( 1 ) "Soon" offered to Sayadaws of State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon)

Yangon, 31 July-  "Soon" was offered to lecturer monks, administrator monks and trainee monks of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) at Mogok Soonsarn hsung at Kaba Aye here this morning. This is the first time staff and families of the Yangon Division All Private Bus Lines Control Committee offer "soon" and waso robes to the Buddhist monks of the university. 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 attended the ceremony and presented waso robes to the monks.

Present on the occasion to pay respects to Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Abhid-haja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara, Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Candima, Patron of the university Sayadaw Agga Maha Gandavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Vanita and other monks were the commander, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Vice-Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, military region commanders, members of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, chairmen of District Peace and Development Councils of Yangon Division, members of the pagoda boards of trustees of Maha Wizaya Pagoda and Buddha's Tooth Relic Pagoda, Chairman of Yangon Division

All Private Bus Lines Control Committee U Phone Kyaw and members, staff, car owners and others. Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara administered the Five Precepts, followed by recitation of parittas by the Sayadaws. Minister U Aung Khin presented the 720 Buddha images, which will be conveyed to the border areas for public obeisance under the arrangement of the Maha Wizaya Pagoda Board of Trustees, to Chairman of the Pagoda Construction Committee Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than.

The images were donated by wellwishers at the enshrinement ceremony of the pagoda. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, officials and wellwishers presented Waso robes to the Sayadaws. U Phone Kyaw supplicated on religious matters. The congregation shared the merits gained. Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kumara delivered a sermon. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, officials and wellwishers presented gifts to lay person lecturers and administrators of the university. They then paid obeisance to the Buddha images. "Soon" was then offered to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

Minister inspects water supply projects, discusses boosting yield of crops in Mandalay Division

Yangon, 31 July-  Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected late monsoon long-staple cotton model farms and sunflower farms in TadaU Township, Mandalay Division, today. During the inspection, the minister met with farmers and gave suggestions on water supply, cultivation of quality strains and application of modern methods. Accompanied by officials, the minister visited the main pumping station of Simigon Stage 2 River Pumped Water Project at Kaing village in Myingyan Township. The project will lift water from Ayeyawady River. At his meeting with farmers, the minister spoke of the need to designate special mixed-cropping zones to extend cotton cultivation. He then inspected installation of flumes, chosen sites to build still water tanks, installation of equipment at the No 2 and No 3 pumped water stations and situation along the main feeder canal and tributary canals along Kaing and Simigon villages.

At the briefing hall, the minister heard a report on the Simigon Stage 1 project which will irrigate 9,000 acres, the Simigon Stage 2 project which will irrigate 11,000 acres and arrangements being made to extend crops on 20,000 acres, irrigation and crop cultivation in the region presented by Director-General of Water Resources Utilization Department U Win Shwe and Chairman of Myingyan District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ye Swe.

The minister spoke of the need to extend irrigated areas and crop cultivation, to increase per acre yield and to reduce wastage. He then observed cultivation of crops at the irrigated areas. In Myingyan Township, he inspected farm works at Thityon village. He urged officials to cultivate quality strains and to raise crop production. The region is cultivating mixed crops such as pesinngon, sesame, pedisein and groundnut. At Yitkan special cotton and sesame farm in Myittha Township, the minister met with farmers and urged them to extend special zones to cultivate quality strains, to raise crop per acre yield and to use modern methods.

He also attended to the requirements of the farmers. Managing Director of Myanma Cotton and Sericulture Enterprise Dr Thein Htay explained modern farming techniques. Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin said that as the ministry is providing assistance to the special zones, farmers should observe the rules in selling their crops. Together with officials, the minister inspected pontoons, installation of pipes, the feeder canal and water tanks at the pumped water station at Pareinma village in Myaing Township, Sagaing Division.

The project will lift water from Chindwin River for cultivation. At the briefing hall, Director-General U Win Shwe and officials explained extension of pumped water stations to lift water from the Ayeyawady and the Chindwin for cultivation, and the town and village water supply, power supply to the pumped water projects, facilities of the projects, the progress in building feeder canals and the villages covered by the projects with the help of maps and charts. The minister and party then inspected the No 2 pumped water station, the feeder canals and water tanks. In ChaungU Township, the minister and party visited Paukinn Farm where Managing Director of Myanma Farms Enterprise U San Myint and officials explained points of the farm.

