( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe to attend 7th ASEAN Summit and Meetings of ASEAN Heads of State/Government and Heads of State/Government of China, Japan, Korea

 Yangon, 2 Nov - At the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council and Prime Minister of the Union of Myanmar will attend the Seventh ASEAN Summit and Meetings of the ASEAN Heads of State/Government and Heads of State/Government of the People's Republic of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea scheduled to be held in Bandar Seri Begawan in the near future.

 Secretary-1 attends coordination meeting on transmission of MRTV-3 programmes

Yangon, 1 Nov-A coordination meeting on MRTV-3 broadcasting programmes was held at the meeting hall of Myanma Radio and Television this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments and officials. First, Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung reported to the Secretary-1 on production of MRTV-3, programmes being broadcast, extensive broadcasting of programmes in the country and abroad and installation of equipment.

Then, Director-General U Khin Maung Htay of MRTV and departmental officials reported on pro-duction of the programmes sectorwise. The Secretary-1 gave instructions to the officials on production of TV programmes on nation-building endeavours of the State and authentic news on development of the country internationally. He called for broadcasting of interest-ing programmes about the nation's cultural heritage. Later, the Secretary-1 inspected machinery and equipment to be installed for extending the MRTV-3 transmission and left necessary instructions.

( 2 ) Secretary-1 attends Htidaw-hoisting ceremony of Hsutaungpyi Datpannat Pagoda

Yangon, 1 Nov -A ceremony to hoist Htidaw atop Hsutaungpyi Datpannat Pagoda on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township was held at at the pagoda on the hill at 6.30 am today. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and hoisted Seinbudaw, Hnget-myatnadaw and tiers of Htidaw atop the pagoda. The ceremony was graced by the presence of State Ovadacariya Sayadaws led by Vice-chairmen of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Aungmyebonsankyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannindabhivamsa and Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Lashio Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kavindacara.

 Also present were member of the State Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, ministers, deputy ministers, the Vice-Mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, distinguished guests, members of Yangon North District Union Solidarity and Development Association, students, Wut associations and laypersons. The Lashio Sayadaw invested the congregation with the Nine Precepts. Then, Upathakas presented Paritta flowers, water, thread and sand to the Sayadaws. The Sayadaws recited Metta Sutta. The Upathakas sprinkled Paritta water and sand and tied flowers and thread on the platform of the pagoda. The Secretary-1 presented Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw, Hitdaw and offertories to the Sayadaws. The commander, ministers and deputy ministers also presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

Afterwards, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannindabhivamsa delivered a sermon. The Secretary-1 and party and those present shared merits gained. The Secretary-1 conveyed the Seinbudaw and the commander, the ministers and party Hngetmyatnadaw and tiers of Htidaw around the pagoda clockwise. At the auspicious time, the commander, ministers and party relayed the sacred objects atop the pagoda. The Secretary-1 fixed them atop the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 sprinkled scented water on them. The Sayadaws consecrated the pagoda. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony. Later, the Secretary-1 paid reverence to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image and inspected all-round construction work on Mindhamma Hill.

( 3 ) Abhidhamma Day observed

Yangon, 1 Nov-Trainees led by course instructor Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannansami (Magadi-Thazi) observed the Abhidhamma Day at Maha Pasana Cave on Thirimingala Kaba Aye Hill here this morning, attended by officials of the Religious Affairs Department and the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, wellwishers and trainees. The ceremony was opened with three time recitation of Namotassa. Then, those present offered water, flowers and light to the Buddha Image. Later, trainees headed by Ma Myo Pa Pa, Ma May Thanda Soe and Ma Hsu Myat Mon recited religious verses and then all the trainees paid respects to course instructor Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannasami (Magadi-Thazi). Next, trainees recited religious verses on Abhi-dhamma, Abhidhamma Pali and Abhidhamma Gatha. After sharing of merits gained by those present, the ceremony ended with three time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciramtithatu. Dr Myat Htut-Daw Thida Shein and family (PK-7 Specialist Clinic, Shwe-bontha Street) of No 22, Myint-U Street,Yankin served light refreshments to those present at the ceremony.

