( 1 ) Secretary-1 attends opening of ancient historic Maha Kalyani Ordination Hall in Bilin Township, Mon State

Yangon, 20 Nov - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by the Commander-in-Chief (Air), ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads and officials, left here by helicopter and arrived at Zoakthoak Village in Bilin Township, Mon State, at 8.30 am on 19 November.

 The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, Commander of No 44 Light Infantry Division Col Min Aung Naing, chairmen of Thaton District and Bilin Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel and local residents. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at Kyaikhti-hsaung Hsandawshin Pagoda and paid reverence to the Buddha image. Then, they paid obeisance to Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pan–adipa at the prayer hall of the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe offered robes to the Sayadaw. A ceremony to open ancient historic Thawnottara Maha Kalyani Ordination Hall in the village was held at the ordination hall at 9.15 am. Present on the occasion were Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Maha Aungmye-bonsan Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Pa–inda-bhivamsa, Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pan–adipa and members of the Sangha, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental personnel, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, religious associations, well-wishers, lay disciples and local people. The Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw and the Secretary-1 sprinkled scented water on the stone inscriptions to mark the opening of the ordination hall. The opening ceremony of Maha Kalyani Ordination Hall was held with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa.

 The Secretary-1 and those present received the Nine Precepts from Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Panindanbhivamsa. Members of the Sangha recited parittas. The Secretary-1 presented offertories to Sayadaws, and 18 Sayadaws who would be reordained. Next, the 18 Sayadaws including the Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw were reordained. The Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw presented a bronze Buddha image, which was cast over 420 years ago and inscribed words in Mon, marble Buddha images, and bundles of palm-leaf inscriptions, which were collected by him, to the Secretary-1.

 Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt supplicated on religious matters, expressing pleasure to be able to attend the ceremony, in which 18 Sayadaws and Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Panadipa will be reordained, and to pay respects to the Sayadaws led by the vice-chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee. He said Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw has devoted his live to discharging religious duties; he has renovated the historical pagodas in Mon State, hoisted Shwehtidaws of the pagodas, offered Shwe-thingan to the pagodas, repaired the prayer halls and renovated historic ordination halls. He has also renovated and rebuilt ancient religious edifices in other States and Divisions.

 The Sayadaw has built new roads, repaired the existing ones, made arrangements to supply clean water to the rural people, built schools for the village children and provided furniture to the schools and assistance to the teachers. According to religious records and history, Mon State was called Thuwunnabomi in the ancient times.

The royal city " Thuwunnabomi " was located at the place which is now called Bilin. Thuwunna-bomi is one of the places in the world to which King Asoka sent missionary Sayadaws. The Kalyani Ordination Hall which was re-inaugurated with a grand ceremony today was built by the two Arahats, Ashin Sona and Ashin Uttara, the leaders of the missionary team. The prayer hall which was rebuilt on the platform of Kyaikhtihsaung Pagoda will be re-inaugurated today.

The ceremony to hoist the Htidaw, the Hngetmyat-nadaw and the Seinbudaw of ancient TattawU Pagoda will also be held today. Thus, today is an auspicious day. He then wished the Sayadaw and his disciples to be able to carry out their religious duties, the Theravada Buddhism to be flourished in every part of the world for more than 5,000 years and Myanmar to be peaceful, modern and developed nation because of the merits gained at the ceremony.

Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pannadipa delivered a sermon and Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and the wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and the congregation shared the merits gained. Then, the ceremony came to a close with three-time recitation of "Buddha sasanam ciram tithattu". Later, the Secretary-1 and wife and the congregation presented offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha who were reordained.

 They proceeded to Kyaikhtisaung Hsandawshin Pagoda. Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Brig-Gen Than Tun and Director of Mon State Development Affairs Department U Kyaw San reported to the Secretary-1 on matters relating to completion of the 4 miles 7 furlongs long Bilin-Zoakthok section and the 8 miles long Zoakthok-Taunggyi section of the 20 miles 2 furlongs long Bilin-Zoakthok-Taunggyi-Yekkanthairma-Theinngu-Shwewayaung road and also on the progress of work so far carried out in constructing the 7 miles 3 furlongs long Taunggyi-Theinngu section. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions.

Next, the Secretary-1 handed over to officials concerned Buddha images given by Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw to the Ministry of PBANRDA and No 44 LID which took part in building the newly opened Shwewayaung road sections 1 and 2, and cash donations of wellwishers. Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave 300 dozens of exercise books to Headmaster U Aung Myint of Zoakthok Basic Education High School. Afterwards, the ceremony to hoist sacred umbrellas, hngetmyatnadaws and diamond orbs to ancient Hsandawkyo TattawU Pagoda and Tagundaingdaw (flag staff) was held in Zoakthok village in Bilin Township.

