( 1 ) 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships open

Holding of national, international championships helps promote youth's physical, mental strength and equip them better to meet challenges of life

Yangon, 25 Nov-The opening ceremony of the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships hosted by Myanmar for the first time and finals of the contest were held at the National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna in Thingangyun Township this afternoon. Present were Patron of Organizing Committee for the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, member of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, the ministers, Chairman of Leading Organizing Committee for the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and members, Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence, the deputy ministers, Vice-Chairman of YCDC Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and members, Vice-President of the International Federation of Bodybuilders for Asia Secretary-General of Asian Bodybuilding Federation Mr Paul Chua, President of ABBF Mr Mergaliev Bulat of Kazakhstan, vice-presidents, Executive Assistant to the President Chairman of Judges Committee Mr Rafael Santonja, Chairman of Medical Committee Dr Robert Martin Goldman and members, members of Medical Advisory Committee, Chairman of Judges Mr Hong Young Pyo, Chairman of Technical Committee Mr Tony Blinn, Executives of IFBB and ABBF, Ms Kerry Jane Knowler of World Anti-Drug Agency, Miss Olympia Miss Juliette Beirgman, members of Judges Committee, Secre-taryÊof Women's Committee of ABBF Ms Christina Kam Yuan, delegates of countries of IFBB and ABBF, Chairman of Work Committee President of Myanmar Bodybuilding Federation Secretary of YCDC Col Myint Aung, members, Chairmen of Sub-committees, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of departments, ambassadors, resident representatives of UN Agencies, local and foreign newsmen, presidents and secretaries of sports federations, heads of departments of YCDC, deputy heads of departments, sports writers, managers and coaches of 51 countries, students, guests and sports fans.

 U Hla Win and Daw Thwe Thwe Myint of Myanma Radio and Television acted as masters of ceremonies and announced the programmes. Girls from No 2 Basic Education High School carrying the placards each bearing the names of the participating teams of Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, China (Taipei), Cyprus, Czech, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Guyana, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Korea, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Syria, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Wales (UK) and Myanmar, took place on the stage. Band of Myanmar Police Force played the National Anthem of Myanmar and the champinship contest was declared open. Words, namely, "Welcome to Yangon, Union of Myanmar, the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuild-ing Championships, Mr Universe 2001, and "Body-building is nation-building" were displayed on cards by the students from BEHS Nos 1 and 2 in Thingangyun Township.

 The Secretary-1 then delivered a speech. He said: It is indeed a great pleasure for me to give the inaugural address at this opening ceremony of the 55th World Amateur Men's Body-building Championships. First of all, allow me to extend the warmest greetings and heartiest welcome to all the organizers, judges, body-builders and supporters who have come from different parts of the world to take part in the Championships. Today is indeed a great day in the annals of Myanmar's sports history for this is the first time that a World Bodybuilding Championship is being held in Myanmar.

 Two years ago, when we were holding the Second Southeast Asian Bodybuilding Championships in Yangon, the Vice President of IFBB and General Secretary of the Asia Bodybuilding Federation Mr Paul Chua approached me about the possibility of holding a World Championship. I replied without hesitation that it would be indeed a great honour for our national Bodybuilding Federation and for the country as well. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to again express our sincere appreciation to the Asia Bodybuilding Federation and the General Secretary Mr Paul Chua for all the encouragement and support to our country.

I wish also to express our heartfelt thanks to the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) and its President Dr Ben Weider in particular for having confidence in our country and in our sports federation to organize this auspicious event. Allow me to assure you that we have undertaken every effort to make the championships a success. The holding of a World Bodybuilding Championships is of great significance to all sport loving people, especially to bodybuilders all over the world.

 It assembles the youths of the nations to compete not only for physical excellence of strong bodies but also to foster international brotherhood and fraternity among the nations. It is our belief that even as the contestants compete with each other, they will also be able to build lasting friendships. Moreover, to the sportsmen from developing nations like Myanmar, it also affords a golden opportunity to exchange views and experiences with their brothers from more advanced sports nations, thus gaining new techniques and methods.

