( 1 ) Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja title recipient Alodawpyi Sayadaw, Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhara title recipient lay persons honoured

Yangon, 10 March-A ceremony to honour Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja title recipient Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa of Alodawpyi Kyaungtaik and Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhara title recipient U Kyaw Min, U Than Hla (Teingya) and U Taw Taw was held at Aungmye Bodhi Yeiktha Alodawpyi Kyaungtaik in Tamway Township this afternoon, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Aungmyebonsan Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa, Chairman of Tipitakadhara Selection Examination Ovadacariya Committee Webyan Saya-daw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Vijayabhivamsa, Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Mandalay Masoeyein Taikthit Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa and member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Ariyavamsa and members of the Sangha, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhara title recipient lay persons, Aungmye Bodhi Yeiktha Alodawpyi Kyaungtaik Board of Trustees (Yangon) and members of Dhammacariya Tekkatho Alodawpyi Kyaungtaik Upathaka Committee, disciples and wellwishers.

The Secretary-1 and guests took the Five Precepts from Webyan Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Vijayabhivamsa. The members of the Sangha recited Metta Sutta. Member of Panel of Patrons of Mandalay Masoeyein Taikthit Sayadaw Dhammacariya U Sucittta-bhivamsa read Uyojana of Alodawpyi Sayadaw. In his supplication, the Secretary-1 expressed his pleasure for having an opportunity to pay respects to members of the Sangha at the ceremony. Alodawpyi Sayadaw was born of U Nyo Tha San and Daw Nyo in Rathedaung Township, Rakhine State, on the fullmoon day of Nayon in 1306 ME.

At the age of 13, the Sayadaw was novitiate under Sigataung Tawya Kyaung Sayadaw in Rathedaung Township. The Sayadaw learned Pariyatti literature under famous Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaws in Minbya, Sittway, Pazundaung, Bahan and NyaungU Townships and Yangon, and he has been well-versed in Pali, Atha-katha and Dika treatises. The Sayadaw has given lectures on Pariyatti literature after founding Sarthintaiks in Kyaukpadaung, Bagan-NyaungU and Thingangyun Townships. Dhammacariya Tekkatho Kyaungtaik where over 1,000 student monks will reside is in course of construction in Dagon Myothit Seikkan Township under the leadership of the Sayadaw. The Sayadaw is also giving lectures on meditation at Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Aungmye Bodhi Dhamma Yeiktha in Bagan-NyaungU, Kyaukpadaung, Meiktila, Sittway, MyaukU, Yathaytaung and Buthidaung Townships.

The Sayadaw established Bodhithikha Parahita School for national races in Maungtaw Township and also founded Parahita School for orphans in Calcutta, India. The Sayadaw opened Dhamma Yeikthas in the United States and Canada and built bronze pagoda in San Francisco. Alodawpyi Sayadaw built religious buildings and renovated ruined religious structures at home and abroad. The Sayadaw was presented Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja title by the State Peace and Development Council for his missionary activities.

Next, the Secretary-1 said sculptor U Taw Taw was born of sculptor U Myaing and Daw Thin Hlaing in Mandalay in 1296 ME. He learned sculpture from his father and earned his living on it. He donated provisions to 24 Samaneras and altogether 177 Samaneras were novitiated under his sponsorship. In 1980 he carved eight Buddha images and eight thrones for Maha Wizaya Pagoda free of charge. Under the State Peace and Development Council government he discovered a marble which is 37 feet long, 24 feet wide and 11 feet high in his block in Sakyintaung in 1998. He donated the marble to the State in January 2000.

The image was carved out of the marble with the help his sons and other 20 experts beginning March 2000. The State and Peace and Development Council presented Thudhammamanizawtadhara title to U Taw Taw for his cetena, diligence and generosity. Like U Taw Taw, another person who deserves commendation is the head of Teingya Htidaw-Hoisting Family U Than Hla. Teingya U Than Hla, born of U Myint and Daw Su in Thaton in 1948 is doing meritorious deeds. U Than Hla not only is giving food and education to children of national races residing in the hilly regions but also providing four prerequisites for ten student novices.