According to the agenda, State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Vice-Chairman Maha Aungmye Bonsan Kyauktaik Sayadaw Abhidaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Panindabhivamsa and members of the Sangha, the Secretary-1 and party offered the diamond orbs and hngetmyat-nadaws and sacred umbrellas to the pagoda. Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party conveyed the diamond orbs and hngetmyatnadaws and sacred unmbrellas round the pagoda clock-wise. Next, the Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party hoisted the diamond orb and hngetmyat-nadaw and sacred umbrella atop the pagoda. Next, the Secretary-1 and party enshrined the relics and performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark successful enshrinement. Afterwards, the Sayadaw, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party hoisted diamond orb, sacred umbrella and hngetmyatnadaw atop the Tagundaing (flag staff) in the pagoda compound. The Secretary-1 then perfomed rituals of golden and silver showers after which the ceremony eneded.

( 2 ) Strong economy, peace, stability will ward off foreign influences, perpetuate sovereignty Government built over 5,300 new high, middle and primary schools

Yangon, 20 Nov - State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by Commander-in-Chief (Air), Mon State Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Chief of Staff (Navy), deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, after attending the shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of Hsandawkyo Pagoda, left Zoakthok village of Bilin Township and arrived Mokkhamu village of Kyaikto Township in Mon State at 1 pm today.

 The Secretary-1 and party then attended the ceremony to hand over the new building of the middle school (branch) in the village at 1.15 pm. Present on the occasion were Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Mon State Peace and Development Council Chairman Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, local authorities, departmental personnel, USDA members, those of social organizations, school PTA members, teachers, students, wellwishers and others. First, U Tin Ohn, on behalf of the donor school building Shwe Umin Sayadaw, and Headmaster of the school U Kyi Thein formally opened the school building.

Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt unveiled the signboard of the school building. Next, he presented offertories to Shwe Umin Sayadaw Bhaddanta-Kosalla and members of the Sangha. The ceremony to hand over the school building was held in the Shwe Umin Hall of the school.

The Sayadaw's disciple U Kyi Pe explained the purpose of the donation. On behalf of Shwe Umin Tawya Dhamma Yeiktha Sayadaw of North Okkalapa Township he donated 5.66 million kyats for constructing the school buildings such as a one-storey main building with 200 feet in length and 30 feet in width; one hall with 120 feet in length and 30 feet in width; one school building with 150 feet in length and 30 feet in width, one six-unit toilet with and 2 brick-wells; the school buildings were donated with the aim of enabling the youths of the village to become good and able persons who cherish their own religion, race and lineage.

In accord with the wishes of the Sayadaw, wellwishers U Aung Myin, Daw Khin Than Lin and family of Marina biscuit factory of Yangon donated 6.5 million kyats worth generator to supply electricity to the Mokkhamu village. Next, the Sayadaw's disciple U Tin Ohn handed over documents related to the school buildings to Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung. U Aye Naing, disciple of the Sayadaw also handed over K 1 million donated by the Sayadaw to Myanmar Education Committee Chairman State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Next, well-wishers made donations in cash and kind.

 The donations were 1.2 million kyats in cash and 1 million kyats worth of clothes, and stationery by U Tin Oo, Daw Khin Win and family; K 300,000 by U Tin Oo, Daw Hla Myint (Shwesin Yadana) and family; K 100,000 by Major Kyaw Gaung, Daw Khin Mar Kyi (Thanlwin) and family; K 100,000, 70 dozens of exercise books and 70 dozens of pencils by U Aung Myin, Daw Khin Than Lin and Marina biscuit family; and K 100,000 by Dr Khun Aung, Dr Khin Mya Zin and family. On behalf of the wellwishers, Daw Khin Than Lin handed over the donations amounting to 2.1 million kyats to Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe.

 Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt handed over exercise books, a computer set, a television set and a video player to school headmaster U Kyi Thein. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-1, on behalf of the State, thanked the Shwe Umin Tawya Sayadaw for his efforts for emergence of the middle school (branch) in Mokkhamu village in Kyaikto Township, Mon State. Due to the armed insurgency and absence of peace and stability, the region legged behind development in the past. As peace has been restored in almost all the regions of the nation, smooth and secure transport can be ensured, and the socio-economic foundations are being laid in the nation.

Due to the Sayadaw's efforts, the new school building emerged in the village at the right time. The State is building hospitals, dispensaries and schools in the entire nation with the help of wellwishers to lay good foundations for the public health and education sector.

The present government has built over 5,300 new high, middle and primary schools including schools which were opened with the help of the wellwishers. The Ministry of Education will provide necessary assistance to the school. He urged the wellwishers and local people to render assistance for the school to bring out brilliant students for successful implementation of the State's education promotion programmes.

