( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends message of felicitations to Jamaica

Yangon, 6 Aug-  Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr P J Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Jamaica which falls on 6 August 2001.

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( 2 ) Ceremony to mark the 50th Vassa of Presiding Sayadaw of Tawtaik Damayeiktha held

Yangon, 5 Aug-  A ceremony to mark the 50th Vassa of Presiding Sayadaw of Tawtaik Damayeiktha State Ovadacariya Agga Maha Kammathana ‚ariya Bhaddanta Dhammasara and to celebrate the silver jubilee of Tawtaik Dama-yeiktha was held in conjunction with the cash donation ceremony for construction of a three-storeyed Dama-theikdi Kyaungdawgyi at the Damayeiktha in Tawtaik Village, Shwepyitha Township, this morning.

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and supplicated on religious affairs. Also present were State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, member Sayadaws of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha and invited members of the Sangha, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association and religious associations, guests and wellwishers. Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammasara invested the congregation with the Nine Precepts.

Then, the Presiding Sayadaw gave an account of Tawtaik Damayeiktha Kyaungtaikgyi. Afterwards, Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited Parittas. In his supplication, the Secretary-1 said that it has been for 25 years since Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammasara established Tawtaik Damayeiktha near Tawtaik village in 1338 ME. Therefore, the silver jubilee of Tawtaik Dama-yeiktha was held in conjunction with the ceremony to mark the 50th Vassa of the Sayadaw. When the Sayadaw established the Damayeiktha Kyaungtaik, the Sayadaw lived in a bamboo hut and four prerequisites were not sufficient.

However, due to diligence and conviction of the Sayadaw, there have emerged religious buildings, and the compound of the Kyaungtaik has become peaceful and pleasant with trees and bamboo groves and ponds and wells. The Sayadaw aimed at establishing Pariyatti Sarthintaik at first. In consideration of four prerequisites, the Sayadaw opened Padipatti Kammahtan Yeiktha.

The Kyaungtaik was also named Tawtaik Damayeiktha. Later, the Sayadaw has accepted student monks. There are now over 170 student monks, and the Sayadaw has given lectures for the basic primary, Pahtamnge, Pahtamalat, Pahtamagyi and Dham-macariya examinations. There have emerged those who passed Pahtamange, Pahtamalat, Pahtamagyi, Dhammacariya and Tipitakadhara examinations. Moreover, the Sayadaw has given free primary education to over 400 children, and donated stationery to them.

In addition to working on the State Ovadacariya Committee, the Sayadaw is a member of the Shwedagon Pagoda, Botahtaung Pagoda and Kyaikdeup SandawU Pagoda Boards of Trustees. He is also Ovadacariya Sayadaw of Cetiyingana Pariyatti Examination and Pariyatti Examinations of North Okkalapa Township.

As the Sayadaw has been performing religious duties day and night, the government conferred Agga Maha Kammathana ‚ariya title on the Sayadaw. Families of the Tat-madaw (Army, Navy and Air) and wellwishers are making donations in cash and kind to the Kyaungtaik. Then, the Secretary-1 offered alms to the Sayadaw and presented 350 dozen of exercise books and 50 dozen of pencils for the school children. Afterwards, the ministers offered alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. The Secretary-1 presented K 1 million donated for construction of the three-storey Damatheikdi Kyaung-dawgyi by the State Peace and Development Council to Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin.

The Secretary-1 accepted donations K 1 million by A-1 Construction Company, K 540,000 by Daw Shu Yin and family, K 500,000 by Daw Amar and family, Daw Khin May and family, Sayamagyi Daw Khin May and family and CAMC Company each. Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin and Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Tin Winn accepted donations. Altogether 331 wellwishers donated a total of K 21,895,576. Presiding Sayadaw of Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaiks Tipitakadhara Dhamma Bandagarika Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sumingala Linkara (Ph.D) delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed the ritual of golden and silver showers. The Secretary-1 and party offered "soon" to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. Next, the Secretary-1 attended to the requirements of the monastic education school of Tawtaik Damayeiktha. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of three-storeyed Damatheikdi Kyaungdawgyi.

Secretary-1 attends coord meeting on Myanmar- Singapore economic and technical cooperation

Yangon, 5 Aug- A coordination meeting on Myanmar-Singapore economic and technical cooperation was held at the meeting hall of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) this afternoon, addressed by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were ministers, the Yangon mayor, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials. Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel reported on the holding of ministerial level meeting on Myanmar-Singapore economic and technical cooperation and work programmes being implemented. Those present reported on matters pertaining to development of hotels and tourism industry, courses on air and maritime technology development, cooperation on agriculture and livestock breeding, cooperation on economic, trade and communication technology development, science and technological cooperation for human resources development and future tasks under Myanmar-Singapore economic and technical cooperation programme.