"Soon" offered to members of the Sangha of State Pariyatti Sasana University

Yangon, 1 Nov-In commemoration of the successful completion of the fifth dawn "soon" offering of Township Sangha Dana 'Soon" Offering Association, a ceremony to offer "soon' to 407 members of the Sangha residing at State Pariyatti Sasana University and share merits gained for K 350,000 donated for the perpetual fund of the university was held at Mogok Soonsarkyaung of the university on Thirimingalar Kaba Aye Hill here this morning. The ceremony was sponsored by Latha Township Union Solidarity and Development Association of Yangon West District. It was attended by USDA CEC member Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Director U Tun Mya Aung of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana, Secretary of Yangon Division USDA U Aye Myint, Chairman of Latha Township Peace and Development Council U Kyaw Win, secretaries and executives of Latha, Kyauktada and Seikkan Township USDA and members and others. The congregation received the Eight Precepts from Ganavacaka Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indo-bhasa of Abhidhamma Department of the university. Then, USDA CEC member Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and officials presented offertories to members of the Sangha. Secretary of Latha Township USDA U Hok Sein presented K 100,000 for "soon" offering fund to Director U Tun Mya Aung. Next, Ganavacaka Saya-daw Bhaddanta Indobhasa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained for pious deeds. After the ceremony,
"soon" was offered to members of the Sangha.

Buddhists offer multi-coloured lights to pagodas in commemoration of Abhidhamma Day

 Yangon, 1 Nov - Buddhists offered multi-coloured lights to the Buddha on the fullmoon day of Thadingyut or the Abhidhamma Day today in accord with the tradition which has been upheld since the life time of the Buddha. It is said that the Buddha at the age of 42 and in the seventh vassa ascended the abode of celestials and delivered the Abhidhamma sermon to the celestial beings for 90 days throughout the Buddhist lent; and that when He returned to the abode of human beings, the Buddhist monks and laypersons paid respects and offered lights to Him. Buddhists have observed the Abhidhamma Day on the fullmoon day of Thadingyut annually in commemoration of the Buddha's return from the abode of celestials to that of human beings. It is a significant religious occasion as the Abhidhamma is a moral sermon that can help the people realize the way to Nirvana.

As it is an official public holiday, the Buddhists from all over the nation offered lights to the Buddha images and performed meritorious deeds on the Abhidhamma Day. The Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees sponsored a religious ceremony, in which a Pagoda Ovadacariya Sayadaw administered the Nine Precepts to the congregation, who presented offertories to the members of the Sangha. Abbot of Shwehintha Tawya Monastery Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa administered the Nine Precepts to the congregation at the Ancient Buddha Images Tazaung at the southern archway of the pagoda.

The members of the Sangha then recited Parittas. Members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and wellwishers presented offertories to the monks. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by the sharing of merits gained. Member of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Pe Than Lay and family offered a day meal to the monks. Fruits were offered to the Buddha images at Sule Pagoda at dawn.

The laypersons and pilgrims also offered 5,000 lights, flowers and water to the Buddha images at the religious ceremony sponsored by the Pagoda Board of Trustees. The laypersons and pilgrims were seen telling the beads and practising meditation and vipassana while the Buddhist monks were reciting Parittas throughout the day. At the Botahtaung Pagoda, 1,000 lights and flowers were offered to Buddha images at dawn. The pilgrims also offered lights, flowers, water and fruits to the pagoda and performed meritorious deeds. In the afternoon and evening, Sayadaw Tipitakadhaja Dhamma-bandagarika Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sirin-dabhivamsa and Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Pan–indabhivamsa delivered sermons.

At dawn, Shwephone-pwint Pagoda was crowded with members of the religious associations and laypersons offering flowers, lights, water and fruits to the Buddha images. Offertories were also presented to the monks residing in the monasteries located in the pagoda compound. The Board of Trustees of Kaba Aye Pagoda observed the Abhidhamma Day in Prayer Hall on Kaba Aye hillock in the evening. The Buddhists paid obeisance to the Buddha images and the images of the two arahats, Shin Sariputtra and Shin Maha Moggalan. Talks on the Abhidhamma Day and question and answer sessions on the religious treatises were also held at the ceremony. Members of the Sangha and members of the wut associations recited religious verses. The Abhidhamma Day was also observed at the Buddha's Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon) on Dhammapala hillock in Mayangon Township. Members the Pagoda Board of Trustees, members of the eight religious associations, guests and pilgrims offered lights, flowers, water and fruits to the pagoda in the morning. Member of the pagoda board of trustees U Saw Hlaing gave a talk on the Abhidhamma Day. Then, eight wut associations recited religious verses. Afterwards, the fourth Abhidhamma Day ceremony  of the Tooth Relic Pagoda (Yangon) came to a close with the three-time recitations of Buddha Sasanam ‚iram Tithatu. A soon-offering ceremony was held at Melamu Pagoda in North Okkalapa Township at 5.30 am today by the Buddha Pujana Yuva Association of Ward 2 under the sponsorship of the pagoda board of trustees. Sayadaws and members of the Sangha consecrated Shin Sivali Pagoda within the precinct of Melamu Pagoda. Present were Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun, members of the pagoda board of trustees, wellwisher U Soe Win and family and guests. At night, Pu–akusala Association offered 9,000 lights and 9,000 flowers at the Buddha Image on the platform in the eastern corner of the pagoda. Monks, devotees and wellwishers crowded Min-dhamma Hill in Insein Township where Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is kept. The wellwishers made donations to the funds of all-round construction work of Mindhamma Hill. The third Abhidhamma Day was observed in conjunction with the celebrations of the Thadingyut Festival at Okkalapa Pagoda in South Okkalapa Township at 4 pm today.

