( 1 ) Secretary-1 and wife offer provisions, books to members of Sangha of Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaik in Kaba Aye

Yangon, 21 Oct- A ceremony to donate provisions and books to members of the Sangha of Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaik in Kaba Aye was held at five-storey Thiri Mingala Ananda Gonyi Kyaungdawgyi of the Kyaungtaik in Ward 9, Mayangon Township at 8.30 am today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present on the occasion were the Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaiks and members of the Sangha, Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of the Secretary-1, 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 and departmental heads.

 The congregation recited Namo Tassa three times. Then, the Secretary-1 and the congregation took the Five Precepts from Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw of the Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaiks Tipitakadhara Dhamma Bhandagarika Agga Maha Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumangalalankara (PhD). Next, members of the Sangha recited parittas. Afterwards, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe offered provisions and books for the members of the Sangha to the Presiding Sayadaw.The commander, the ministers and the deputy ministers donated provisions to the Sayadaws. The Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw then delivered a sermon and the Secretary-1 and the congregation shared merits gained. The donation ceremony ended with reciting Buddha Sasanammiram Titthatu three times. A total of 400 dozen books which had been bought with the use of the funds donated to the Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee were offered to members of the Sangha of Maha Gandayon Kyaungtaiks.

Secretary-1 inspects all-round construction tasks of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image

 Yangon, 21 Oct- Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived this afternoon at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Theik Tun, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge, Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, officials, scholars and members of the Board of Trustees.

The Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image. The Secretary-1 heard the reports on progress of work in construction of Gandhakuti Kyaungdawgyi and the two stairways presented by Secretary of the Committee for Construction of the Image Cmdr Khin Maung Oo (Navy) and on progress of work in construction of Mindhamma Garden and Lake presented by Deputy Minister Col Thaik Tun, and gave necessary instructions. Then, the Secretary-1 accepted K 2.5 million donated by U Sein Hla Win-Daw Pyu Pyu Win and family of Room No 10, Building No 273, East Yankin, Yankin Township, for the upper-tiered roof of the Gandhakuti Kyaungdawgyi. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected the extension of the platform of Mindhamma Hill and construction work of the retaining wall, the garden and the lake and gave necessary instructions. The Secretary-1 and party left there in the evening.

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( 2 )  Secretary-1 watches performance of contestants at Performing Arts Competitions

Yangon, 21 Oct - Patron of Organizing the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by the responsible officials, arrived at the National Museum on Pyay Road at 9.30 am today.

The Secretary-1 was welcomed by Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Ninth Myanmar 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, ministers, members of the Leading Committee and Work Committee and officials.

The Secretary-1 and party then watched the performance of the contestants at basic education level (aged 15-20) girls' classical song contest. Afterwards, the Secretary-1, accompanied by Chairman of the Leading Committee Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and members, proceeded to Kanbawza Theatre of Fine Arts Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Township and watched the performance of contestants at basic education level (aged 5-10) boys' xylophone contest. In the afternoon, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Padonma Theatre on Bagaya Road in Sangyoung Township and watched the performance of the contestants at basic education level (aged 10-15) Ozi contest and left there in the evening.

Maha Janaka Drama Contest concludes

 Yangon, 21 Oct- U Nyan Win Drama Troupe of Magway Division took part in the Maha Janaka Drama Contest at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township this evening. Present at the theatre were Patron of Organizing the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, member of the Panel of Patrons of Organizing the 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 and wife Daw Marlar Tint, member of the Panel of Patrons Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, the ministers, Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and members, Chairman of the Work Committee No 3 Military Region Commander Col Yan Naing Oo and members, subcommittee members, members of the Panel of Judges, literary doyens, musicians and the people. The competition of Maha Janaka Drama Contest ended in the evening. The Buridat Drama Marionette Contest will begin at the National Theatre on 22 October. State and Division marionette troupes will take part in the contest. Tomorrow evening, the marionette troupe led by U Sein Maung Win of Mon State will participate in the contest at the same venue.

( 3 ) Minister attends Silver Jubilee of Mogyo Coop Society Ltd

Yangon, 21 Oct - Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San attended the silver jubilee of Mogyo Electrical Engineering Cooperative Society Ltd held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road, here, at 10 am today. It was attended by the directors-general, managing directors and officials of the Ministry of Cooperatives, the founders of Mogyo Electrical Engineering Cooperative Society Ltd, members of the boards of directors of Mechanical Engineering Coop Society, Chemical Engineering Coop Society, Civil Engineering Coop Society, Architectural Engineering Coop Society, Metallurgical Engineering Coop Society, Textile Engineering Coop Society and members, guests and members of the board of directors and members of Mogyo Electrical Engineering Cooperative Society Ltd. Chairman of Mogyo Electrical Engineering Cooperative Society Ltd U Myo Kyi extended greetings.