We in Myanmar have always accorded priority to the development of body and mind of the people. It is in this spirit that the Government has identified the upgrading of health standards as a social objective of the nation. In promoting health standards, due importance is paid to uplifting level of sports including mass and competitive sports. It is our view that sports also contribute to strengthening of individual character by developing discipline, perseverance, endurance, team spirit and sportsmanship. Moreover, the holding of national and international championships

 will surely serve to promote physical and mental strength of youth and equip them better to meet the challenges of life. Our Government is committed to raising the sport standards of the nation. Towards this end, a National Olympic Council and Olympic Committee have been formed to provide overall policy guidance while a separate Ministry of Sports gives close supervision to the development of sports in Myanmar.

Consequently, there has been a general rise in the standards of sports in Myanmar and the successes attained in regional and international sports meets bear witness to the improved performances of Myanmar sportsmen and sportswomen. In the sphere of bodybuilding, Myanmar is able to produce many prominent bodybuilders who have made their mark in regional and international contests. The holding of the Second Southeast Asia Bodybuilding Championship in Myanmar in 1999 testifies to the emergence of Myanmar as a powerhouse in bodybuilding.

 I wish to congratulate the Myanmar Bodybuilding Federation for the excellent work in raising the standards of bodybuilding in the nation. As the host country for the present Championships, we are very happy to have representatives from so many nations in the world with us today. Although your stay in our country is very brief, it is our hope that you will be able to enjoy the beauty of our golden land, the world-renown hospitality of our people as well as our rich culture and customs.

 In conclusion, may I take this opportunity to wish the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships every success and all the contestants the best of luck. Then, the Secretary-1 presented an honorary award of Myanmar National Olympic Council to Vice-President of the IFBB for Asia and General-Secretary of ABBF Mr Paul Chua. Mr Paul Chua made a speech. Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint formally opened the finals of the 55th World Amateur Men's Bodybuilding Championships. Executive Assistant to the President and Chairman of the Judges Committee Mr Rafael Santonja presented the service award of IFBB to the Secretary-1.

Mr Paul Chua presented gold order awards of IFBB to Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint and Mayor U Ko Lay. Mr Paul Chua introduced contestants to the Secretary-1. The employees of the Fine Arts Department presented cultural dances. At the Flyweight (60 kilo) Category, Pham Van Mach of Vietnam, Aung Naing of Myanmar and Tun Tun Aung of Myanmar stood first, second and third respectively. The Secretary-1 and Mayor U Ko Lay presented prizes and certificates of honour to the winners respectively.

 The Secretary-1, together with the six contestants, posed for photos. At the Bantamweight (65 kilo) Category, Jose Carlos Santos of Brazil, Anwar Ahmed El Amawy of Egypt and In Chai of the Republic of Korea emerged first, second and third respectively. The Secretary-1 and Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint presented prizes and certificates of honour to the winners respectively. The Secretary-1, together with the six contestants, posed for photos. At the Lightweight (70 kilo) Category, Igor Kocis of Slovakia, Yossri Sayed of Egypt and Dong Ki Han of the Republic of Korea stood first, second and third respectively. Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and Mr Rafael Santonja presented prizes and certificates of honour to the bodybuilders.

 Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, together with the six contestants, posed for photos. At the Welterweight (75 kilo) Category, Fakhrudinov Tagir of Azerbaijan, Pavlo Milos of Czech Republic and Zaw Thein Naing of Myanmar emerged first, second and third respectively. Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein and Col Myint Aung presented prizes and certificates of honour to the bodybuilders. Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, together with the six contestants, posed for photos.

 At the Middleweight (80 kilo) Category, Serguei Dimitriev of Russia, Pavlos Mentis of Greece and Frank Schramm of Germany stood first, second and third respectively. Minister for Co-operatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe and the vice-president of IFBB for Lebanon presented prizes and certificates of honour respectively to them. Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe, together with the six contestants, posed for photos. At the Light Heavyweight (- 90 kilo) Category, Thomas Scheu of Germany, Brzozka Pawel of Poland and Pavel Ershov of Russia stood first, second and third respectively.  Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and Vice-president of Asian Bodybuilding Federation Mr Mergaliev Bulat presented prizes and certificates respectively. Minister U Win Aung, together with the six contestants, posed for photos.