 In Mawlamyine, the Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to Mawlamyine Maha Myat Muni Pagoda. They also visited Kyaikthalan Pagoda. This morning, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met with local authorities and departmental personnel at the hall of South-East Command. Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe reported on monsoon and summer paddy cultivation in Mon State, paddy production, efforts being made to ensure regional food sufficiency, performance in the industrial and meat and fish sectors of the state, target growth and performance in manufacturing and services sectors of the state.

 Division level officials reported on crop produce, irrigation facilities, land reclamation, perennial crop plantation, production of industrial raw materials, sugarcane cultivation, production of the factories in the region, implementation of the meat and fish sector. Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin briefed the Secretary-1 on the ministry's assistance to realize the agricultural targets of the state, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein on extension of the meat and fish sector to increase the income of the rural people, and Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw on communication sector. Officials also took part in the discussions.

 The Secretary-1 gave suggestions. He said Myanmar has laid down and implemented the political, economic and social objectives in accord with the national policy Ñ non-disintegration of the Strong economy, peace, stability will ward Union; non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty. First the State has given priority to national peace and stability, and then progress of the socio-economy of the people.

The nation will be free from foreign influences and the sovereignty will perpetuate only if there is peace and stability and the nation economic is strong. The sovereignty will be full of essence only if the national characters can be restored. Efforts should be made to promote the nation's education level in the long run and to continuously produce brilliant human resources for development of the national economy and restoration of the national characters and safeguarding of the sovereignty. The government is also striving for prevalence of peace and stability and strengthening of national unity. Its is also striving for progress of the industrial sector based in agriculture which is the nation's main economy since the time of forefathers with a view to developing the national economy.

 The government is systematically implementing plans to restore and safeguard the national characters and traditions and culture. The participation of the people is important in realizing the political, economic and social objectives and the national policies. In this context, the local authorities and department personnel's ability to organize and lead the public is also an important sector. In the process of globalization, there are developments as well as declines in the world. Extra efforts are required to face and overcome the negative impacts of the declining situations of the world. Concerning the endeavours of national economic progress, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given the guidance

"To increase productivity while practising austerity: to practise austerity while increasing productivity". Mon State has potentials to export rice and to supply food to other regions of the nation. Thus extra efforts are required to produce more rice in the region with is enjoying food sufficiency. In addition to rice, rubber and marine enterprises can also benefit the nation much. But the regional people lose will and ability to produce goods at full capacity due to illegal trade.

 It is required to strengthen the spiritual ability and make tireless efforts for regional development and to boost production in accord with the Head of State's guidance. Boosting production of edible oil and paper will lead to lessen the amount of import of the goods and develop the practice of frugality. Sugarcane cultivation must be extended to help boost sugar production. Construction of small-scale dams under regional programmes will help develop the national economy.

As Mon State has much potentials to help develop the nation economy, all should strive to practice frugality and to increase productivity. The Secretary-1 and party arrived at the work site of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) construction project on Mawlamyine bank, where they were welcomed by officials of Public Works. Deputy Chief Engineers of Public Works U Myo Chit and U Ohn Han reported on the project, construction of the main bridge, and progress of construction of approach bridges on Mawlamyine bank and Mottama bank.

Afterwards, Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung reported on construction of the approach railway and approach bridges of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), and arrangements for construction of the upgraded railway station and related buildings in Mawlamyine. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave a supplementary report. After giving instructions, the Secretary-1 inspected construction of main bridge of Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine), and railway approach bridge on Mawlamyine side. The Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) has a 14-foot-wide railway, the 28-foot-wide motorway and two five-foot-wide pedestrian lanes. The upper structure of the bridge was constructed with girders, and lower structure with steel reinforced concrete. The 11,575 feet long bridge's clearance is 328 feet wide and 46 feet high. It can withstand 60-ton load.

( 3 ) Myanmar delegation arrives back from Nepal

Yangon, 20 Nov - Myanmar delegation led by Joint-Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kundalajoti and Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, arrived back here by air yesterday evening after attending the opening ceremony and ceremony for sharing merits gained of the Dhammayon built on the plot in Lumbini Park in Nepal. They were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister at the Prime Minister's Office U Than Shwe, Adviser to the Office of the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung, Charge d' Affaires ai of the Nepal Embassy Mr Harishchandra Ghimire, departmental heads of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and officials. The delegation comprised Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, U San Thin Hlaing of the Religious Affairs Department and U Tin Wai Lwin of the Ministry of Religious Affairs as members.

