(1) Sixth cash donation for renovation of Pada Hsandawshin Pagoda held in Kyauktan Township  

YANGON, 21 July- The sixth cash donation for all-round renovation of Pada Hsandawshin Pagoda was held at  Padagyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik in the precincts of the pagoda at Padagyi Village in Kyauktan Township this  afternoon, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.

Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and  Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the  State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental officials, wellwishers, members of the committee for  all-round renovation of the pagoda and guests. The Secretary-1 presented offertories to Presiding Nayaka of  Padagyi Pariyatti Sarthin-taik Maha Gandhavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Candima.

The Secretary-1 presented K 2.5 million donated by the State Peace and Development Council and K 500,000 from  the donations for social purposes to Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than.

The Secretary-1 accepted K 1 million donated by Chairman of Kanbawza Bank U Aung Ko Win and wife Vice-Chairman recipient of Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma  Theingi Daw Nang Than Htwe (recipient of excellent performance in social field - first class), K 1 million by U  Tin Sein (Myanmar Universal Bank), K 1 million by U Aung Htwe (Golden Flower Construction), K 100,000 by  Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, K 500,000 by Hero International Co. Ltd and K 300,000 by  Yuzana Co. Ltd.

Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Minister Lt-Gen. Tin Ngwe accepted K 300,000 donated by U Zaw  Zaw Naing-Daw Yee Yee Myint (Maykhala Co. Ltd), K 300,000 by Asia World Co. Ltd, K 111,111 by U Ba Ni  and U Kyaw Myint (Thabawa Economic Enterprise), K 100,000 by Townships in Yangon South District, K  100,000 by MCG Co. Ltd, K 100,000 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, K 100,000 Daw Sein Yee, K 100,000 by U  Khin Maung Thein-Daw Kyi Kyi Win of Chanmye Yeiktha, K 138.535 and US 100 by disciples of the Padagyi Sayadaw, K 100,000 by people from Kyauktan, K 50,000 by edible oil agents, K 50,000 by U Kyaukkhe-Daw Kyin  Myaing, and K 40,000 by Township Motor vehicles group and Boat group. Superintending Engineer of Yangon  South District U Kyi Hlaing reported on renovation of the pagoda and the Secretary-1 gave instructions. The  Secretary-1 inspected the renovation of the ancient pagoda, and visited the pagoda and signed in the visitors' book.

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(2) Shwehmawwun archway opens in Kyauktan Township 

YANGON, 21 July- A ceremony to open Shwehmaw-wun archway of Kyauktan Township was held in front of the  archway in Kyauktan Township this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council  Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt. Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon  Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the deputy  ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, Chairmen of Yangon South District and Kyauktan Township Peace and Development Councils and members, departmental officials, members of social associations, teachers, students and members of band troupe and pom pom dance troupe, local  people and guests.

In connection with the construction of Shwehmawwun welcoming archway, Director-General of Progress of  Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Myo Myint said the department is implementing  development works with the aim of developing of townships and villages.

He said Kyauktan Township lies 21 miles south- east of Yangon City. Kyaik-hmawwun-yayle Pagoda is in the  township and pilgrims from all over the country and tourists visit the pagoda and the township. He said the  township is an economically important place where agricultural special zone, industrial development zone, fresh  and sea water prawn breeding stations and Thilawa Port are situated.

Kyauktan Township which lies by the Hmawwun River is also known as Shwehmawwun, he added. Kyauktan  Township Development Affairs Committee has grown grass and flowering plants for the beauty of the entrance to  the township and the archway was completed on 12 July 2001, he said. On behalf of local people, Chairman of  Kyauktan Township Peace and Development Council U Lu Maw expressed thanks for the construction of the  archway.

Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development  Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National  Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin formally opened the archway by cutting the ribbon. The Secretary-1  formally opened the archway. The Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the  success of the ceremony. The Secretary-1, the commander and guests then inspected the archway.

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(3) Exercise books and pencils donated to children of 109 primary schools and monastic education schools 

YANGON, 21 July - A ceremony to present exercise books and pencils donated by wellwishers under the  arrangement of Myanmar Education Committee to basic education schools in Kyauktan, Thanlyin, Thongwa and  Khayan Townships in Yangon South District was held at Shwe-hmawwun Hall in Kyauktan this morning.  Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen.  Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and handed over donations to respective schools.

Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and  Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the  State Peace and Development Council Office and heads of department, township authorities, personnel of social  organizations, school heads, teachers, students and guests.

The Secretary-1 said that the purpose of the ceremony was to donate exercise books and pencils for the children of  109 primary schools and monastic education schools in Thanlyin, Kyauktan, Khayan and Thongwa Townships.  The government is taking the lead in implementing national education promotion plans, and due to active  participation of the people, success has been achieved to some extent.