 At the Heavyweight (+90 kilo) Category, Oleg Makchatsev of Russia, Piotr Gluchowski of Poland and Mariusz Strzelinski of Czech Republic stood first, second and third respectively. Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and the president of the Medical Commission presented prizes and certificates of honour respectively. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, together with the six contestants, posed for photos. Mr Rafel Santonji presented Most Improved Bodybuilder prize to Aung Naing of Myanmar (Flyweight). Col Myint Aung and Mr Rafael Santonji presented the first, second and third best national team prizes to Russia, the Republic of Korea and Egypt respectively.

Col Myint Aung handed over the IFBB Flag to the delegate of Egypt, where the World Bodybuilding Championships will be held next year. Mr Paul Chua presented the first, second and third overall champion prizes to Oleg Makchatsev of Russia (Heavyweight), Thomas Scheu of Germany (Light Heavyweight) and Fakhrudinov Tagir of Azerbaijan (Welterweight) respectively. Then, the ceremony came to a close.

( 2 ) Secretary-1 attends cash presentation ceremony for construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image

Yangon, 25 Nov-A ceremony to present cash for construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image was held at Gandhakuti Kyaungdawgyi on Mindham-ma Hill in Insein Township this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

 Also present were ministers, deputy ministers, the vice-mayor, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department, members of the Committee for Construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image and wellwishers. The Secretary-1 and party paid obeisance to the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image.

 The Secretary-1 accepted K 2.5 million each donated by staff of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and the Ministry of Health and K 2 million each by U Maung Maung and brothers (Great Wall embrocation production) and U Zaw Win (AryonOo Construction) and Daw Khin Khin Htay and family.

Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin accepted K 10,740,000 donated by disciples of Letkhattaung Sayadaw, K 1 million each by U Thein Oo (Thitsa Pankhin Enterprise) and Daw Khin Khin Sein, Col Zaw Win Myint, Lt-Col Yin Yin Zaw and family, Chanttet Htan Buddhist Missionary Temple in Kamayut Township and wellwishers and K 1.8 million by Daw Thet Thet Aung and son Maung Aung Sit Thway.

Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone accepted K 800,000 each by Daw Hla Yin and family and U Khway-Daw Khin Si and family, K 700,000 by Daw Khin May Thet and K 500,000 each by U Ohn Hlaing-Daw Khin Mar Kyi, U Khin Maung and family and Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon. Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung accepted K 500,000 donated by Daw Ngwe Yon and family, K 340,000 U Thein Aung and U Myint Aung Ko and family, K 300,000 by Daw Sein Yi and son U Aung Moe Kyaw and family, K 250,000 each by Headmaster U Kyaw Kyaw and students of No 1 Basic Education High School in Dagon Township, Daw Than Paw Tip, Dr San Lwin and Lecturer Daw Myint Than (Retd) and family and U Chit Han and Daw Aye Aye Myint.

Minister Brig-Gen Ohn Myint accepted K 250,000 each by U Aung Kyaw Oo-Daw Nan San Huan Sai, sons and daughters of U Myint Swe and Daw Nan San Hmu and U Ye Tun and Daw Theingi Min. Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein accepted K 985,600 by wellwishers. Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw accepted K 100,000 each by U Than Naing-Daw Kyu Kyu Swe of Thamada Robe Shop, Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein-Daw Tin Tin Nwe, Daw Nan Thida and daughters, Daw Myint Yi, U Chit Thwe, Daw Thaung Yi of Kyaikwaing, U Khin Maung Hla-Daw Khin Kyi and U Mya Aung-Daw Aye Aye Soe. Minister Brig-Gen Lun Thi accepted K 100,000 each donated by U Maung Maung Aye-Daw Aye Zin Soe, Insein Township Peace and Development Council, Daw Sein Yin and family and U Maung Maung Nyunt and Daw Khin Myat Nwe.

 Minister Maj-Gen Ket Sein accepted K 100,000 each by Yangon City Bank, Daw Khin Myat Thu and family and U Mya Than-Daw Yin Yin May and 116 US dollars, 110 FECs and K 18,016,578 donated by the public from 22 September to 23 November.

