( 1 )  Secretary-1 attends enshrinement ceremony of Padagyi Pagoda in Kyauktan Township

Yangon, 27 Oct - A ceremony to enshrine sacred objects in Padagyi Pagoda was held at Padagyi Village, Kyauktan Township, Yan-gon South District, this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Also present were Saya-daws led by State Ovada-cariya Kyauktan Minkyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Jagara, 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, the ministers, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, district and township authorities, departmental personnel, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, members of the pagoda board of trustees, well-wishers and local people. The first session of the ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. The Secretary-1 and party, the wellwishers and the congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Jagara. Then, Upathakas presented Paritta flowers, water, thread and sand to the Sayadaws. Afterwards, the Saya-daws and members of the Sangha recited Parittas.

Next, the Upathakas sprinkled Paritta water and sand and tied flowers on the platform of the pagoda. The Secretary-1 presented sacred objects to Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Jagara. Then, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers and the well-wishers offered alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

The Secretary-1, the commander and Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin accepted K 27,456,000 donated to the funds of the pagoda by the wellwishers, and presented certificates of honour to them. The donations included K 10 million by Chairman of Yuzana Company U Htay Myint, U Win Myint and U Kyin and family, K 10 million by U Tin Sein and Daw Nang Khan Tit of Myanmar Universal Bank, K 1 million by Annawa Marine Holdings Ltd, K 1 million by U Zaw Win Naing of Kanbawza Bank, K 1 million by Shwe Thanlwin Company, K 1 million by U Aik Tun of Olympic Company, K 500,000 by U Ohn Myint (Htut Khaung), K 500,000 by U Maung Maung (Asia Express), K 500,000 by U Sein Lwin and Daw Phyu Phyu Khaing of White House Restaurant, K 306,000 by U Zaw Zaw Naing and Daw Yee Yee Myint of Maykhala Company, K 300,000 by U Kyaw Aung (Benhur), K 300,000 by U Thein Han of Tokyo Pipe, K 200,000 by U Kyaw Nyunt (Kyaw Nyunt and Brothers Iron Shop), K 150,000 by U Than Win Aung (Palenadi), K 100,000 by U Thein Lin Zaw (ZHM Universal Trading Company), K 100,000 by Daw Khin Mu, U Ohn Kyaw- Daw Kyi Kyi Pyone (Shwetaungkya Road, Bahan), K 100,000 by U Shwe, U Kyee Sein (Shwethazin Syndicate), K 100,000 by U Hla Maung Shwe (Shwe Family Company), K 100,000 by U Kyee Sein-Daw Khin Khin Myint (Shwekhayu Company), K 100,000 by U Than Hlaing Zaw-Daw Juli (Aqua Shop Thahtooaung Company) and K 100,000 by U Win Myint (Ever Live). Chairman of Kyauktan Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Gandavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Kusala delivered a sermon.

The Secretary-1 and party and the wellwishers shared merits gained for good deeds. Then, the second session of the ceremony was held. The Secretary-1 and party conveyed sacred objects round the pagoda for public obeisance. At the auspicious time, the Secretary-1 enshrined the sacred objects in the reliquary of the pagoda, and sprinkled scented water on them. At that time, the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited a Gatha. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed the ritual of silver and golden showers. Then, the Secretary-1 inspected the rebuilding of the pagoda. Deputy Director of the Department of Archaeology U Myo Nyunt explained facts about the pagoda.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 attends Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions

Yangon, 27 Oct -Patron for Organizing the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the Kanbawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road this morning. They were welcomed there by member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Minister for Culture U Win Sein and officials.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party attended the professional level (men's) violin contest of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions at the venue. Afterwards, they proceeded to the Padomma Theatre on Bagaya Road and watched the higher education level (boys') team orchestra contest. In the afternoon, the Secretary-1 and party went to the National Museum on Pyay Road and attended the amateur level (women') religious song contest.

Malaysian Association (Myanmar) donates K 5m to MMCWA, MNWCWA

Yangon, 27 Oct- A ceremony to donate cash by Malaysian Association (Myanmar) was held at the Traders Hotel on Sule Pagoda Road at 7 pm today, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present on the occasion were Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, wife of the Secretary-1, ministers and their wives, the Yangon Mayor and wife, the deputy minister for foreign affairs and wife, Ambassador of Malaysia Dato Mohammad Bin Noh and wife and members of the Malaysian Association (Myan-mar). First, the Malaysian variety dances were presented. Then, Chairman of the association Mr Gilbert Lee extended greetings. Next, the Malaysian Ambassador presented K 3 million and K 2 million donated by Malaysian Association (Myanmar) to Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs respectively to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Then, the Malaysian variety dances were presented to the audience.