According to the education promotion plans, the Ministry of Education is implementing on a large scale a plan  designed to ensure that all the school-age children go to school. The success achieved in this regard can be  attributed to active participation of the people and such social organizations as the Union Solidarity and  Development Association, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Myanmar National Committee for  Women's Affairs, Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire Brigade. The books  and stationery to be presented to school-age children today were bought with the donations made by wellwishers.  Similar donations have already been made in Mandalay and Magway Divisions, and teachers and officials need to
present them to school children in order to achieve the aim. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 thanked the well- wishers for their donation.

Then, the Secretary-1, the commander and the ministers presented exercise books and pencils to school heads and  teachers of basic education schools and monastic education schools. Tamangyi Village Basic Education Primary  School Headmaster U Kyi Lin spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 had a cordial meeting  with the school heads and students. Altogether 8,970 dozens of exercise books and 3,000 dozens of pencils valued  at K 3,166,200 were presented to 78 primary schools and 31 monastic education schools.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party visited Kyaikhmawwun Yayle Pagoda in Kyauktan and offered flowers and  lights to the pagoda. Chairman of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Hlaing  reported on arrangements for installation of wrought ironwork at Gandakutitaik of Hsutaungpyi Ngasat Pagoda.  The Secretary-1 gave instructions on the work and toured the pagoda.

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(4) Secretary-1 attends merit-sharing ceremony for Ayechan Aungmyin Ngwekyaungdawgyi in Tamway Township

YANGON, 21 July-A ceremony to share merits for completion of Ayechan Aungmyin Ngwekyaung-dawgyi on  Naymyothura Street, Myittanyunt Ward, Tamway Township, here, was held at the Kyaung-dawgyi this morning,  attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Presiding Nayaka of the Kyaungdawgyi U Sugandha and U Jotika 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 Office of the State  Peace and Development Council, departmental heads, local authorities, member of Township Union Solidarity and  Development Association, religious associations, wellwishers and guests. At the auspicious time, the commander  formally opened the Kyaungdawgyi. Presiding Nayaka of Mingalathuka Pali University Agga Maha Pandita
Bhaddanta  anamincu invested the congregation with the Five Precepts.

The members of the Sangha recited the Parittas. Then, Secretary of Committee for Construction of the  Kyaungdawgyi U Min Thein supplicated on the brief background history of the Ayechan Aungmyin Votive Tablet  Pagoda and completion of construction of the Kyaungdawgyi.

Next, the Secretary-1, the commander and wellwishers presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. Then,  the third cash presentation ceremony for the Kyaungdawgyi followed. Deputy Attorney-General U Khin Maung  Aye presented K 5,995,849 donated by the public; Chairman of Kan-bawza Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win-Vice- Chairperson Thiha Thudama Theingi Thiri Thudama Theingi Agga Maha Thiri Thudama Theingi Daw Nan Than  Htwe (recipient of medal for excellent performance in social field first class) and family and U Chit Swe-Daw May  Win and family, K 5 million each; Ko Kyaw Nyunt and Brothers Steel Rod Trading, K 4,015,463; U Albert-Daw Hmway Hmway and family, K 2.5 million; Cherry Shan Co, K 2,160,000; Ma Yin Yin Htwe and family, K 2  million; Police Col (Retd) Thiripyanchi U Maung Maung-Daw Kyi Than and family, K 2.4 million; Asia Wealth  Bank, Miss Lillian S L Kong of Trans-Pacific Associations Co Ltd, Dr Ko Ko Htwe-Ma Win Win Myint and  family, U Win Aung (Mary Khaing Orchid Garden) and family and (U Pwint Kaung)-Daw Khin Nwe (Shwe  Pazon) and family, K 1 million each; Daw Me Me Nu Kyi and family, K 950,000; U Soe Paing-Daw Thin Thin  Myat and family, K 867,118; U Pyone Cho and family, K 832,500; U Maung Maung Lwin-Daw Me Me Tun and  family, K 700,000; U Kyaw Win-Daw Han Aye and family and U Sein Min-Daw Khin Khin Cho and family, K  600,000 each; Daw Ma Ma Lay (Lutlatyay Maw Gun Win) and family, U Win Lwin-Daw San San Kyi and family,  Brig-Gen. Kyaw Tint (Retd)-Daw Khin Myo Myint and family and U Khin Maung Win-Daw Myat Myat Htwe  (Min Htet Tha Lottery Shop) and family, K 500,000 each. The Secretary-1 and the commander accepted donations.

Later, compiler of Tipitaka Pali-Myanmar Dictionary Course Instructor of Dhammacariya Course Presiding  Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sucittabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. The Secretary-1  offered " soon ", water and flowers to the Votive Tablet Pagoda. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed  rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony, and then offered " soon " to the members  of the Sangha.