 Today's donations were 116 US dollars, 110 FECs, articles worth K 14,040,000 and K 50,592,178. Chairman of the Committee for Construction of Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko reported on progress of work. Chairman of the Finance Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa reported on matters related to donations. The Secretary-1 said all-round construction work of the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image is being undertaken with the use of the contributions of the people.

The power of the image has manifested itself since it was conveyed from Sakyintaung in Madaya Township, he said. On account of the glory of the Image, it can be said that a white elephant emerged in Myanmar. Emergence of the white elephant is a good omen for peace and prosperity of Myanmar, he said. He expressed his belief that such donations for construction of the Image could bring about prosperity. Construction of the Glass-walled Hall will soon be completed, and the Image will become more graceful and serene, he said. The Secretary-1 wished all the wellwishers prosperity.

 The Secretary-1 paid obeisance to the relics conveyed from Sri Lanka and inspected construction of the Image. Construction of the Glass-walled Hall is 40 per cent; complete the carving of the Pada footprint by 100 per cent; construction of the Pada footprint hall and decoration of Myanmar artistic works 70 per cent. Four lion statues which are 36 feet high each and situated in northern and southern stairways and two stairs are 75 per cent complete. Construction of northern and southern stairways and Gandhakuti Kyaungdawgyi is nearly finished and the laying of granite slabs is under way in the Kyaungdawgyi.

( 3 ) Leading Committee for Organizing Second Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference meets

Yangon, 25 Nov -The Leading Committee for Organizing the Second Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference held a meeting in the meeting hall of the National Health Committee of the Ministry of Health at 11 am today. Patron of the Leading Committee Chairman of the National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt addressed the meeting.

 Also present were the ministers, the Mayor of Yangon, the deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council office, members of the Leading Committee, heads of department and guests. The Secretary-1 said that the First Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference was successfully held in December in 2000 in conjunction with the Exhibition on Traditional Medicines and Medical Equipment.

He expressed his belief that the second conference can be held more successfully on the basis of the experience gained from the holding of the first conference. It is necessary to see to it that all the traditional medicine practitioners attend the second conference; papers are submitted systematically; potent traditional medicines and methods are made known to all. Arrangements are to be made to enable traditional medicine practitioners to have open discussions at the second conference with the aim of keeping in perpetuity efficacious traditional medicines handed down by successive generations.

In conjunction with the second conference, the second exhibition on traditional medicines and medical equipment will be held, and efforts are to be exerted so that the second conference and the second exhibition can be held successfully. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe has given the guidance to produce potent medicines for curing six diseases which are common in Myanmar and giving effective treatment to the public.

It is believed that the second conference will be able to implement the guidance of the Head of State. The focus of the second conference is to be on systematically developing traditional medicine in accord with the aspirations and guidance of the Head of State, standardizing efficacious traditional medicines, providing treatment for the diseases which are common in Myanmar, encouraging the public to go in for traditional medicine, and enhancing the role and dignity of traditional medicine practitioners and traditional medicines.

 Chairman of the Leading Committee Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein reported on matters related to the holding of the second conference and the second exhibition. Secretary of the Leading Committee Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint reported on arrangements for the holding of the second conference and the second exhibition and for the opening of the university of traditional medicine.

Then, the Secretary-1 said that in the light of the reports presented today, it is believed that the second conference can be held successfully like the first conference. It is found that after the first conference was held, the role of the traditional medicine has become significantly higher. It is also found that as the government has given encouragement, Myanma traditional medicine has become more and more popular and the people place more reliance on it.

In producing traditional medicines, modern methods and equipment are being used, so the standard of production work is improving. The holding of the traditional medicine practitioners conference and the exhibition on traditional medicines and medical equipment and the arrangements for the opening of the university of traditional medicine are efforts made in the time of the present government, which are to be put on record. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on all to make concerted efforts for the successful holding of the second conference.

( 4 )   Secretary-1 gives instructions on construction of white elephant-house

 Yangon, 25 Nov-Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt this morning gave instructions to officials on construction of a house for Yaza Gaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza Yaza White Elephant which will be kept in the white elephant garden, south of Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by the ministers, the deputy ministers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at the white elephant shed (temporary) at 10 am this morning.