( 3 ) Secretary-3 inspects ancient pagoda renovation, tours Putao, Machanbaw, Sumprabum

Yangon, 27 Oct-Secretary-3 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Win Myint, the ministers, the deputy ministers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, left here by Myanma Airways to Myitkyina on 25 October and arrived there at 3.15 pm.

 The Secretary-3 and party were welcomed by member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen San Tun, Brig-Gen Bo Kyi of Myitkyina Station, senior military officers and departmental officials. The Secretary-3 and party, accompanied by Commander Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, went to Putao by air and they proceeded to Kaunghmulon Village in Machanbaw Township by helicopter. The Secretary-3 discussed education and health matters in meeting with local people of nearby villages.

Then he fuifilled the requirements. The Secretary-3 and party inspected renovation of the historic ancient Kaunghmulon Pagoda. The Secretary-3 sought Ovada from Ovadacariya of renovation of Kaunghmulon Pagoda Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Presiding Nayaka of Dhamma Rekkhita Wuntho Kyaungtaik in Myitkyina Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Silavamsa. Then, the Secretary-3 gave instructions on renovation of the pagoda. Commander Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than reported on the flow of water in Malikha River near Kaunghmulon Pagoda and waterways.

The Secretary-3 reported on flood prevention measures near the pagoda. Local national races greeted the Secretary-3 and party before they went to Putao by helicopter. Member of the Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Chairman of Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Secretary-3 Lt-Gen Win Myint met Secretaries and executives of Putao District and Putao, Machanbaw and Khaunglanphu Township USDAs, Chairman of Putao District War Veterans Organization Supervisory Committee and members, Chairmen of Putao and Machanbaw Township War Veterans Organizing Committee and members and members of Putao Township War Veterans Organization at Bandoola Hall in Putao.

The Secretary-3 explained about implementation of the yearly and short-term projects for national development and the need to discharge duties for regional development. Secretary-General of USDA U Than Aung and CEC members U Thaung, Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and Col Thaik Tun and Vice-Chairman of Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Maj-Gen Saw Tun also spoke at the meeting. On 26 October, the Secretary-3 met Tatmadawmen and family members of regiments and units under Putao Station at Bandoola Hall in Putao. The Secretary-3 and party met Chairmen and members of Putao District and Putao, Machanbaw and Nawngmon Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, service personnel, members of social associations and townselders.

Chairman of Putao District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Myo reported on extended cultivation of paddy, beans and pulses, oil crops and other crops, paddy yield and rice sufficiency in Putao region, edible oil sufficiency, livestock breeding and measures undertaken for education and better transport in the region. Commander Maj-Gen Kyaw Win reported on an annual increase in the sown acreage, measures taken to better the condition of transport and progress made due to efforts of local people. Minister for Education U Than Aung reported on education promotion programmes being implemented all over the nation including Putao District in the northernmost region of the nation  and success achieved due to public participation.

Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on the upgrading of roads in the region including Putao-Machanbaw motor road and Machanbaw-Naungmon motor road, the building of Tanaing Bridge and maintenance of Hopin Bridge and Moekaung Bridge. Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung reported on measures taken for development of human resources which contributes to regional development. Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint reported on the richness of minerals in Kachin State and feasibility studies being carried out.

Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on measures taken for the improvement of communication services in Putao District including postal, telegraph and telephone services and tasks being carried out for the development of the communication sector of the State. Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun reported on preservation of wildlife and forests and Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than on transport services being provided for regional development.

 Then, the Secretary-3 spoke of the purpose of his visit to Kachin State. He expressed his pleasure for the development of Putao District. He added that as Putao District, which is difficult of access, has sufficient paddy and edible oil, it doesn't need to rely on others for food. More efforts are to be made for the sufficiency of food in the region. He noted that it is necessary to systematically grow Thinbaw trees from which edible oil can be produced. Kitchen crops are also to be cultivated wherever possible. Land and natural resources are to be fully exploited. Together with agriculture, the raising of livestock is to be carried out. In this way, individual income can be augmented. In conclusion, the Secretary-3 urged all to work in unity with national outlook for the all-round development of the region.