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(5) Wellwishers make donation in cash and kind for construction of Dhammavihara Pahtamakyaw Sarthintaik 

YANGON, 21 July - The second donation ceremony for construction of a three-storeyed building of Dhamma- vihara Pahtamakyaw Sarthin-taik was held at the Sarthintaik in Thingangyun Township, Yangon East District,  this morning.

Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen. Win Myint attended the ceremony and accepted  the donations. Also present were Sayadaws and members of the Sangha led by Presiding Sayadaw of  Dhammavihara Pahtamakyaw Sarthintaik Pahtamakyaw Dhammacariya Catunikayavidu Pali Paragu Bhaddanta  Garuvamsabhi-vamsa, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, the  commander of No 4 Military Region, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of  department, township authorities, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, well-wishers
and guests.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Garuvamsabhivamsa administered the Five Precepts. The Secretary-3 and party offered alms  to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. The Secretary-3 accepted donations  20 bags of rice donated by the  Ministry of Commerce, K 5 million by Kanbawza Bank Company Ltd, K 2.5 million by Diamond Dragon Co Ltd,  K 1.5 million by Yadanawin (Thonze) Ltd and K 1.5 million by First Top Co Ltd. Minister Brig-Gen. Pyi Sone,  the deputy ministers and officials also accepted donations  K 1 million by BRB Co Ltd, K 1 million by Maung  Oakshaung Co Ltd, K 200,000 each by nine members of Myanmar Oil Dealers Association, 100 viss of oil by other  members of MODA, K 300,000 each by U Tun Aung Kyaw-Daw Nwe Ni Win and family, U Hla Sein-Daw Khin  Khin Htwe and family and Dr Kyaw Htay-Ma Yu Yu Lwin and family, K 150,000 by U Soe Win-Daw Khin Khin  Nyein and family and 10 bags of rice by Chairman of Myanmar Rice Merchants Association U Nyein- Daw Ohn  Kyin (OK Rice Dealing Bayintnaung Family). The Presiding Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing  of merits. The Secretary-3 performed the ritual of silver and golden showers.

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(6) Second plenary meeting of the 47-member Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee continues 

YANGON, 21 July - The second plenary meeting of the 47-member Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee  continued for the second day in Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin Hall at Kaba Aye here today. 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 Koe-hsaungtaik  Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Director-General of the Department for  the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department
Dr Myo Myint, officials and heads of state/division and district religious affairs departments.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita chaired the meeting and Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta  Tejaniya acted as master of ceremonies. Bhaddanta Vicara discussed measures taken for Vinicchaya affairs;  Bhaddanta Sunnada, measures taken for religious affairs; Bhaddanta Jotika, work done for educational affairs.  Then, a general round of discussions followed. Discussions on selection of the State Vinayadhara Sayadaws were  also held. The meeting ended in the evening.

Japanese monk donates cash for " soon ", robes and construction of hospital 

YANGON, 21 July- Japanese monk Imori Masahiro donated cash for " soon ", robes and construction of hospital at  Maha Pasana Cave in Kaba Aye Hill this morning. Present were member Sayadaws led by Chairman of the State  Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Ratha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma jotika  Myingyan Koehsaung Taik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, Japanese monk Imori Masahiro, Minister for Religious  Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General  of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of Religious Affairs  Department Dr Myo Myint, Pro-rector (Admin) of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla  Pe, Deputy Director-General of Religious Affairs Department U Chit Khin, Head of Office U Maung Maung  Myint, personnel of religious associations, disciples of Japanese monk Imori Masahiro and guests. The  congregation received the Five Precepts from Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja  Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara. Members of  the Sangha recited the Metta Sutta. Minister U Aung Khin and wife Daw Yin Yin Nyunt, Japanese monk Imori  Masahiro and wellwishers presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

Japanese monk Abe Khanshin and Chinese monk Shi Chin Yauk explained the purpose of the donation.  Chairman of Taw Win Tun Co U Tun Aung supplicated on their statement in Myanmar. Minister U Aung Khin  accepted K 4.7 million donated by Japanese monk and wellwishers for 47 Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaws.  Adviser U Arnt Maung accepted K 300,000 for " soon " of member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka  Committee and Chairman of Taw Win Tun Co U Tun Aung accepted K 2 million for Maha Aungmyebonsan  Kyaungtaik. Director-General Dr Myo Myint also accepted K 1 million for construction of station hospital in Inye  Village in Kyonpyaw Township, Ayeyawady Division. Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. Wellwishers offered " soon " to member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha  Nayaka Committee.
 