The Secretary-1 was welcomed there by Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint and departmental officials. First, the Secretary-1 and party viewed the white elephant. At the office of the work site, Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge and Chief Engineer U Aung Kyee Myint of Public Works reported to the Secretary-1 on preparation for construction of the elephant house with the use of charts, Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun on taking care of the elephant and building the white elephant garden and Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa on preparation of food for the white elephant.

 Officials concerned also took part in the discussions. Concerning the reports, the Secretary-1 gave instructions and fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 inspected the land preparation for the construction of the white elephant-house. The Secretary-1 left there later in the morning.

( 5 ) Winners of Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Awards announced

Yangon, 25 Nov-Winners of Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Awards for 2000 sponsored by the Printing and Publishing Enterprise, Ministry of Information were announced today. In novels, Myo Win Chit won the second prize for "Sabe-cherry-thet-the-ti-ywae". In collected short stories, Nay Myo Thant won the first prize for "Tharafi-kyaing-hlaing-thin-pa-de-win-mya-ye-mye", Maung Sanda (Lewe) the second for "Ame-yin-ngwe-hnin-achar wut-htu-to-myar and Twin Gyi Win Maung the third for "Nga-taw-nga-lone".

In collected poems, Salin Phone Kyaw won the first prize for "Mitta-yeik-nan-pan-yaung-zone-kabya-myar" and Yenatha Maung Kyaw Nyunt the second for "Yin-de-ka-thitsa-hnin-achar-kabya-myar". In general knowledge (arts), Dr Maung Maung Soe won the first prize for "Ze -gwet-see-pwa-yay-hnin-naing-gan-win-ngwe" and Tkkatho Ko Maung the second forÊ"Dagon Saya Tin-e-bawa-hnin-anu-pinnya".

 In general knowledge (science and applied science), Dr Tin Thein (Pathein University) won the first prize for "Lutha-asa-Myanma-ka", Tun Aung Kyaw for" Myanmar-naing-gan-mye-athone-cha-hmu-hnin-hnase-tarazu" and Tint Lwin Swe the third for "Nga-lyin-hnin-ngalyin-bay-andaye-chaw-cha-ye". In sar-padetha, Maung Moe Yan won the first prize for "chin-dwin-myit-e-tha-maing-ta-chet-pe-tin-than", Dr Thet Lwin the second for "Bagan-anauk-kha-ye-takhauk" and Maung Chit (MA) for "See-thwin-nyo-yit-meza-myit". In Myanmar Culture and Art, Htan Hlaing won the first prize for "She-haung-Myanma-oo-myo-daw" and Ko Ko (research) for "Yadanapon-Mandalay-namyo-pya-thet-hnin-asin-ala".

In children's literature, Maung Tha Hmwe won the first prize for "Pyu-pyu-hmwe-hmwe-pan-kalay-hnin-achar Short Stories", Hsu Latt Tun the second for "Nyit Moe-hnin-achar-sarsu-mya" and Dr Ko Ko Kyaing the third for Kalay-mya-atwet-swe-sone-kyan". In youth literature, Maung Khaing Khant won the first prize for "Pan-do-e-dai-ya-yi". In the translation, Dr Nyunt Shwe won the first for "Dai-no-saw-athi-nyan". Out of 12 genres, there were no winners in plays and politics. Winners are to contact the chief editor, , Sarpay Beikman, No 529/531, Merchant Road, phones 252560, 240048 and 283434, by 13 December. Prize presentation ceremony will be held at National Theatre, on Myoma Kyaung Street, at 1 pm on 1 waxing of Nadaw (Sarsodaw Day); 16 December (Sunday).

Rehearsal for the ceremony will be on 14 December at the same venue. Entrants may withdraw their manuscripts which did not win prizes, in person or with the letter of authority, during six months after announcing the lists of winners. Entrants may submit the entries to the Sarpay Beikman Manuscripts Award Competitions for 2001, not later than 31 December and order the form and disciplines of the competitions with K 40 for postage. Winners of 12th short story, article and poem competitions of National Motto and Literary Competitions had been announced on 14 November.