He provided four prerequisites at ceremonies to initiate into monkhood and nunhood over 1,000 persons on Ulwin Hill at Kyatpyin Village, Moegok Township, Mandalay Division, over 700 persons at the Htidaw-Hoisting Ceremony of Phonpwint Kantha Pagoda on Phowin Hill in Yinmabin Township and over 900 persons at Taungpulu Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Mindat, Chin State. He built the new pagodas and renovated the old ones. He undertook the hoisting of Htidaws atop over 1000 pagodas throughout Myanmar. He donated gold in bullion when things to be used in washing the face of Maha Muni Buddha Image in Mandalay were made. It was found that he also donated objects made of steel, jewellery made of gold and diamond and gold in bullion at the ceremony of hoisting a new Shwehtidaw atop the Shwedagon Pagoda. Therefore, in accord with the teachings of the Buddha, the government conferred Siri Sudamma Manijotadhara title (first grade) on U Than Hla. Another person who also merits commendation is Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhara U Kyaw Min. U Kyaw Min, born of U Maung Ni and Daw Ma Wah of Setthwa Village, Rakhine State on the 7th waxing day of Pyatho in 1301 ME, is working as chairman of a tourism company. U Kyaw Min bore the expenses of initiating 300 boys into novicehood and 150 persons into monkhood, and is providing four prerequisites for 15 student monks.

He also donated rest-houses, monasteries, lakes and eight pagodas. As he donated a large sum of money for religious purposes, Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhara title is conferred on U Kyaw Min. Then, the Secretary-1 donated alms to Alodawpyi Sayadaw. The commander, the ministers, the deputy ministers and the wellwishers offered alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. U Wan Tha and Daw Chan Tha, U Chan Chan and Daw Lwin Lwin Thein and U San Thein and Daw Khin Khin Aye donated a video camera, a VCD set and a camera to Alodawpyi Sayadaw.

The Secretary-1 presented the title made of pure gold and donated by U Maung Maung Kwel and Daw Mawli Tin, to Alodawpyi Sayadaw. The Secretary-1 presented gold medals donated by Dhammacariya Tekkatho Alodawpyi Upathaka Committee to Siri Sudhamma Manijotadhana title recipients U Kyaw Min, U Than Hla (Teingya) and U Taw Taw.

Afterwards, the wellwishers made donations K 15 million for Dhammacariya Tekkatho Kyaungdawgyi by well-wishers. The Secretary-1 accepted the donations. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented gifts of Alodawpyi Kyaung Board of Trustees to U Kyaw Min, U Than Hla (Teingya) and U Taw Taw. The Secretary-1 and the congregation received Ovadakatha from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paindabhivamsa. Masoeyein Taikthit Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirindabhivamsa of Mandalay delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 previews 38th Myanma Gems Emporium

Yangon, 10 March-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt previewed the 38th Myanma Gems Emporium at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning. The Secretary-1, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office arrived at the mart at 9.15 am. They were welcomed there by ministers, deputy ministers, members of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee and officials.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected gem lots to  be sold at fixed price, jewellery, jade figurines, gem painting shops and private gem shops which are being opened on the ground floor, jade blocks displayed at the emporium and gem lots and pearl lots displayed on the third floor of the emporium. Patron of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Chairman of the Central Committee Deputy Minister U Myint Thein and Secretary of the Central Committee Managing Director U Khin Oo and members conducted the Secretary-1 and party round the emporium. Then, the Secretary-1 gave instructions to officials and left there at 10.10 am.

Chairman of Leading Committee for Observance of 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day inspects hostels, mess halls, welfare tasks for Tatmadawmen of parade columns

Yangon, 10 March- Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint this morning inspected hostels, mess halls and welfare tasks for Tatmadawmen, Myanmar Police Force members, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade members of Columns which will participate in the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade, gave necessary instructions and fulfilled requirements. At 7.45 am, Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint arrived at No 1 Transit Centre in Hline Township where Tatmadaw-men of Anawrahta, Bayintnaung and Aungzeya Columns are accommodated.

The Leading Committee Chairman was welcomed there by Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Chairman of the Armed Forces Day Parade Working Committee Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint, Chief of Staff (Navy) Commodore Soe Thein, Chairman of Best Company Selection and Prize Presentation Committee Vice-Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo, Commandant of Defence Services (Army) Officers Training School Brig-Gen Kyaw Thu, Parade Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min, Reserved Parade Commander Col Hla Tun, senior military officers and officials. First, Commander of Anawrahta Column Col San Aye Hla reported to Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint on accommodation of Tatmadawmen from Anawrahta, Bayintnaung and Aungzeya Columns, drills and welfare programmes. Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint gave instructions on drills, welfare programme, discipline enforcement and security matters, and attended to their needs.