The Secretary-1 said the Myanmar-Singapore economic and technical cooperation programme has emerged as a result of the goodwill visit to the Republic of Singapore in 1995 by Head of State Senior General Than Shwe. In order to reflect friendly ties between the two leaders, bilateral cooperation programmes have been implemented since1996, he said. Ministerial level meetings on Myanmar-Singapore economic and technical cooperation have been held in Myanmar and Singapore alternatively since 1996, and cooperation programmes implemented, he said. He said the fourth meeting was held in Singapore in early 2001 and future tasks were laid down.

Those from the ministries concerned and the private sector were allowed to attend the technological and technical courses offered by Singapore under the Myanmar-Singapore economic and technical cooperation programmes, he added. The Secretary-1 urged the ministries concerned to implement the economic and technical cooperation programmes sucessfully. He called for implementation of the cooperation programmes which have materialized after the goodwill visit of the Head of State for the interests of the State.

Secretary-1 receives member of House of Representatives of Japan

Yangon, 5 Aug-  Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received member of House of Representatives Mr Suto Nobuhiko and party of Japan at the guests house of the Ministry of Defence at 5 pm today. Also present together with the Secretary-1 were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and Director-General of Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet. The guests were accompanied by Charge d' Affaires ai of Japanese Embassy in Myanmar Embassy Mr Kiyo Shi Koinuma.

( 3 ) Secretary-3 attends Waso robes and "soon" offering ceremony of Hindu families

Yangon, 5 Aug- The Waso robes and "soon" offering ceremony of Hindu families for trainees Sayadaw and lecturers Sayadaw of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Yangon) and members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee at State Sangha Maha Nayaka Kyaungsaung on Kaba Aye Hill was held at Mogyok Soonsar Kyaungsaung this morning, attended by Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint.

The ceremony was sponsored by the Hindu Dhamma Education Central Committee of Thanantana Dham-mapalaka Association. Present also were members of the Sangha led by Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Aungmyay Bonsan Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paindabhivamsa, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, the deputy ministers, the Yangon Vice-Mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, members of Hindu Dhamma Education Central Committee, Hindu families and officials. First, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint and officials received the Five Precepts from Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Aungmyay Bonsan Kyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Paindabhivamsa.

Then, members of the Sangha recited the parittas. Vice-Chairman of the association U Kyi Min supplicated on religious and cultural affairs. Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint presented Waso robes and offertories to Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pa–indabhivamsa. Then, the ministers, the deputy ministers, Hindu families and wellwishers presented Waso robes and offertories to members of the Sangha. The Hindu Konmari Wut Association recited the Mingala Suttas. Then, Vice-Chairman Sayadaw Paindabhivamsa delivered a sermon. The Secretary-3 and party shared the merits. After the ceremony, Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint and members and officials of Thanantana Dhammapalaka Association offered "soon" to members of the Sangha.

( 4 ) Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung sends message of felicitations to Jamaica

Yangon, 6 Aug- U Win Aung, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Dr Paul Robertson, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Jamaica, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Jamaica which falls on 6 August 2001.

Industry-2 Minister welcomes back deputy minister

Yangon, 5 Aug- Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin welcomed back a six-member delegation led by Deputy Minister Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw that went to India to attend the coordination meeting concerning new plants of the ministry, at the airport yesterday evening. The industrial delegation was welcomed back by the directors-general and managing directors of the ministry, staff of the Embassy of India, departmental officials and family members.

Appointment of Ambassador agreed

Yangon, 6 Aug- The Government of the Union of Myanmar has agreed to the appointment of HE Mrs Buyisiwe Maureen Pheto as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Union of Myanmar. Mrs Buyisiwe Maureen Pheto was born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Zululand. She also holds Secondary Teachers Diploma and Principals School Management Course Certificate from that University.

After graduation, she served as a teacher at Umbelebele High School, Durban, for eight years. She subsequently served as Principal for seven years and inspector of schools for about one and half years. In 1994, she was elected as a Member of the first democratic National Parliament. From 1995 to 1997, she became a Parliament Whip in the National Assembly and in 1999, she was appointed as Deputy Minister of Public Works. After June 1999 General Elections, she was re-appointed as Deputy Minister of Public Works. In 2001, she was appointed as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to Thailand. Mrs Buyisiwe Maureen Pheto is married to Maj-General Moeng Pheto and has six children. Mrs Buyisiwe Maureen Pheto will serve as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa to the Union of Myanmar with residence in Bangkok.

( 5 ) Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspects drilling machines

Yangon, 5 Aug- Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin inspected two kinds of mobile drilling machines at the office of Yangon Division Water Resources Utilization Department in Bahan Township this morning. Director-General of WRUD U Win Shwe and Deputy Director-General U Hla Myint Maung explained the function of the mobile drilling machines innovated by the department. The minister inspected the mobile drilling machines. The officials reported on the capacity of the drilling machines and innovation work.