Winners of National Literary Awards announced

Yangon, 25 Nov-The National Literary Award Scrutiny and Selection Committee of Ministry of Information today announced winners of the National Literary Awards for 2000. The winners are Mi Chan Wai in the collected short stories for"Kama-yinkwe-hnin-achar pin-le-wut-htu-to-myar", Zin Min (Thamein Htaw) in the plays for"Shweamway Pyazat", Taik Soe in belles letters for"Zeya",  Thutethi Ramanya Ko Ko Naing for" Myanma Yokethe-hnin-yokethe-papu-yokehtu-pinnya-akyaung-thikaungzaya", Maung Khaing Khant in the youth literature for"Mya-sein-yaung-pon-yeik-mya", Tun Myat Aye in the translation (aesthetics) for"Zaya-o-gyi", Professor Daw Aye Than in the translation (general knowledge) for"Miba-kaung-do-yin-thwe-pyu-su-pyo-htaung-nee", U Thaung Htut (Retired Professor of Institute Education) for"Myanma pinnya-yay-shu-khin" and Aung Chein Bwa in general knowledge (applied science) for"Myanma-sar-thone-hmu-dale-hnin-sar-thone-se". The are no winners in five remaining genres novel, collected poems, children's literature, general knowledge and politics. Winners are to contact the chief editor, , Sarpay Beikman, No 529/531, Merchant Road, phones 252560, 240048 and 283434, by 13th December. Prize presentation ceremony will be held at National Theatre, on Myoma Kyaung Street, at 1 pm on 1 waxing of Nadaw (Sarsodaw Day); 16th December (Sunday). Rehearsal for the ceremony will be on 14 December at the same  venue.

Prizes presented to winners of ASEAN painting contest

Yangon, 25 Nov - The ceremony to present prizes to winners of the ASEAN painting contest for children under the theme " Kindness", was held at the National Museum on Pyay Road, Dagon Township, here, this morning. Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt made an opening speech and presented prizes to the winners.

 Also present were Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt, the ambassadors from the ASEAN member countries and staff of the embassies, the directors-general of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and responsible personnel, officials of Myanmar Artistes and Artisans Asiayone, prize-winning students and their teachers and guests. Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt made a speech and then presented prizes to 20 prize-winning students.

Later, Director-General of the Cultural Institute Department of the Ministry of Culture U Myint Thein Swe presented gifts to the members of the judges of the contest, and Maung Kaung Myat Min Soe, on behalf of the prize winners, spoke words of thanks. After the ceremony, the deputy ministers, ambassadors and embassies staff and departmental officials viewed the prize-winning paintings and they also had documentary photos taken together with prize-winning students.

MWJA helds paper reading session

Yangon, 25 Nov - The second paper reading session " Bank of Knowledge " organized by Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association took place at the hall of MWJA on Merchant Street at noon today. It was attended by Chairman of MWJA U Hla Myaing (Ko Hsaung), Vice-Chairman-2 U Than Maung (Than Maung), Secretary U Hla Tun (Hla Tun - Twantay), CEC members, resource persons, chairmen, secretaries and executive committee members of MWJAs of townships in Yangon Division, guests, literati, and township MWJA members. Joint-Secretary-4 of MWJA U Myint Kywe (Maung Myint Kywe) acted as master of ceremonies. Chairman of MWJA made an opening speech. Resource persons Daw Kyan read the paper on Administration of Myanmar Kings and replied to the queries raised by those present.

Yangon, 25 Nov- The 17th merit-sharing ceremony was held in conjunction with a ceremony to honour wellwishers who made donations to the trust fund of Jivitadana Sangha Hospital at the hospital in Bahan Township this afternoon. Present were Bahan Township Pali Takkatho Nyaungdon Kyaungtaik Presiding Sayadaw State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sobana and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Jivitadana Sangha Hospital Administration Boaard U Maung Maung-7 and members, officials of the hospital and well-wishers. Then, the chairman and members and wellwishers presented offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. The Presiding Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.

Gold plates donated to Shwedagon Pagoda

Yangon, 25 Nov- A ceremony to donate gold plates to Shwedagon Pagoda continued for the third day at Bo Bo Aung Tazaung at the pagoda this morning. A total of 15 wellwishers donated one hundred gold plates. The gold-plate donation ceremony will continue till 10 December.