taikkyi and Htantabin townships and guests. U Kyaw Thaung of Insein Township presided over the meeting. U Thein of Htantabin, U Moe Thein of Insein, U Win Aung and U Khin Maung Tin of Insein, U Tin Win of Shwepyitha, U Kyaw Sein of Yangon Division, U Myo Aung of Mingaladon and U Kyaw Than of Taikkyi were members of panel of chairmen. U Win Tun of Insein Township acted as master of ceremonies. First, meeting chairman U Kyaw Thaung of Insein delivered a speech.

Then, U Ye Naung of Insein tabled a motion that  " to adopt the guidance of State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe in his message sent to the Conference on 19 December 2000 as the work guideline by all traditional medical practitioners". U Tun Win Naing of Shwepyitha seconded the motion. Next, U Tun Sein of Insein Township tabled a motion " to adopt the suggestions of National Health Committee Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt in his address at the opening of the Conference, as future tasks for all traditional medical practitioners". U Min Min Tun of Hlinethaya seconded it. Daw Thein Thein Myint of Mingaladon tabled a motion " to put on record the resolutions, records and approvals of the Conference". U Thein Tun of Insein seconded the motion. Afterwards, U Kyaw Myo Thwin of Hlegu tabled a motion " to wipe out all hindrance in forming Myanmar Traditional Medical Practitioners Association and to actively participate in formation of the Association ". U Aung Myin of Htantabin seconded the motion.

Later, Daw Than Ei of Insein tabled a motion " to approve the four motions tabled at the meeting". U Aye Myint of Mingaladon seconded the motion. Then, the meeting chairman approved the motions after which the meeting came to a close with concluding remarks by the meeting chairman.

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( 4 ) Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda All-round Renovation Committee discusses finance

Yangon, 18 Feb- Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung arrived at the terrace of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, yesterday. The deputy minister inspected all-round renovation of the pagoda and attended the coordination meeting of the All-round Renovation Committee of the Pagoda, Shwe Htidaw Hoisting and Gold Plates Donation Work Committee. Chairman of the Financial Committee of the Work Committee Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung gave a speech. Chairman of the Pagoda Board of Trustees Maj Aung Chit (Retd) presented the financial report to the meeting. Accompanied by officials, the Deputy Minister inspected police stations, offices of General Administration Department, Prisons Department and Taungsun quarry in Kyaikto and Bilin townships, Waw Township Police Station and General Administration Department and gave instructions on work.

Shwethingan and Seinphudaw offered to Lawka Manaung Hsutaungpyi Pagoda in Myitkyina

Yangon, 18 Feb-The shwethingan and Seinphudaw offering ceremony and consecration ceremony of Lawka Manaung Hsutaungpyi Pagoda in Myitkyina was held at the pagoda and at the dhammayon in Thida Ward, on 15 February morning. It was attended by member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Silavamsa and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and wife Daw San San Yee, Base Commander of Myitkyina Air Force Base and senior military officers and their wives, local authorities, departmental heads, Pagoda Board of Trustees and local residents totalling over 1,500. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Silavamsa administered the Eight Precepts, and members of the Sangha recited the parittas. The Commander and officials presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. They then presented Seinphudaw, hngetmyatnadaw, seinpankhaing, hintha statutte and gold bells for the pagoda to the Sayadaws and sprinkled scented water on them. Afterwards, led by the Sayadaws, the commander and officials conveyed the religious objects around the pagoda clockwise thrice and hoisted them atop the pagoda by decorated carriage. The commander and his wife performed rituals of golden and silver showers. The commander and wife and party later attended merit-sharing ceremony for renovated Myole Dhammayon at Northern Shansu Ward, Myitkyina.

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( 5 ) Final rites of Myazigon Sayadaw held

Yangon, 18 Feb- Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye together with officials attended the final rites of Presiding Sarthintaik Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Tikkhasara at the Sarthintaik on 15 February morning. The commander paid obeisance to Vice-Chairman of Bago Division Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw of the Sarthintaik Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita and supplicated matters related to the final rites. Then, he presented K 100,000 donated by the Division Peace and Development Council, K 50,000 by him and his family and ten bags of rice by the Command to the members of Committee for Holding the final rites. In the evening, the commander and party inspected the site chosen for holding the final rites and attended to the needs.

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( 6 ) Pre-conference of War Veteran Organization (Kachin State) held

Yangon, 18 Feb-The Pre-conference of War Veteran Organization (Kachin State) was held at the Station Hall of Northern Command this afternoon attended by Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win. Also present were members of MWVO Central Organizing Committee Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, senior military officers in Kachin State, members of Kachin State Peace and Development Council, Chairman of Supervisory Committee for Kachin State War Veterans Organization Lt-Col Myint Thein and members, departmental officials, officials of various associations, delegates and guests. Maj Kan Hla (Retd) presided over the Pre-conference and Maj Soe Tint (Retd) and Capt Cho Tun (Retd) were co-chairmen. Daw Theingi Win acted as master of ceremonies and Daw Yu Yu Kyi as joint master of ceremonies.