Advanced prawn breeding course opened

Yangon, 31 July- The advanced prawn breeding course of the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries was opened at the hall of the Fisheries Institute in Insein Township here this afternoon, with an opening address by Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister U Aung Thein, director-general and managing directors of the ministry, officials from the Fisheries Department, course instructors and entrepreneurs of prawn breeding and prawn hatching companies. Altogether 105 trainees from the Fisheries Department, the Yangon City Development Committee and the fisheries companies are attending the five-week course.

up
___________________________

( 2 ) Minister for Industry-1 inspects factories

Yangon, 31 July- Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thein Tun and officials inspected Garment Factory No 11 in Insein Township this morning. The minister inspected weaving, packaging, quality control and tailoring units at the factory. The minister went to Blanket Factory No 20 and inspected production of socks and stockings, spindles and vests. The minister gave instructions on arrangements for construction of new factories and boosting production of vests. The minister inspected production of blankets and cultivation of mushroom and met officials. He presented cash to service personnel who had 40 years' service and above. The minister and party went to Myanma Flour Mill of Myanma Foodstuff Industries in Hline Township. The minister inspected construction of vinegar factory. He also inspected the site for construction of sewing machines factory.

Minister for Industry-2 inspects radiator and disc wheel workshops

Yangon, 31 July- Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and officials yesterday arrived at Indakaw Industrial Zone in Bago Division. The minister met experts from the People's Republic of China who are here to install machines at radiator workshop and disc wheel workshop being constructed by Myanmar Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries. The minister fulfilled the requirements. The minister then inspected the workshops. He also inspected the land preparation for construction of the factory.

Minister inspects construction of Darka Bridge in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 31 July- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials yesterday inspected repair of road on Yangon-Nyaungdon-Kankalay Road. The minister went to the construction site of Darka Bridge. Senior Engineer U Kyaw Lin reported on bore piling of approach bridge on the bank of Pathein and operation of the machinery. The Chief Engineer (Roads) reported on work done for Nyaungdon-Pathein Road section and tasks to be undertaken. The minister gave instructions on the use of machinery and construction of the bridge according to the set standard. The bridge is 1,400 feet long. Clearance is 80 feet wide and 16 feet high. The bridge withstands 60 tons of load.

( 3 ) Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa leaves to attend ASEAN ministerial meeting in Singapore

Yangon, 31 July- Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa left here for Singapore to attend the Fourth ASEAN Social Welfare Ministers Meeting in Singapore. The minister wasĘseen off at the airport by Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, Ambassador of Singapore Mr Simon Tensing de Cruz, Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar Working Committee for Women's Affairs Adviser to the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Professor Daw May May Yi and officials.

Industries in Bahan and Mayangon inspected

Yangon, 31 July- Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San visited industries in Bahan and Mayangon townships, which are included in Yangon West Industrial Zone, this morning. During the inspection of Pale Myanma Handicraft Enterprise, officials of the company conducted the minister and party round the showrooms and production centres. The officials reported to the minister on market condition, plans to extend the functions of the enterprise and showrooms. The minister and officials looked into their requirements. The enterprise is exporting its products to Thailand, Japan, the United States, Singapore, Italy, Germany, Australia and Holland yearly.

At D Shadow Cosmetics, Industry the minister and party were conducted round the showrooms and the production centres. The company officials reported on the products, the market conditions, and plans to extend markets abroad. The minister gave suggestions. The company is exporting its products to markets in China, Thailand and India. The minister and party also visited a garment factory of Myanma Garment Company Ltd.

UMFCCI official leaves for Thailand

Yangon, 31 July- Central Executive Committee member of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Wai Phyo left for Thailand to attend the Asia Strategy Forum; The Emerging Economic Map of Asia; Regional Production Restructuring, Asia Integration and Sustainable Development meeting to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 1 to 2 August this morning. Officials concerned saw him off at the airport.

up

( 4 ) Minister for Sports inspects training of athletes

Yangon, 31 July- Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint inspected training of tentatively selected horse riders for XXI SEA Games in Bagan-NyaungU Township on 29 July. The minister also met tentatively selected archers camping at sports grounds and gave counsel. Then the minister inspected their training. The minister met member of District and Township Sports and Physical Education Committees and departmental officials. He explained measures taken for promotion of Myanmar sports standard and preparation for XXI SEA Games and donated sports equipment.

Mayor meets sports contingent to SEA Games

Yangon, 31 July- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay met athletes who will take part in XXI Southeast Asian Games at Thuwaunna Indoor Stadium-1 today. The SEA Games will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from the last week of August to 17 September. Also present were leader of the Myanmar sports contingent to the SEA Games Deputy Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department U Thaung Htaik and others.