Then, Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint inspected hostels of Tatmadawmen and the practice performance of marching songs. After that, Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint and party proceeded to Nawade Column at Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Headquarters where they were welcomed by Yangon Station Commander No 4 Military Region Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint, Acting Commander of Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Captain Tha Hsan (Navy), Commander of Nawade Column Captain Aye Pe (Navy) and senior military officers. In the office of the Column, Commander of Nawade Column Captain Aye Pe (Navy) reported on accommodation for Tatmadawmen of Nawade Column, drill practising, administration and welfare tasks. Then, the Secretary-3 inspected hostels, mess halls, public relations camp and the welfare shop of the column and attended to their needs. Afterwards, the Secretary-3 gave instructions to Tatmadawmen of Nawade Column who will participate in the Armed Forces Day Parade at the parade ground of Ayeyawady Naval Region Command Headquarters.

Next, the Secretary-3 went to Tatmadawmen, Myanmar Police Force members, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade members of Myawady Column and Aung San Column being accommodated at Kyaikkasan Grounds. The Secretary-3 was welcomed there by Commander of Myawady Column Col Kyaw Htoo Lwin, Commander of Aung San Column Col Hla Ngwe, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, Director-General U Myint Tun of Fire Services Department, Executive Director Col Aung Than of Myanmar Red Cross Society, senior military officers, Police Brig-Gen of MPF and officials. In the office of Aung San Column, column commanders reported to the Secretary-3 on accommodation, practising of parade drills and welfare tasks for Tatmadawmen of columns.

Then, the Secretary-3 hostels, the kitchen and the mess hall of Aung San Column and hostels and the mess hall of Myawady Column, and gave necessary instructions. After that, Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint went to the local battalion where Tatmadawmen of Kyansittha Column are being accommodated, in South Okkalapa Township. Kyansittha Column Commander Col Sein Win and senior military officers welcomed the Secretary-3. In the hall of the column, Column Commander Col Sein Win reported on accommodation of Tatmadawmen, practising drill and welfare tasks. Chairman of Parade Working Committee Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Win Myint and Parade Column Commander Brig-Gen Saw Hla Min gave supplementary reports. Afterwards, Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint inspected hostels, the mess hall and the kitchen of Kyansittha Column. The Secretary-3 gave necessary instructions and left the battalion in South Okkalapa Township at 11 am.

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( 3 ) Better quality of gems and jade with reasonable price worth over US $ 28 million to be on sale at 38th Myanma Gems Emporium

Yangon, 10 March-Members of Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of Information and Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha and Director (News) U Hla Tun, member correspondents of Myanmar Foreign Correspondents Club, the Chief Editors of dailies, and editors previewed the 38th Myanma Gems Emporium held at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here this afternoon.

They were welcomed there by Chairman of Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Secretary Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo and members. Then, they viewed the jade lots, jade figurines, uncut jade, jewellery, gems, gems ornaments and pearl displayed at the emporium. Later, a briefing on the emporium was held at the Competitive Bidding Hall of MGM. Chairman of the Central Committee for Organizing the 38th Myanma Gems Emporium Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein and member of the Information Committee Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein made speeches. Afterwards, Secretary Managing Director of Myanma Gems Enterprise U Khin Oo spoke.

He said that the Government had started mining of gems and jade in joint venture with ten private companies since April 2000 under benefit-sharing system, and since then, sale of jade and gems at the gems emporiums fetched over US $ 3.9 million. Arrangements have been made to sell joint venture gems and jade worth over US$ 2.8 million which included 7 lots of uncut Mongshu gems with reserve price of US $ 0.477 million, 44 uncut jade lots with reserve price of US $ 2.323 million at this 38th emporium. Reserve prices have been fixed after making coordination with the respective gems owners and prices of unpolished Mongshu gems have been fixed after observing the current gems market; unpolished Mongshu gems will be bought most by Thai merchants; so prices of small Mongshu gems have been coordinated; quality jade and gems with reasonable prices are being exhibited, and they will sell well at the emporium.

Replies to the invitation to attend the emporium from 280 gem merchants of 98 companies from 13 countries have been received, but it is expected that over 300 gems merchants will attend the emporium. Next, Deputy Minister U Myint Thein and Managing Director U Khin Oo replied queries raised by the local and foreign journalists. A total of 1259 jade lots with reserve price of over US $ 13 million, 422 gems lots with reserve price of over US$ 14 million, and 34 pearl lots with reserve price of over US$ 60,000 numbering 1715 lots with reserve price of over US$ 27 million will be sold at the emporium. The programme of the emporium included viewing and inspection of jade and jewellery by gems merchants from 11 to 13 March, sale of jade by tender system and competitive bidding from 14 to 16 March, sale of gems by tender system and competitive bidding on 17 March and sale of pearl by tender system and competitive bidding on 18 March from 9 am to 5 pm daily.