 U Sein Win, who was a founder and former Chairman of the Coop Ltd, gave an account of the Coop Ltd. Then, Minister of the Cooperatives U Aung San made a speech. He urged all not only to try to turn the society into an effective one which the State can rely on but also to minimize loss and wastage and promote productivity while the government is making efforts for emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation. Later, the minister and officials presented certificates of honour to those outstanding in discharging duties for the good of the Society Limited. On behalf of the honoured, U Than Aung spoke words of thanks, which brought the ceremony to a close. Afterwards, the minister, officials and guests viewed the documentary photos of the activities of the Society Limited.

Minister inspects construction works in Rakhine State and Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 21 Oct - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, inspected Ma-ei-Taungup-Okshitpin Road and tasks being carried out on 19 October. The minister gave instructions to Project Engineer U Tin Htut of Road Construction Special Group-8 and Pyay District Senior Engineer U Myo Myint on materials and machinery to be used in the open season. The minister and party arrived in Nyaungdon yesterday morning and Project Engineer U Ye Htut of Nyaungdon Road Construction Special Project-4 and Special Project-15 reported to the minister on tasks to be carried out in the open season, repair of machinery and stockpiling of paving stones. Then, the minister gave necessary instructions and left there.

( 4 )   Myanmar delegation leaves for Japan

Yangon, 21 Oct — A delegation led by Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha left here for Japan by air yesterday evening at the invitation of Japanese Government to promote economic cooperation including trade and investment between the two nations.

The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel, Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein, directors-general and officials of departments under the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, Ambassador Japan Mr Shigeru Tsumori and families of the delegation. The delegation comprises Director-General of the Foreign Economic Relations Department U Soe Lin, Director-General of the Planning Department Daw Than Nwe and Director of Central Equipment, Statistics and Inspection Department U Kyaw Soe.

Economic delegation leaves for Japan

 Yangon, 21 Oct- A 24-member economic delegation led by Central Executive Committee member of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Hla Myint left here by air yesterday evening to attend the Global Business Opportunities Convention 2001 (G-BOC 2001) to be held in Osaka of Japan, from 22 to 24 October. The delegation was seen off at Yangon International Airport by President of UMFCCI U Win Myint, Vice-President U Win Aung and officials.

Myanmar Tong Tah Expo'2001 to be held

Yangon, 21 Oct - With the permission of the Ministry of Commerce, Tong Tah Co Ltd and Dragon Exhibitions Ltd are arranging to hold Myanmar Tong Tah Expo'2001 on a grand scale at Yangon Trade Centre on Pazundaung Road, Yangon, from 8 to 11 November. On display at the exhibition will be foreign and local textiles, cosmetics and consumer products, plastic wares, foodstuff, electrical appliances and electronic goods, construction materials, household utensils, paper, stationery and packaging materials, small machines and installation materials, skin-care lotions and spectacles and sports equipment together with demonstration of general services.

( 5 )  Ninth Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continue for seventh day

Yangon, 21 Oct- The Ninth Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the seventh day at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Dagon Township, the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township, the Kanbawza Theatre on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Township and the Padomma Theatre on Bagaya Road in Sangyoung Township today.

Present on the occasion were Patron of the Organizing the Ninth Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, member of the Panel of Patrons for the Organizing the Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of Leading Committee for Organizing the 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 and wife, members of the Panel of Patrons Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe and Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Vice-Chairman of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt and members, Chairman of Work Committee No 3 Military Region Commander Col Yan Naing Oo and members, chairmen and members of subcommittees, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, departmental heads, teachers, students and the people.

The singing contest of the Ninth Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Dagon Township today. A total of 12 contestants took part in the basic education level (girls aged 15-20) classical song contest in the morning. Likewise, 16 contestants participated in the amateur level (men) old and modern song contest in the afternoon. Altogether 16 contestants also took part in the basic education level (girls aged 5-10) old and modern song contest. Chairperson of the Panel of Judges Daw Tin Tin Mya and members supervised the contest. On 22 October, the professional level (men) religious song contest and the amateur level (women) old and modern song contest will be held at the same venue.