The religious associations and devotees offered lights at Okkalapa Pagoda, Kunhnitsu Pagoda and Aungdawmu Pagoda. The Abhidhamma Day was also observed at Kyaikkasan Pagoda in Thingangyun Township, Yangon East District this morning. Present were members of the pagoda board of trustees, religious associations and yogis. Ovadacariya Sayadaw of the pagoda board of trustees Pahtama Shwekyintaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sumana gave an Ovadakatha. The congregation received the Nine Precepts from the Sayadaw. U Than-Daw Thein and family of 46, Thiri Ayeya Street, Zawana Ward, donated K 100,000 to the funds of the pagoda. The Ovadacariya Saya-daw delivered a sermon. Today being the Abhidhamma Day, Buddhist devotees offered fruits, soon and flowers to the pagoda. The Buddhists observed the Abhidhamma Day in townships, Yangon Division, and Buddhist monks held the Pavarana ceremony. Houses and government and public buildings were illuminated at night.

( 4 )  Construction Minister honours outstanding students at Myittha, Kyaukse

 Yangon, 1 Nov - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, together with officials from Public Works, attended the ceremonies to present prizes to the outstanding students who passed the matriculation exam 2000-2001 held at the basic education high schools in Myittha and Kyaukse townships yesterday. The minister and party attended the ceremony held at the assembly hall of Myittha Basic Education High School.

The minister made a speech. The minister and wife Daw Myint Myint Ko and officials from Public Works presented cash to the outstanding students. Headmistress Daw Khin Myint spoke words of thanks and the ceremony came to a close. The minister cordially greeted the townselders, members of the School Board of Trustees, teachers and students.

 The Ministry of Con-struction presented K 146,000 to one five-distinction winner, four four-distinction winners, four three-distinction winners, five two-distinction winners and 30 one-distinction winners of the school in the academic year 2000-2001. The minister and party then proceeded to Kyaukse and attended a similar ceremony to honour outstanding students of Kyaukse BEHS-1 and Kyaukse BEHS-2 held at the assembly hall of Kyaukse BEHS-1. Headmaster U Tin Oo spoke words of thanks. The minister and wife Daw Myint Myint Ko and officials presented K 198,000 to tree five-distinction winners, eight three-distinction winners, 10 two-distinction winners and 40 one-distinction winners of the schools.

( 5 ) Performing arts contestants entertain Tatmadawmen

Yangon, 1 Nov- The contestants to the Ninth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions from states and divisions entertained the Tatmadawmen receiving medical treatment at the Defence Services General Hospital (Mingaladon) at the cinema hall of DSGH at 7 pm yesterday. Present on the occasion were Director of Medical Services of the Ministry of Defence Brig-Gen Mya Thein Han, Commanding Officer of DSGH Col Tin Thein Lwin, Registration Officer Lt-Col Thant Zin, officers, other ranks and families. Afterwards, Commanding Officer of DSGH Col Tin Thein Lwin presented a basket of flowers and certificates of honour to leader of Kachin team U Maung Maung Thein, who accepted them on behalf of the contestants.

Schedule of examination centres and special lectures of UDE Yangon announced

Yangon, 1 Nov - The final examinations and special lectures of the University of Distance Education Yangon will be held at Dagon University, Yangon Eastern University, Mawlamyine University, Pathein University, Sittway University, Pyay University, Taungoo University, Dawei University, Hinthada University, Bago Degree College, Hpa-an Degree College and Myeik College. Third year art students majoring in Law and Economics who are registered at the UDE Yangon are to attend special lectures at Yangon Eastern University and third year students majoring in Myanmar, History and Geography are to sit for the exams at the university.