Diplomats view 38th Myanma Gems Emporium

Yangon, 10 March-The Ambassadors, diplomats, and military attaches of foreign missions to the Union of Myanmar and officials from UN Agencies viewed and inspected items on display at the 38th Myanma Gems Emporium at Myanma Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here from 9 am to noon today. The gem emporium is sponsored by Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee.

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( 4 )  Seminar on AFTA Process concludes

Yangon, 10 March - The seminar on AFTA process, sponsored by Sasakawa Peace Foundation and jointly organized by Myanmar Strategic and International Studies and National AFTA Unit, continued for the second day at the Traders Hotel this morning. Department Head of the Office of Strategic Studies Col Thein Swe presided over the seminar. Retired professor of Institute of Economics Daw Yee Yee Myint and Deputy Director of the Ministry of Finance & Revenue Daw Yin Yin Mya discussed the topic " Implications for Small & Medium Enterprises." In the afternoon, the discussions were assessed. Director-General of MSIS of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Aye Lwin made a closing speech, which brought the seminar to a close.

Delegations leave for Japan

Yangon, 10 March- Executive Committee member Dr Maung Maung Lay of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Managing Director U Thaung Tin of KMD Co Ltd left here by air this morning to attend the 21st Kankeiren ASEAN Management Seminar FY 2000 to be held in Osaka of Japan from 13 to 16 March. Similarly, EC member U Myint Soe of UMFCCI and Managing Director U Kyaw Win of Tri Diamond Trading Co Ltd left here by air this evening to attend the Garment Research Programme to be held in Japan from 11 to 23 March. They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by officials.

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( 5 ) UMFCCI President meets with foreign guests

Yangon, 10 March-President of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Win Myint met Executive Chairman Mr Dato' Amin Shah HJ Omar Shah of Business Focus Sdn Bhd, Malaysia and Mr Tan Sri Datuk (Dr) K Suzuk of the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia, at UMFCCI building on Merchant Street this morning. They cordially discussed matters related to investment, import and export and promotion of trade between the two countries. Similarly, a 24-member-delegation led by Deputy Director-General Mr Huang Yi of Foreign Trade and Business Cooperation Department, Yunnan Province, the People's Republic of China called on President of UMFCCI U Win Myint, Vice-President U Htein Win,General Secretary U Zaw Min Win and officials. They cordially discussed matters related to investment, bilateral cooperation between the two countries and border trade.  

Thai-made monosodium glutamate and energy drinks banned

Yangon, 10 March-Thai-made monosodium glutamate ladle brand, pot brand, red leaf brand, palace brand, sunflower brand, sardan brand and so on and various kinds of energy drinks Red Bulls brand, Lippo brand, Shark brand and so on are being illegally imported from Thailand into Myanmar through border by land or sea and distributed in the country by some smugglers. Announcement has already been issued not to consume above-mentioned products for they contain harmful chemicals that are injurious to health according to the laboratory report of the Ministry of Health. With a view to safeguarding public health, authorites have banned the importing, trading and consuming of above-mentioned illegally   imported items.

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( 6 ) Monks and laity pay homage to Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Shwehtidaw of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda

Yangon, 10 March  Members of the Sangha and devotees paid homage to Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Shwehtidaw to be installed atop Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda at Chanthagyi Prayer Hall on the platform of the Shwedagon Pagoda today. A total of 30 wellwishers donated 34 items of jewellery and other wellwishers K 1,076,145 to the funds of Kyaikhtiyoe Pagoda yesterday. Seinbudaw, Hngetmyat-nadaw and Shwehtidaw will be kept at Chanthagyi Prayer Hall of the Shwedagon Pagoda for public obeisance till 16 March.

Minister inspects construction work in Bago Division

Yangon, 10 March-Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, together with Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials of Public Works, arrived at Phyu Creek Bridge Project on Yangon-Mandalay Highway on 8 March morning. At the briefing hall, Superintending Engineer U Myint Lwin reported on progress of building the bridge. The minister gave instructions on timely completion of the bridge and systematic using of machinery. He attended to the needs and inspected the project. The bridge is 400 feet long. It has a 970-foot-long approach road on the bank of Toungoo and a 618-foot-long approach road on the bank of Phyu and two six-foot-wide pedestrian paths. It has a clearance of 10 feet height and 60 feet width. It can withstand 60-ton loads.