The marionette contest was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township this morning. U Ye Dwe and members supervised the contest and Headmistress of State School of Fine Arts (Yangon) Daw Mu Mu Khin acted as the announcer. At the contest, Maung Tun Lin Zaw and Ma Yin Yin Aye of Kachin State, Maung Zaw Naing Win and Ma San San Pyone of Mandalay Division, Ma Mya Thida and Ma Marlar Win of Ayeyawady Division, Ma Khin Myo Chit and Ma Tint Tint Toe of Mandalay Division, Maung Min Thein and Ma Le Le Thuza Aung of Yangon Division, Maung Than Zaw and Ma Win Win Hla of Mon State and Maung Aung Tun San and Ma Wa Wa Aung of Yangon Division took part in the amateur level marionette duel dance contest.

On 22 October, the basic education level (boys aged 10-15) and the basic education level (girls aged 15-20) piano contests will be held at the National Theatre. The practising of song composing contest continued for the final day at the Kanbawza Theatre today. The contestants of States and Divisions in the professional level song composing contest practised singing the songs which they composed. Chairman of the Panel of Judges Bogale U Tint Aung and members supervised the contest. Contestants of the basic education level (aged 5-10) and (aged 10-15) song composing contests will take part in the contests with the songs which they composed, at the Kanbawza Theatre on 22 October.

The music contest continued at the Padomma Theatre on Bagaya Road in Sangyoung Township. In this morning, Chindwin Sanay and party of Sagaing Division, Maung Naing and party of Mandalay Division, U Win Naing Tun and party of Yangon Division, U Hla Myint (a) Tawthagyi and party of Yangon Division, U Sein Kalar and party of Mandalay Division and U Hlaing Than and party of Ayeyawady Division took part in the professional level (men) Ozi contest.

 In the afternoon, Maung Aye Min Soe and party of Mandalay Division, Maung Aung Aung and party of Yangon Division, Maung Ye Win Tun and party of Sagaing Division, Maung Star Bo Htet and party of Yangon Division, Maung Chit Kyaw Kyaw and party of Ayeyawady Division and Maung Aung Naing Win and party of Mandalay Division participated in the basic education level (boys aged 10-15) Ozi contest. Leader of the Panel of Judges U Sein Ba Maw and party supervised the music contest. On 22 October, the professional level (women) and the basic education level (girls aged 5-10) harp contests will be held at the Padomma Theatre. At the Kanbawza Theatre of the Fire Arts Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, 14 contestants took part in the basic education level (boys aged 5-10) xylophone contest in the morning. Similarly, seven contestants participated in the basic education level (girls aged 15-20) xylophone contest. Then, five contestants took part in the professional level (women) xylophone contest. Leader of the Panel of Judges U Yi Nwe and party supervised the xylophone contest. The xylophone contest ended this evening. On 22 October, the song composing contest will be held at the Kanbawza Theatre.

Traditional medicine treatment centres open in Pantanaw, Danubyu Townships

Yangon, 21 Oct-A ceremony to open traditional medicine treatment centre was held in Pantanaw Township in Ayeyawady Division on 18 October. Present were Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South West Commander Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, departmental officials, Chairman of Maubin District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Thein Hlaing, social associations and local people. Chairman of Maubin District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Thein Hlaing and Head of Division Traditional Medicine Department U Thein Win formally opened the centre. The commander formally unveiled the signboard of the centre. Documents relating to the centre were presented to officials concerned.

Officials also accepted donations and medicinal items and presentedÊ certificates of honour to the donors. Commemorative pennants were presented to the commander and officials. The commander then inspected the centre. The commander inspected harvesting of paddy at model plots in Danubyu Township. The commander attended a ceremony to harvest monsoon paddy at the farm of farmer U Win Myint in Thabyu Village in Danubyu Township.

In the afternoon, the commander attended opening ceremony of traditional medicine treatment centre in Danubyu Township and spoke on the occasion. Chairman of Construction Committee reported on construction of the centre and presented related documents to officials. The Chairman of Mau-bin District Peace and Development Council and the Head of Division Traditional Medicine Department formally opened the centre. Ma May Lwin Zaw, first prize winner of International Literacy Day commemorative essay competition, formally unveiled the signboard of the centre.

( 6 )  Commander inspects poultry farming work in Kengtung

Yangon, 21 Oct-A ceremony to give preventive eye-drops against newcastle disease in poultry farms organized by Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, was held at Yanlaw model village in Kengtung township on 17 October.

 It was attended by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council (East) Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein and senior military officers, commanding officers of regiments and units in Kengtung Station, departmental officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association and townspeople. First, Officer U Maung Hlaing of Shan State Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department gave an account of nature of the disease, preventive measure taken through giving eye-drops and plan to carry out the prevention task.