 Third year Economics students who are registered at the UDE Yangon are to take exams at Thuwunna BEHS, Thingangyun BEHS-3; third year Law students, at Thingangyun BEHS-4; third year Psychology students, at Dagon Myothit (South) BEHS-3; third year Philosophy students, at Thingangyun BEMS-4; third year Chemistry students, at Thakayta BEMS-1, Thakayta BEMS-5 and Dagon Myothit (North) BEHS-4; third year Physics students, at Thingangyun BEHS-1, Thingangyun BEHS-2 and Thingangyun BEHS-3; third year Mathematics students, at Thakayta BEHS-2, Thakayta BEHS-3 and Thakayta BEHS-4; third year Zoology students, at Thakayta BEHS-1 and Dagon Myothit (South) BEHS-2, and third year Botany students, at Dagon Myothit (South) BEMS-4 and Dagon Myothit (North) BEHS-3. Third year art students majoring in Law and Economics who are registered at the UDE Dagon Branch (Dagon University) are to attend special lectures and take exams at Dagon University. First year art students majoring in Law and Economic are to attend special lectures and take exams at Dagon University. First year Physics students are to take exams at Dagon Myothit (South) BEHS-2 and Dagon Myothit (South) BEHS-3; first year Mathematics students, at Thingangyun BEHS-1, Thingangyun BEHS-2; first year Zoology students, at Dagon Myothit (South) BEHS-4 and Thuwunna BEHS; first year Chemistry students, at Dagon Myothit (South) BEMS-4 and Dagon Myothit (North) BEHS-3, and first year Botany students, at Thin-gangyun BEHS-3, Thin-gangyun BEHS-4. First year art students majoring in Law and Economics who are registered at the UDE Eastern Branch (Yangon Eastern University) are to attend special lectures and take exams at Yangon Eastern University. First year Physics students are to take exams at Thakayta BEHS-1; first year Mathematics students, at Thakayta BEHS-2; first year Zoology students, at Thakayta BEHS-2 and Thakayta BEHS-3; first year Chemistry students, at Thakayta BEHS-3; first year Botany students, at Thakayta BEHS-4. The remaining art, science, law and economic students who are registered at the branches of UDE Yangon are to sit for exams at respective universities, degree colleges and colleges. Details of timetable of the exams and special lectures will be announced at respective universities and BHESs.

( 6 )  Commander inspects regional development tasks in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 1 Nov - Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, together with Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than and departmental officials, arrived at Bo Myat Tun Bridge on 30 October morning. The commander met with departmental officials and discussed matters related to maintenance of the waterways, prevention of erosion of the river banks and maintenance of the bridge.

The commander then attended to the needs. After that, the commander met with members of District, Township and Ward Peace and Development Councils, officials of social organizations and townselders at the office of Nyaungdon Township Development Affairs Committee. The commander discussed regional development tasks, community peace and tranquillity and prevalence of law and order, and minimizing loss and wastage in harvesting monsoon paddy.

The commander attended the ceremony to present computer sets to the e-library in Maubin District at Toe Shwe Wah Hall in the same district. On behalf of the wellwishers, the commander presented the computer sets to Chairman of District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Thein Hlaing. The commander gave instructions on the opening of e-libraries and extension of regional development and livestock breeding tasks. Next, the commander inspected Maubin-Kyaiklat Road by car. The commander met with local farmers at the 400-acre model paddy farm in Hleseik Village-tract in Kyaiklat Township and fulfilled requirements.

Commander inspects extension of Yangon-Mandalay Highway

Yangon, 1 Nov - A work coordination meeting on construction of six-lane Yangon-Mandalay Highway Project (Pyinmana-Yamethin Section) was held at the meeting hall in Pyinmana on 30 ,October morning. Present were Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Brig-Gen Thein Swe of Pyinmana Station and senior military officers, Chairman of Yamethin District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyi Thein and departmental officials, Managing Director of Asia World Company U Tun Myint Naing and officials. The commander gave instructions on construction of the six-lane highway. Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing and Project Engineer U Tin Aung reported on construction of Pyinmana-Yamethin Section of six-lane Yangon-Mandalay Highway, and Brig-Gen Thein Swe and officials on provision of necessary assistance. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the commander. After the ceremony, the commander inspected construction of Pyinmana-Yamethin Section.

The commander then visited sugar-cane plantations of peasant U Khin Maung Than in Kyaukchet Village-tract, Pyinmana and attended to the requirements. It has been targeted to grow sugar-cane on 25,000 acres of land, and now 18,081 acres of land have been put under sugar-cane. Later, the commander went to the Manawthukha 100-acre model farm at Thittak Village-tract, Pyinmana Township. The commander inspected supply of water through the right canal of Yezin Dam, and paddy fields of peasant U Thein Kyaw at the farm. It has been targeted to cultivate monsoon paddy on 43,000 acres of land, and 44,808 acres of land have been put under monsoon paddy which will be harvested in November. The commander later went to the agricultural research farm of the Agricultural Research Division of Myanma Agriculture Service in Tatkon. The commander inspected the work of the farm and gave instructions on the work.

He then inspected cultivation of monsoon paddy at the agriculture educational camp in Wetlet Village-tract, Pyawbwe Township. It has been targeted to cultivate monsoon paddy on 28,191 acres of land, and 32,393 acres of land have been put under monsoon paddy which will be harvested in November. In the afternoon, Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint visited Basic Education High School in Shwepyiyan-aung Ward, Pyawbwe Township. The commander inspected preparations for the opening of multimedia teaching centre, and attended to the requirements.