( 4 )    Minister inspects bridge construction in Rakhine State

Yangon, 20 Nov -Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Myint Thein and officials, arrived at the construction site of Kyaukkyipauk bridge on Ma-i-Kyaukpyu road yesterday. Project Engineer Deputy Superintending Engineer U Tin Htut and officials reported on progress in driving piles and construction of the approach structure, the condition of machinery, and arrival of construction materials.

 The minister gave instructions for timely completion and minimizing loss and wastage. The minister and party proceeded to Sanepauk bridge construction site on Yangon-Taungup-Ma-i-Kyaukpyu road by boat. Project Engineer Chief Engineer U Myint Oo reported on progress of work and future tasks. The minister gave instructions. Of the ten bridges to be built on Yangon-Taungup-Ma-i-Kyaukpyu road, six have already been completed.

Four bridges  Thanthamagyi bridge, Than-thamache bridge, Thazinthan-bauk bridge, and Wanbaik-chaung bridge  are under planning stage. The minister and party inspected sites chosen for construction of the four bridges. The minister and party heard a report presented by Project Engineer U Tin Soe at the briefing hall of Mingyaung Creek Bridge construction project on progress of construction of the approach bridge on Ma-i side, and future tasks. Then, the minister gave necessary instructions.

( 5 ) Myanmar Dhammayon inaugurated in Lumbini, Nepal

Yangon, 20 Nov -Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and Joint Secretary of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Kontalajoti and delegation arrived Kathmandu in Nepal on 14 November. The members of the delegation were Director-General of Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Staff Officer U San Thin Hlaing and PSO U Tin Wai Lwin. The delegation visited Myanmar Shwekyaung in Lumbini.

 After inspecting the Dhammayon and its environs, the minister and party paid obeisance to Lawka Mani Sula Pagoda. Accompanied by Ambassador U Nay Win and party, the delegation visited Meidaw Maya Brick Monastery, a pagoda donated by Japan, and the Vietnamese temple the next day. They paid respects to the German monk Ashin Vivekananda and presented CD-ROMs on the Three Pitaka to him.

 At Myanmar Shwekyaung, the delegation met with Chairman Mr Surya Prasad Pradhan of House of Representatives Environment Conservation Committee. On 16 November, the delegation, together with Head of Myanmar Shwekyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhamma Nandabhivamsa and the ambassador, visited the new Myanmar Dhammayon built with the funds donated by the State and the public. The next morning, the delegation attended the ceremony to inaugurate the Myanmar Dhammayon. U Sann Lwin acted as master of ceremonies.

Minister U Aung Khin and Ambassador U Nay Win formally opened the Dhammayon. Sayadaws recited religious verses. Sayadaws then consecrated the Buddha image donated by U Han Shein and Daw Mya Mya Lay (Thirithudhamma Theingi) of Mandalay. Minister U Aung Khin supplicated on religious matters, explaining the religious edifices built by Myanmar including the Myanmar Dhammayon. The minister and the ambassador presented offertories to 30 members of the Sangha, and Daw Nwe Nwe Hlaing, wife of the ambassador, to 16 nuns. The congregation shared the merits gained. After offering ÔsoonÕ to the Buddhist monks, over 500 guests were served with lunch. Among the guests were Mr Surya Prasad Pradhan and Mr Omkar Prasad Gauchan, Vice-Chairman of Lumbini Development Trust. Together with Sayadaws, the delegation members planted Ingyin and Seinban saplings in the compound of Myanmar Shwekyaung. The delegation went to Kathmandu in the evening. They arrived back here via Bangkok yesterday evening.

Yangon, 20 Nov- Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than this afternoon visited the Yangon Division Special Zone for Cultivation of Vegetables and Poultry Farming near Nyaunghnapin Village, Hmawby Township, Yangon North District, and inspected vegetable cultivation and poultry farming tasks there.

First, the commander arrived at Hmawby Hsan Hall where he was welcomed by officials. The officials concerned reported on the clearing of undergrowth and land preparation and the progress of work to the commander. Deputy Director U Myo Lwin of Yangon Division Irrigation Department reported on the supply of water from Kalihtaw Diversion Dam to the special zone; Chairman of Yangon North District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col San Matu on the maintenance of roads in the zone; national entrepreneurs on the situation of vegetable cultivation and poultry farming. The commander attended to their needs. Then, the commander viewed the vegetable plantations from the tower and gave necessary instructions.

 The commander also inspected the vegetable plantations of Sein Enterprise around Taing Myankyaw poultry farms and breeding of layers and gave necessary instructions and left there later in the evening. In Yangon Division Special Zone for Vegetable Cultivation and Poultry Farming, ministries and national entrepreneurs are undertaking vegetable cultivation and poultry farming work on 2650 acres. A total of over 300,000 layers, broilers and chickens have been raised up to now and more than 100,000 broilers sold.