Altogether 153 delegates out of 153 or 100 per cent attended the Pre-conference. Then, Chairman Maj Kan Hla (Retd) made a speech. Member of WVO (Kachin State) Capt Tin Maung Hlaing presented a report to the Pre-conference. Afterwards, Maj Nyo Win (Retd) discussed the national political sector, Maj Ja Mala (Retd) the national defence and security sector, Maj Khin Maung San (Retd) the economic sector, Capt Than Htwe (Retd) social affairs and welfare sector and Maj Aung Shwe (Retd) the community welfare sector. Next, the Pre-conference adopted seven future tasks and one resolution, one approval and put three matters on record.

Maj Kan Hla (Retd) gave a concluding remarks and the Pre-conference successfully ended with chanting of the slogans in the afternoon. Then, the donation ceremony was held. Today's donations included K 1 million by MWVO Central Organizing Committee, K 1 million by Kachin State Peace and Development Council, K 1 million by Northern Command, 154 longgyis worth K 171,710 by the Minister for Industry-1, K 30,000 by Myitkyina District Peace and Development Council, K 50,000 by Bhamo District Peace and Development Council, K 25,000 by Putao District Peace and Development Council, K 50,000 by departments under Ministry of Home Affairs in Kachin State, K 100,000 by Kachin State and Township Development Committees, K 10,000 by Kachin State Immigration and National Registration Department, K 20,000 by Myanma Petroleum Products Enterprise, K 30,000 by Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading, 40,000 by Kachin State and District Union Solidarity and Development Associations, K 1,185,000 by entrepreneurs and Ward Peace and Development Councils in Phakant Township, K 20,000 by Hopin- Shwe Kachin Bus Line in Mohnyin Township, K 100,000 by U Aung Din (Mya Khwa Nyo), K 200,000 by Sun Business Co, K 100,000 by Hole-in-One Co, K 100,000 by Sein Yadana Co, K 50,000 by Myitkyina Township WVO, K 50,000 by shopkeepers of Myitkyina Market. The donations amounted to K 5,331,710.

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( 7 ) Nepalese FM visits Mandalay, PyinOoLwin

Yangon, 18 Feb-The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nepal Mr Chakra Parsad Bastola and party visited Mandalay and PyinOoLwin yesterday and toady. The Nepalese Minister and party arrived at Mandalay by air where Tactical Operations Commander Col Tun Kyi, on behalf of the Commander of Central Command, and officials welcomed them. Then, they proceeded to PyinOoLwin and met with Nepalese families at Shri Durgha Devi Temple, and went to Maha Arnthtookantha Pagoda yesterday morning. They were hosted a dinner at Nanmyo Yeiktha in Mandalay by Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint. This morning they also visited Myanan Sankyaw Royal Palace in the evening, and then headed for Mandalay Hill. The guests made donations at Sutaungpyi Pagoda and signed in the visitors' book. Afterwards, the visiting Foreign Minister and party paid obeisance to Maha Muni Buddha Image in Mandalay and made donations. They also met the Nepalese families at Nepalese Gurkha Dhamma Thalla Kyaung and left for Yangon in the evening.

Commander inspects agriculture, livestock breeding work

Yangon, 18 Feb- 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, accompanied by officials, inspected agriculture and livestock breeding tasks of local battalions in South Okkalapa Township this afternoon.

At 2 pm, he arrived at the local battalion in South Okkalapa Township. The commanding officer reported on agriculture and livestock breeding tasks being undertaken at the battalion in accord with the plans. Speaking on the occasion, the commander said it is necessary to undertake agriculture and livestock breeding tasks at regiments and units under Yangon Command in accordance with the plans; livestock breeding tasks are to be carried out by the battalion, the company, on self-reliance basis and with the joint-venture system; similarly, the commander stressed the need to produce vegetables in all seasons, plant shady trees and windbreaks around the battalion.

Then, he inspected vegetable patches of respective companies, soil preparation at the plantations of the battalion, the poultry farm, the breeding of RIR pedigree hens, pig and fish breeding work, perennial crop farms and water convolvulus plantations. The commander gave instructions on sale of vegetables, meat, fish and eggs at tax-free markets at reasonable prices and cultivation and livestock breeding tasks to be undertaken on vacant lands, and left there in the evening. A total of 23 acres of land have been put under vegetable patches and 25,000 fowls and 315 pigs are being bred at the battalions in South Okkalapa Township. The battalions sell vegetables, eggs and meats at tax-free markets.

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