Then, the Secretary-3 had a cordial meeting with those present. The ministers who accompanied the Secretary-3 inspected respective departments on 26 October morning. Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun met with officials of Putao Township Forest Department and Khakaborazi National Park and gave instructions on conservation of forests and environment. Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw inspected the communication station and satellite ground station of Myanma Telecommunication Service. Minister for Education U Than Aung and Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung met with the township education officer and officials, the headmaster and teachers of the basic education high school at the school in Putao. Minister U Than Aung presented teaching aids and video tapes for the basic education high schools in the district. The Secretary-3 and party went to Machanbaw by helicopter yesterday afternoon. On arrival there, they were welcomed by departmental officials, government employees and national people.

The Secretary-3 and party inspected the basic education high school in Machanbaw and met with the students. Minister U Than Aung discussed educational matters, and the Secretary-3 attended to requirements. The Secretary-3 and party went to Sumprabum by helicopter. They were welcomed by Commander of local battalion Lt-Col Kyaw Soe and departmental officials.

They met with departmental officials, government employees, townselders and members of the social organizations at Banyu Hall in Sumprabum Township. Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Wan Aung reported on the condition of hill-side cultivation, scarcity of cultivable land, health, education and requirements. Minister U Than Aung attended to the requirements. Secretary-3 Adjutant-General Win Myint spoke of the purpose of his visit to Sumprabum Township. He also said that it is necessary to carry out hill-side cultivation to achieve sufficiency of food as there are not enough acres of arable land.

Perennial crops are also to be grown and families are required to raise livestock. Minister U Than Aung presented teaching aids for the affiliated basic education high school in Sumprabum to Headmaster U Thaung Htwe Yee. The Secretary-3 had a cordial meeting with local people. The Secretary-3 and party left Sumprabum for Myitkyina by helicopter and arrived there in the evening.

( 4 )  Ninth Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions go on

Yangon, 27 Oct-The Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions continued for the 13th day at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Dagon Township, the Padomma Theatre on Bagaya Road in Sangyoung Township, the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township and the Kanbawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road in Bahan Township today.

 Present on the occasion were Patron of the Organizing the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, member of the Panel of Patrons for the Organizing the Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of the Leading Committee member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, members of the Panel of Patrons Minister for Cooperatives U Aung San, Minister for Culture U Win Sein, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa 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, the people and German tourists.

The song competition of the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Dagon Township today. A total of 15 contestants took part in the basic education level (aged 10-15) boys'classical song competition. In the afternoon, 15 contestants participated in the amateur level (women's) religious song competition in the afternoon. Chairperson of the Panel of Judges Daw Tin Tin Mya and members supervised the competition.

On 28 October, the professional level (women's) religious song competition and the higher education level (men's) old and modern song competition will be held at the same venue. The music contest continued at the Padomma Theatre on Bagaya Road in Sangyoung Township. In the morning, four troupes took part in the higher education level (men's) team orchestra contest. In the afternoon, six troupes participated in the basic education level (aged 5-10) boys' team saing orchestra contest. Leader of the Panel of Judges U Sein Sten and party supervised the team saing orchestra contest.

On 28 October, the amateur level (women's), the basic education level (aged 5-10) girls'and the professional level (women's) solo orchestra contests will be held at the Padomma Theatre. At the National Theatre, Pyapon U Thein Han Gyi and party supervised the harp contest. Demonstrator Daw Nilar Htwe of the Music Department of the University of Culture announced the programme. A total of seven contestants took part in the basic education level (men's and women's) harp contest in the morning. Then, five contestants participated in the higher education level (men's) harp contest. Then, eight contestants took part in the amateur level (men's) harp contest.

 On 28 October, the professional level and the basic education level (aged 15-20) Dobat contest will be held at the National Theatre. At the Kanbawza Theatre, five contestants took part in the professional violen contest; four in the basic education level (aged 5-10) boys' violen contest; and three in the basic education level (aged 5-10) girls' violen contest. Four contestants also took part in the higher education level (men's and women's) violen contest. Leader of the Panel of Judges U Tin Yi and members supervised the contest. On 28 October, the professional level oboe contest and the basic education level (aged 5-10) oboe contest will be held at the same venue.