Then, the minister observed the samples of mud, sand and pebble obtained from drilling the wells. Later, the minister inspected the laboratory and the computerized record room. Afterwards, the minister went to the main store of the department in Ywathagyi, Dagon Myothit (East) Township. He inspected various kinds of water pumps and innovation work. The officials reported on the drawing of designs of water pumps in cooperation with industrialists of South Dagon Industrial Zone, engineers from the department and employees. The minister gave instructions on the use of local-made water pumps and innovation work. The minister also inspected bulldozers and excavators to be used for Yaybutalin, Ngathayauk, Indaw, Nyangbingyi, Thaphanseik and Tatywa River Water Pumping Projects, iron water pipes manufactured by the department and floating pontoons.

Myanmar delegation arrives back from Singapore

Yangon, 5 Aug- The Myanmar delegation led by Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa arrived back here by air yesterday afternoon after attending the fourth meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Social Welfare. The delegation was welcomed back at the airport by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Minister for Labour Maj-Gen Tin Ngwe, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, Vice-Chairperson of Myanmar Working Committee for Women's Affairs Professor Daw May May Yee, directors-general and officials of the departments under the Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement.

The members of the delegation Director-General of the Social Welfare Department U Sit Myaing and Deputy Director U Myint Thein arrived back here on the same flight. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa attended the fourth meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Social Welfare at the Mandarin Hotel in Singapore on 1 August. It was also attended by ministers and deputy ministers of ASEAN nations responsible for social welfare, the Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Secretariat and senior officials. At the meeting, Minister for Community Development and Sports Mr Abdullah Tarmugi extended greetings.

President of the Republic of Singapore Mr SR Nathan delivered an opening address. The President of Singapore and ministers posed for documentary photos. Minister Abdullah Tarmugi chaired the morning session of the meeting. The ministers of ASEAN nations made speeches. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa also delivered an address. At the meeting, the ministers discussed matters related to Hanoi action of plan, implementation of working programmes laid down by the third meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Social Welfare, the formation of working groups for ASEAN social welfare tasks, the approval of reports and the ASEAN child declaration.

The meeting also approved the holding of the fifth meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Social Welfare in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2004, and the meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials for Social Welfare in Cambodia in 2002. Together with Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Director-General U Sit Myaing, Deputy Director U Myint Thein and First Secretary of Myanmar Embassy in Singapore U San Lwin attended the ministerial level meeting. The fourth Meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials for Social Welfare was held at the Mandarin Hotel from 30 to 31 July.

The Myanmar senior official delegation led by Director-General U Sit Myaing attended the meeting. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, together with other ASEAN ministers responsible for social welfare, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Goh Chok Tong. Minister Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and party visited Singapore Association for Visually Handicapped on 3 August and exchanged knowledge with officials. The minister and party also met with Chairman of National-level Youth Council of Singapore Mr David TE Lim and party. During their stay in Singapore, the minister and party also paid homage and offered robes and alms to the Sayadaws from three Myanmar monasteries and Shwekyaung Sayadaw in Singapore.

World Breast Feeding Week ceremony held

Yangon, 5 Aug- A ceremony to mark the World Breast Feeding Week organized by Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association was held at the multi-purpose hall of MMCWA building at the corner of Parami Road and Thanthuma Road in South Okkalapa Township this morning. It was attended by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein, Deputy Ministers for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo and Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, directors-general, deputy directors-general, rectors and directors under the Ministry of Health, Chairperson of MMCWA Professor Dr Daw Kyu Kyu Swe, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, and central executive committee members, honourary patrons, the resident representative and officials of UNICEF, officials of organizations under United Nations, prize winn- ing members of township MMCWAs and guests.

First, Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein delivered a speech. He said: Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association is the one that gives full commitment to health care work in accord with national health policy laid down by the ministry. The Ministry of Health is implementing health care plans with the aim of uplifting health standard of entire national people under the guidance of Chairman of National Health Committee Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association is endeavouring for uplift of lives of mothers and children. MMCWA has been providing assistance for breast feeding activities since the association was set up. Expectant mothers are given educative talks at the delivery rooms and health care units of townships opened by MMCWA.

Moreover, plans are made to enable mothers to be ready for breast feeding after delivery. Breast feeding activities are performed under the leadership of the ministry on the occasion of World Breast Feeding week every year. At the central level, breast feeding mothers and breast-fed babies are presented prizes. Competitions of photos, posters and essays on breast feeding have been held since 1994. Associations for assisting breast feeding were formed in townships in 1996. The members of the associations were given training on breast feeding for five consecutive years since then. Although breast feeding is not strange for Myanmar mothers, trainings are being given to them to be systematic in breast feeding and to help solve the difficulties they come across.