( 5 ) Tatmadawmen plant over 50,000 trees in Mandalay

Yangon, 31 July- Tree planting ceremony of the units and battalions of Mandalay Station was held on 29 July morning at the respective places in Mandalay. Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint attended the ceremony together with the Tatmadawmen and families. Over 50,000 saplings of perennial tree species such as tamarind, neem, toddy palm, kokko and mango were planted at the ceremony.

At 9 am, the commander attended the novitiation of 34 students of Maha Aungmyay Pariyatti Kyaung. Donations were also presented to build a four-storey building at the kyaung. State Ovadacariya Joint Shwekyin Sasanabaing Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Agghiya of Waso Monastery administered the Five Precepts. The Sayadaws recited parittas. The commander and wife and the donors Daw Kay Khaing Ye Myint and family presented robes and other offertories to the Sayadaws. U Han Myo Aung, Daw San San Htay and family presented K 150,000 towards the funds to construct the building, U Ko Ko Lay, Daw Win Win and family K 100,000, U Khin Maung Swe, Daw Nweni Khin and family K 50,000. The commander accepted the donations. The congregation shared the merits gained. Chairman of Mandalay Division Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadaja Bhad-danta Sasanabhivamsa of Myadaung Taik delivered a sermon. The commander and wife and the donor family offered "soon" to the Sayadaws and the novice monks.

Artistes of Shwelamin Anyeint troupe and outstanding women honoured

Yangon, 31 July- A ceremony to honour artistes of Yangon Command Shwelamin Anyeint troupe and outstanding women in Yangon Division in commemoration of Myanmar Women's Day was held at Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Office this morning.

Present were 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 and wife Daw Malar Tint, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint and members of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council, Chairman of Yangon Division Work Committee for Women's Affairs Commissioner U Thein Swe and members, outstanding women and artistes. Commissioner U Thein Swe spoke on the occasion. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than presented gifts to Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint and Major Saw Hlaing and Major Thant Zin who rendered assistance to Shwelamin Anyeint troupe.

Member of Yangon Division Working Committee for Women's Affairs and leader of Prevention of Violence against Women and Rehabilitation Group (Yangon Division) Daw Malar Tint presented gifts to artistes of Shwelamin Anyeint troupe and those who rendered assistance to the troupe. Daw Malar Tint presented gifts to supervisors and leaders of survey team for development of women's life. Commissioner U Thein Swe presented gifts to the outstanding women. Leading dancer of Shwelamin Anyeint troupe Khaing Thazin Thin spoke words of thanks.

( 6 ) Village school gets multimedia teaching centre

Yangon, 31 July- Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Maj-Gen Soe Win visited Thaphanseik Dam in Kyunhla Township, Sagaing Division, on 25 July. Accompanied by officials, the commander inspected water supply and water storage of the dam and progress in building the hydroelectric power station of the project. He heard a report on progress of work and work ahead presented by the project officials. In Kanbalu Township, the commander and party inspected Kyebin-et Dam Project and attended to the needs of the project officials. The commander also attended the ceremony to open multimedia teaching centre at the Basic Education High School in Myindaung village in KhinU Township. He formally opened the centre. After inspecting the class rooms, the commander presented teaching aids to the school.

Commander's shield Volleyball Tourney opened

Yangon, 31 July- A ceremony to open the Triangle Region Command Commander's shield Volleyball Tournament was held at the stadium of Shan State (East) on 28 July. It was attended by Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, high ranking officers of the command, commanding officers of the units of Kengtung Station, officers, other ranks, family members and fans. The commander delivered a speech. In the men's event Kengtung Station 1 team met with Monghsat Station team and in the women's event Mongpyin Station team met with Tachilek Station team. Altogether, seven men's teams and five women's teams took part in the tournament.

 up

( 7 )  MWVO provides cash assistance to war veterans in Taninthayi Division

Yangon, 31 July-  A ceremony to present cash assistance for war veterans aged 75 and above and disabled war veterans by the Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee was held at Pale Yadana Hall in Myeik on 27 July afternoon with an address by Patron of the Taninthayi Division War Veterans Organization Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Aye Kyway.

Also present on the occasion were members of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organizing Committee Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Deputy Director-General of the Prisons Department U Saw Ngwe, senior officers from the command, members of Division Peace and Development Council, members of division/district/township USDAs, members of WVO and invited guests. Commander Brig-Gen Aye Kyway and Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein presented K 5.15 million to 60 war veterans aged 75 and above and 38 disabled war veterans in Taninthayi Division. On behalf of the war veterans, members of Myeik Township War Veterans Organization Captain Zaw Win (Retd) spoke words of thanks.