( 5 ) Annual meeting of Veterinary Surgeons Association held

 Yangon, 27 Oct-A ceremony to open the annual meeting of Myanmar Veterinary Surgeons Association was held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall here this morning. It was attended by Chairman of Myanmar Committee for Extended Production of Livestock Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, Vice-Chairman Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Deputy Minister U Aung Thein, departmental officials, officials of the UN agencies, Chairman of Myanmar Veterinary Surgeons Association Dr Than Daing and executive committee members, chairmen and members of sub-committees, chairmen and officials of non-governmental organisations, members veterinary surgeons and guests. First, Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe delivered a speech.

 He said that the government is striving for emergence of agro-based economic system as a primary task in strengthening the economy of the State. Moreover, efforts are being made with greater momentum in all sectors for boosting production, manufacturing import-substitute goods and boosting export.

At a time when emphasis is being placed on development of the economy of the State, a national force constituting veterinary surgeons who play a vital role in agriculture and livestock breeding sectors has come into existence, and it is a great strength for development of the livestock sector. Food is indispensible for the entire people.

In Myanmar, rice and meat and fish are mainly included in daily meals. Success of livestock breeding tasks of entrepreneurs and extension of livestock breeding depends mostly on the advice, technical assistance and individual performance of veterinary surgeons. Veterinary surgeons play a key role not only in the livestock sector but also in breeding draught cattle of quality strain and using them. If veterinary surgeons are able to carry out the task of increasing the number of draught cattle and to take care of them , agricultural work of farmers who still have to rely on draught cattle will gain greater momentum. Veterinary Health and Development Law was enacted by the State in 1993 for the purpose of systematic implementation of veterinary health and development, prevention and treatment of veterinary diseases and inspection of livestock product and feedstuff. In addition, Veterinary Medicine Council Act was enacted in 1995 with the aim of enabling to perform tasks of veterinary health and development after organising veterinary surgeons and those who are doing businesses with the use of a technology on veterinary medicine, to observe code of conduct of those people and to help teaching of veterinary medicine modern and develop . In line with systematic encouragement of the State, veterinary surgeons need to strive for development of livestock sector as well as for the increase of number of draught cattle and manageable scale breeding in villages of commercial scale breeding of national people.

Research work are to be constantly conducted for prevention of possible foreign diseases, elimination of communicative diseases in animals and men, use of by-products of farm, increase in number of draught cattle, preservation of genes and pure strains of the existing local cattle and treatment with the use of traditional medicines. It is honourable performance of the association to be able to hold meetings, conferences and talks for fulfilling these requirements. In this meeting, papers on veterinary medicine will be read. This will help support development of livestock sector and increase knowledge on livestock breeding of entrepreneurs. Then, Vice-Chairman Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein made a speech. Later, the ceremony came to a close. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein and Chairman Dr Than Daing formally opened the exhibition of local and foreign companies displayed in commemoration of the meeting. Afterwards, ministers, the deputy minister and guests viewed the booths at the exhibition. In the afternoon, papers on veterinary subjects were read. The meeting continues tomorrow.

( 6 )  Myanmar Floriculturists Association meets

 Yangon, 27 Oct-The ninth annual general meeting of Myanmar Floriculturists Association and conclusion of advanced flower arrangement course were held at Pyidaungsu Ayeyeiknyein in the People's Square and People's Park this morning. Present were Patrons led by Leading Patron of MFA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, members of Panel of Patrons, Chairman of MFA, CEC members, members of the association, floriculturists and guests. Leading Patron of MFA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe spoke on the occasion.

 Chairman of MFA Head of Gardens and Playgrounds Department of Yangon City Development Committee U Nyunt Pe reported on work of the association. Secretary of MFA Deputy Head of Gardens and Playgrounds Department of YCDC U Win Myint reported on the report of CEC and yearly financial statement and approval sought. Leading Patron of MFA Daw Marlar Tint presented certificates to the trainees and prizes to outstanding trainees. Leading Patron of MFA Daw Khin Thein Yi presented gifts to course instructors. Wellwishers presented books, equipment and donations to Leading Patron of MFA Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and patrons. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe presented K 100,000 donated by Leading Patrons to Chairman of MFA U Nyunt Pe. Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party then observed flower arrangements.