This year, educative one-act play competition was held under the sponsorship of MMCWA in accord with one of the objectives of the World Breast Feeding Week that encouraging and assisting breast feeding and to work out various communication means to be able to use information concerned. The Minister said he took pride in and great pleasure for successful implementation of objectives by MMCWA through interesting and effective means in carrying out activities of the World Breast Feeding Week. He expressed his wish for a successful and effective distribution of educative health information on breast feeding and giving assistance for nurturing intelligent future child generation by breast feeding. Then, Resident Representative Mr John B Mendis made a speech. Afterwards, the minister presented a prize to Sangyoung Township MCWA that won the first prize in one-act play competition, the second to North Okkalapa Township MCWA and the third to South Okkalapa Township MCWA, consolation prizes to Bahan Township and Dagon Myothit (North) MCWAs. Later, the first prize winner Sangyoung Township MCWA entertained the audience with the one-act play "Because I didn't know it at first". Next, the minister and guests viewed photos of activities of MMCWA displayed at the ceremony.

( 6 ) Minister inspects construction tasks

Yangon, 5 Aug- Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials were welcomed at Gwaygyo Camp at mile post No 38/0 on Pyinmana-Taungnyo-Taungdwingyi Road by Magway Division Superintending Engineer U Tint Lwin and officials yesterday morning. At the briefing hall of the construction site of the road, officials reported on future plans to the minister. After giving instructions to the officials, the minister inspected the road.

ISD Sepak Takraw Competitions conclude

Yangon, 5 Aug- Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint attended the prize presentation ceremony of the 7th Inter-States and Divisions Sepak Takraw Competitions at Aungsan Stadium this afternoon. After the competitions, officials of the Ministry of Sports and Myanmar Sepak Tatkraw Federation concerned presented prizes to outstanding athletes. Director-General of Sports and Physical Education Department Secretary of MOC U Thaung Htaik presented prizes to outstanding teams. Then, Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented championship shields to Ayeyawady Division team in women's group event and Sagaing Division team in men's group event and Ayeyawady Division team in women's team event and Mandalay Division team in men's team event.

( 7 ) Coordination meeting of Organizing Committee for Ninth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions and delegates of States and Divisions

Yangon, 5 Aug- A coordination meeting of the Organizing Committee for the Ninth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions and delegates of States and Divisions was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street this afternoon, attended by Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the Ninth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions 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 Vice-Chairman of the Organizing Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and members, members of the Work Committee and Sub-committees, the chairman of panel of judges and delegates of states and divisions. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than said he is going to explain rules and regulations and procedures to the delegates of the states and divisions for the successful holding of the performing arts competitions. He said the competitions will be held on 15 October and it will take 17 days.

Only gentle and genuine Myanmar dance will be accepted in the dance contest. Duet dance is designated for the marionette contest and two persons are allowed to participate in the amateur level and Buridat drama for the professional level, he said. Mahajanaka drama has been prescribed for the drama contest. The Myanmar harp, Ozi and Dohbat contests are included in the competitions, he said. At the previous competition, a total of K 18.3 million was presented to the winners and prizes worth over 27 million will be presented to the winners of the ninth competitions, he said. Deputy Minister U Soe Nyunt said the performing arts competitions are going to be held for the ninth time with the aim of ensuring the perpetuation of national culture that has existed for years countable by the thousand.

There were only 284 contestants in the first competition and the number of contestants reached over 2,500 in the eighth competition. This shows that Myanmar people cherish Myanmar culture, he added. Officials of the Work Committee, the Security and Discipline Committee and Sub-committees reported on their requirements. The chairmen of the panel of judges and the delegates took part in the discussions. Member of the Organizing Committee Director-General of the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein reported on the instructions given by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt on avoiding dances which can tarnish national character. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the commander.

Commander inspects agricultural and livestock breeding tasks

Yangon, 5 Aug- The State Peace and Development Council member Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, accompanied by No 2 Military Region Commander Col Tin Oo Lwin and officials, inspected agricultural tasks at local battalion in South Okkalapa this afternoon. The commander was welcomed and reported on agricultural and livestock breeding tasks being carried out by the battalion by Acting Commanding Officer Maj Nay Win. After giving instructions, the commander inspected farming of poultry, quail, fish, and vegetable plantations. The battalion has cultivated 100 acres of monsoon paddy, 10 acres of vegetables, planted 100,000 tamarind trees, 7,000 shade trees and raised 14,500 poultry, 15,000 quails, 100 pigs, 22 goats and 10 acres of fish ponds. Meat and vegetables are sold at tax-free markets.

Yangon, 5 Aug- The Myanmar tentatively selected women's team beat Malaysian team 4-1 in friendly soccer match held at 7 pm today at the sports ground in Thuwunna. Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint, officials and guests watched the match. The second goodwill soccer match will be held on 7 August evening.