The minister heard a report on work being done at the worksite of Kwinchaung Creek Bridge. He gave instructions on keeping construction materials readily available and drawing plans for construction of the bridge, and fulfilled requirements. The minister and party also inspected arrangements for construction of Ye Nwe Creek Bridge and Baida Creek Bridge and road works for maintenance of Yangon-Mandalay Highway. In the evening, the minister inspected quarries of Public Works near Phayalay Village on Yangon-Mandalay Highway. The minister urged the officials to make efforts to meet the target and to transport rocks to bridge and road construction sites in time.

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( 7 ) Minister meets supervisors for matriculation exam

Yangon, 10 March-Minister for Education U Than Aung met with supervisors who will take duties examination centrewise for the year 2001 matriculation exam, at Mya Nyila Hall of No 2 Basic Education High School in Latha Township this afternoon. Also present at the meeting were Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and U Myo Nyunt, directors-general and chairmen of departments and boards under the ministry, departmental officials and the supervisors totalling over 400. The minister gave instructions on educational functions.

Home Affairs Minister, MPF Director-General meet Project Identification Mission

Yangon, 10 March-Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing met Project Identification Mission (PIM) led by Dr Michael Dalton engaged in launching a campaign against human trafficking in Southeast Asian Region at Karaweik Palace yesterday evening. Also present at the call were Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, Director-General of Labour Department Col Soe Nyunt and Director-General of Immigration and National Registration Department Col Maung Htay.

Then, the minister hosted a dinner to the mission at the palace at 7 pm. Also present at the dinner were Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Chairperson of Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association Professor Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs Prof Dr Daw May May Yee and officials. The mission also paid a courtesy call on Police Maj-Gen Soe Win at the meeting hall of MPF (Head Office) yesterday morning. Also present at the call were the director-general of Immigration and National Registration Department, the director-general of Labour Department, the director-general of Customs Department, the director-general of ASEAN Affairs Department, the deputy director-general of MPF and senior police officers.

Minister inspects preparations for Armed Forces Day Commemorative Exhibition

Yangon, 10 March - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, together with Deputy Ministers Professor Dr Mya Oo and Dr Kyaw Myint, inspected the booth of the Ministry of Health, the booth on nation-building endeavours and the booth on the 12 national objectives to be opened at the 56th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commemorative Exhibition at the Defence Services Museum on Shwedagon Pagoda Road this morning. The directors-general and officials of departments under the Ministry of Health reported on preparations to open the booths. The minister gave instructions on display of health measures undertaken for rural development and the special four-year plan for promotion of national education (health sector).

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( 8 ) Commander inspects construction, cultivation tasks in Sagaing Division

Yangon, 10 March- Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win, accompanied by officials, arrived at construction site of Chindwin River Bridge (Monywa) Project in Monywa on 3 March morning. Officials reported on driving of piles of the approach road and building of piers. The commander gave instructions on worksite safety and timely completion of the bridge. The commander and party then inspected construction of Monywa-Yagyi-Myoma-Kalay Road. In the afternoon, the commander, accompanied by Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye and Brig-Gen Soe Naing of Kalay Station, attended opening ceremony of the X-ray Unit of Kalaywa Township Hospital. The X-ray Unit was built as a cost of K 2,044,800 by wellwishers and the State. On 4 March, the commander inspected Hantha-wady Farm, Gyogyar Farm and Taungkhinyan Farm in Kalay and Gangaw Townships being undertaken by North-West Command and construction site of Yenge Creek Diversion Weir near Gyogyar Farm. After that, the commander inspected construction of 90-foot-long Kaingchaung Bridge on Monywa-Pale-Gangaw Road near Khinaye Village in Pale Township.

Commander tours Waw, DaikU

Yangon, 10 March-Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Maj-Gen Tin Aye, accompanied by departmental officials, inspected the earth road linking Ekayit Village and Naung-pattaya Village and summer paddy fields in Waw Township and fulfilled the requirements on 7 March morning. The commander inspected plantations of petishwewah and sunflower of farmer U Win of Hteindabin Village, preparations of earth road to Phosabei Village and rural health care centre in Tawgyi Village and attended to the needs. He also inspected worksite of construction of Shankaing Head Regulator Project in Waw Township and gave instructions to the officials and inspected the worksite. He then inspected Shankaing-Nyaung-kha rural development road and met with the teachers and local farmers at Affiliated Basic Education Middle School in Thongwa Village, DaikU. Afterwards, he inspected plantations of petishwewah of farmer U Tin Win and the building of the drain. Later, the commander inspected the Thongwa embankment, progress of rural development and plantation of prtishwe-wah along the Pakaingta embankment.

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