Waso-robe offering ceremony held

YANGON, 21 July-The families of the Myanma Economic Bank held its sixth Waso robe-offering ceremony at the  Bank Branch 1 on Pansodan Street this morning, attended by Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung  Thein and wife Daw Su Su Thein. Presiding Nayaka of Myatheintan Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Agga Maha  Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Kesara administered the Five Precepts. Then, the minister and wife, Deputy  Minister Brig-Gen. Than Tun, departmental heads and staff presented Waso robes and offertories to the members  of the Sangha. The Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained and the ceremony came to a close.

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(7) Minister for Rail Transportation tours Mon State

YANGON, 21 July-Minister for Rail Transportation together with officials met with officials of Road Transport  Administration Department in Mawlamyaing on 18 July and discussed matters related to registration of  automobiles and staff welfare. The minister also met with Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council  Commander of Southeast Command Brig-Gen. Myint Swe. They discussed matters related to maintenance of  Mawla-myaing-Ye Railroad. Then, the minister and the commander visited construction site of Thanlwin Bridge.  Later, The minister inspected the railroad and maintenance work along Mottama-Thaton railroad. On 19 July, he  inspected work at Donthami bridge construction project and gave necessary instructions.

Outstanding athletes honoured

YANGON, 21 July-A ceremony to honour staff athletes of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation who won  medals in sports tournaments at home and abroad in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 was held at the meeting hall of  Myanma Farm Enterprise on Pyay Road yesterday evening. It was attended by Minister for Agriculture and  Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and wife, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Khin Maung and wife, directors-general and  managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry and their wives, departmental officials,  athletes, instructors and managers.

First, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin delivered a speech. Then, officials presented prizes won in each event to the  minister. Later, the minister presented prizes to athletes who won prizes in foreign tournaments. Deputy Minister  Brig-Gen. Khin Maung presented prizes to the athletes who won prizes in local tournaments. Officials and guests  presented prizes and honorary prizes to the athletes and instructors. Athletes of the Ministry of Agriculture and  Irrigation won 20 gold medals, 14 silver medals, 12 bronze medals in tournaments abroad and 914 gold medals,  539 silver medals and 388 bronze medals in local tournaments in 1999-2000 and 2000-2001.

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(8) CPT Minister inspects auto telephone exchange in Pazundaung

YANGON, 21 July-Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen. Thein Zaw inspected  construction of office building of the Ministry in the compound of auto exchange of Ahlon Township, Myanma  Posts and Telecommunications this morning. At the briefing hall, Deputy-Director U San Lin of Myanma  Industrial Construction Services reported to the minister on design of the building and progress of work. The  minister gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister inspected round the building and left instructions on  finishing work according to schedule. Later, he proceeded to auto-exchange of Pazun-daung Township.  Superintending engineer of Yangon auto telephone exchange reported to the minister on the set-up of the  exchange, number of exchange, installation of telephone lines and daily repair work of telephone lines. The minister gave instructions. Then, he inspected the telephone exchange, machines for CDMA telephones and PCM machines. Officials reported to the minister on work and the minister gave instructions.

Deputy Minister inspects cultural edifices

YANGON, 21 July - Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, accompanied by Deputy Director-General of the  Department of Archaeology U Tun Zaw, Director U Sein Win and officials of the Ministry of Culture, went to the  site of Kanbawzathadi Palace of King Bayintnaung in Bago yesterday morning. The deputy minister met with  officials and employees in the meeting hall of the ancient cultural heritage region branch (Bago section). He gave  instructions on the systematic use of allotted funds, the greening of the palace site and cultivation of kitchen crops  and perennial crops. The deputy minister then inspected Shwegugyi Stone Inscription Building, and gave  instructions. He also inspected Kalyani Stone Inscription of King Dhammaceti. Afterwards, he inspected construction of Kanbawza Palace and gave instructions.

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(9)  Uto-kya-in Region agricultural and livestock breeding project inspected

YANGON, 21 July-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay inspected agricultural  and livestock breeding work in Uto-kya-in Region in Taikkyi Township here and attended the ceremony to open  new school building of Alaboat Village Basic Education Primary School in the project region this afternoon.  Accompanied by officials, the mayor went to Hlaing River Bridge on Uto-Aphauk Road in Agricultural and  Livestock Breeding Project in Uto-kya-in Region and inspected the in-flow of water into the Hlaing River and gave  instructions on plans to be implemented for construction of sluice gates for prevention of flooding in the project. Then, the mayor attended the opening ceremony of renovated new school building of Alaboat Village (Upper) BEPS, which was built at a cost of K 500,000 donated by YCDC. Deputy Head of Production Division U Htay Nyunt formally opened the new building. The mayor and party viewed the building. Later, the mayor proceeded to  Alaboat Village (Lower) Zeyathukha Monastery and made donations for the health care for Sayadaw Bhaddanta U  Soma.

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