 Then, the commander and guests gave preventive eye-drops to chickens in Yanlaw village. Later, the commander inspected poultry farm of U Saikyauk and met with departmental officials and local people. He gave instructions on extended poultry farming. Afterwards, the commander inspected layer breeding work at U Sai Yan poultry farm and fulfilled the requirements.

Commander visits vegetable and poultry farming special zone

 Yangon, 21 Oct - 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 visited the vegetable and poultry farming special zone of Yangon Division near Nyaunghnapin Village in Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, this evening. The commander inspected soil preparation work being carried out for cultivation of vegetables by Green Zone Agricultural Group at the vegetable production and poultry farming special zone-1 of Yangon Division at 4 pm. Then, the commander went to Taingmyankyaw Layer Farm in the special zone-1 and gave instructions.

 In Hmawby Hsan Hall in the special zone-1, the commander heard reports on land clearing work, poultry farming and the digging of fish ponds in the special zones by In-charge of the special zone-1 Yangon Division Agriculture Manager U San Maung, Chairman of Hmawby Township Peace and Development Council U Ye Hla of the special zone-2 and Assistant Director of Yangon Division Settlement and Land Records Department U Kyin Tun of the special zone-3.

 Head of Yangon Division Agricultural Mechanization Department U Khun Aye Naing reported on the providing of tractors for land preparation in the special zones, Director of Yangon Division Irrigation Department U Kyaw Thein on the condition of Kalihtaw Diversion Weir, Director of the Irrigation Department U Khin Maung Nyunt on water supply through canals in the special zones and national entrepreneurs on requirements of agricultural and livestock breeding work. Manager of Big M Group Services Co Ltd Daw Kyi Kyi Win reported on matters related to technical assistance.

 The commander attended to their needs. Then, the commander inspected the vegetable patches and chicken-runs in the special zones. In the special zones, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Electric Power, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, the Ministry of Rail Transportation and national entrepreneurs have cultivated vegetables on over 7,200 acres of land since October 2000 and raised over 300,000 poultry.

( 7 )  Commander meets departmental officials

 Yangon, 21 Oct - Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe met with township-level departmental officials, members of the social organizations and townselders in Kyunthaya Hall, Chaungzon Township, on 19 October morning. The commander gave instructions on regional development tasks, agriculture and livestock breeding and production work. Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Win and officials reported on development tasks being carried out in the township.

 The commander attended to the requirements. Afterwards, the commander inspected the poultry farms of Township General Administration Department, Myanma Communication Office (Telegraph) and U Zaw Lwin Oo. In the afternoon, the commander visited A-1 Family Pipe Industry of U Thaung Thein at Ywalut Village.

 Next, the commander went to the basic education middle school in Kanyaw Village and met with the headmaster, teachers and townselders. The commander gave instructions on education promotion tasks. The commander also inspected the agricultural farm of District General Administration Department near Kataungsein Village, the paving of Kyunpat Road with gravel, construction of Nathmaw motor road, the jetty in Mupun and Yadanatun Market. The commander gave instructions on construction work and attended to requirements.

Tree-planting ceremony held

Yangon, 21 Oct-A ceremony to plant Thit Seint trees (Terminalia belerica) was held in front of the Medical Research Department (Upper Myanmar) near Sitha Village in PyinOoLwin Township in Mandalay Division yesterday morning, attended by Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Central Region Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint. PyinOoLwin Station Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and senior military officers, departmental heads, Mandalay Division Forest Department Director U Khin Maung Oo and officials, members of social organizations, staff from the department and local people also attended the ceremony. The Commander first planted a Thit Seint tree at the designated place and watched the attendance growing 325 trees at the designated places. Altogether 5,000 Thit Seint saplings were grown in the township and 2,500 trees had been grown in nine wards and plantations so far.

Arrangements are under way to plant saplings in other wards. Afterwards, the commander inspected the audio lab at multimedia teaching centre at Pyinsa Village Basic Education High School in the township, paid attention to the preparations for opening of multimedia teaching centre at Singaing Township Basic Education High School, and inspected fine arts room, domestic science room and music room of the school. After leaving necessary instructions there, the Commander paid obeisance to State Ovadacariya Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Shwe Kyin Sasanabaing Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vimalabhivamsa and members of the Sangha and offered provisions to them at Maha Dhammi-kayama Shwe Kyin Taik in Aungmyawthazan Township.