( 1 )  Third 47-member Plenary Meeting of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee commences

Yangon, 7 Dec - The first day session of the third 47-member Plenary Meeting of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee took place at Wizaya Mingala Dhamma Thabin on Thiri Mingalar Kaba Aye Hill this morning. Present were Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Koehsaungtaik Sayadaw of Myingyan Bhaddanta Sobhita, member Sayadaws, Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko, Adviser to the State Peace and Development Council U Arnt Maung, Director-General of the Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Deputy Director-General U Chit Khin, Pro-Rector (Administration) of the International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe, officials of the Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana and the Religious Affairs Department and heads of Division/State and District Religious Affairs Department. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita chaired the meeting with Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Candima acting as master of ceremonies.

The master of ceremonies declared that all the member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee were present and the meeting began. Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara read Saraniya Ovadakatha of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita.

In Saraniya Ovadakatha, the Sayadaw said that the attainment of enlightenment by a Buddha-to-be is called Buddhappada Sukha; the delivering of the sermons of the Buddha to man, celestial beings and Brahma, Saddhamadesana Sukha; the unity of the members of the Sangha, Sanghasamaggi Sukha; the four kinds of diligence of the members of the Sangha, Tapo Sukha. If the Buddha had not emerged or if he had not delivered sermons after attaining enlightenment, man, celestial beings and Brahma would not have been able to distinguish between vice and virtue and they would have indulged in vices throughout their lives. But, as the Buddha delivered sermons, and man, celestial beings and Brahma have been able to distinguish between vice and virtue, they are now able to live lives of bliss.

If members of the Sangha are not in unity, man, celestial being and Brahma will get into great trouble and their cities, towns, countries, monasteries and associations will be in poor condition. If members of the Sangha are in unity and harmony, man, celestial beings and Brahma are in happiness. However, if members of the Sangha do not practise four kinds of Sammappadhan and live in a reckless manner although they are in unity, they will not be able to live lives of bliss. Then, Minister U Aung Khin supplicated on religious affairs. He said that in 1980, the first congregation of the Sangha of All Orders was successfully held, and under the leadership of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Sangha Committees at different levels have existed in unity.

 The members of the Sangha themselves can cope with every matter which crops up in the Sasana and are working for the purification, perpetuation and propagation of the Sasana. In the Union of Myanmar where Theravada Buddhism is flourishing, the members of the Sangha are performing two kinds of task  Ganda Dura concerning Sutta, Vinaya and Abhidhamma and Vipassana Dura regarding reinforcement of Sila, Samadhi and Panna. The government is also providing Piccaya Nuggaha and Dhamma Nuggaha.

The teachings of the Buddha focus on the reinforcement of Sila, Samadhi and Pan–a on the basis of four cardinal virtues  loving-kindness, compassion, spirit of rejoicing at others' success and indifference. Under the various Sangha Committees, there are about 500,000 members of the Sangha from all ganas, and it is incumbent upon the members of the Sangha to promote the Sasana. The State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee has issued Instruction No 91 and given guidance to Sangha Committees at different levels to see that novices are not involved in worldly affairs. It is also found that all the Sangha Committees have acted in accord with Instruction No 91.

Due to strict reinforcement of discipline by Presiding Sayadaws of Pariyatti Sarthintaik, student monks no longer take any interest in worldly and social affairs but are performing the two kinds of Dura in earnest. In conclusion, the minister said that just as member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee are discharging duty concerning Sangha Committees at different levels and striving for the purification, perpetuation and propagation of the Sasana, so the government is also providing four essential requisites in accord with the Ovada of Sayadaws. Joint Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita submitted a report on accomplishment of tasks during the first term of the Fifth State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee (First Branch). Member Sayadaws presented sectorwise reports. Matters related to reports of inquiry committees were discussed and decisions made.

 The meeting also passed a decision on the appointment of Bhaddantananalanka-rabhivamsa as Vice-Chancellor of the State Pariyatti Sasana University (Mandalay). The meeting will continue tomorrow. Kanmyint Kyaungtaik of Sangyoung Township and U Tin Sein-Daw Kyin Thein and family of No 49, 27th Street, Pabedan Township, offered alms yesterday and today respectively.

up
___________________________

( 2 ) Work coordinated for establishment of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University

Yangon, 7 Dec - A coordination meeting on the establishment of Myanmar Aerospace and Engineering University was held in the meeting hall of the office of the Commander-in-Chief (Army) of the Ministry of Defence at 4 pm today. Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the meeting.

Also present were Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the Chief of Staff (Air), deputy ministers, members of the Leading Committee for Establishment of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University, subcommittee members, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials.

 The Secretary-1 said that in accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, universities and colleges are being set up in the higher education sector in order to produce human resources capable of contributing to the development of the State. Arrangements are being made to establish Myanmar Marine Technology University and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University with the aim of producing marine engineers and aerospace engineers who are necessary for the nation. The opening of universities and colleges aims at turning out highly-qualified academicians and technicians in keeping pace with the advances in science and technology.

Therefore, work for the establishment of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University is to be done through cooperation and coordination. The Secretary-1 encouraged all to contribute to the meeting on the drafting of the university law, appointment of teachers, the designing of the curriculum, provision of books and teaching aids and construction of buildings. He urged all to implement the decisions made at the meeting without fail.

 Then, those present discussed matters related to courses to be opened at the university, curriculum, the university law, appointment of teachers, availability of books and teaching aids and construction of buildings. In his concluding remarks, the Secretary-1 said that given the reports presented by respective persons, it is found that arrangements for the establishment of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University are being made systematically.

 In accord with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, measures are being taken to build Myanmar Marine Technology University and Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University at the same time in order to produce human resources. He urged all to work through cooperation and coordination for the emergence of Myanmar Aerospace Engineering University with the aim of realizing the guidance of the Head of State as soon as possible, providing a new educational chance for the new generation youth and contributing to the emergence of a modern and developed nation.

( 3 ) H&T Minister receives Thai Minister and party

Yangon, 7 Dec-Minister for Hotels & Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin received Chairman of Thai Tourism Authority and Minister at the Prime Minister's at office of Thailand Mr SomsakThepsutin and party at his office at 10.45 am today.

Also present on the occasion were Thau Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon, Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Service U Kyi Tun and officials.

On arrival at Yangon International Airport at 9.20 am today, the Thai Minister and party were welcomed by Deputy Minster for Hotels & Tourism Brig-Gen Aye Myint Kyu, Thai Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Oum Maolanon and officials of Thai Embassy, Director General for Directorate of Hotels Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, Managing Director of Myanma Hotels and Tourism Service. U Kyi Tun and officials.

The Thai Minister and party, accompanied by Director-General of Directorate of Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Latt, and officials, at 11.45 am visited, the Shwedagon Pagoda, where they were welcomed by members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees U Kyee Myint and U Khin Maung; Myint, Head of Office U Win Kyaing and officials.

They offered flowers, lights and scented sticks at the pagoda and signed in the visitors' book. The Thai Minister and party then donated cash the Pagoda funds.

In the afternoon, they paid obeisance to Lawkha Chantha Abhya Labha-Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township and observed the white elephant named, Yaza Gaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza Yaza kept near Mindhamma Hill Garden.

The Thai Minister and party proceeded to Bago and inspected religious edifices there. In the evening, Minister for Hotels and Tourism Maj-Gen Saw Lwin hoste a dinner at Karawaik Palace in honour of the Thai Minister and party.

Holding of Sasana Takkathila convocation ceremony coordinated

Yangon, 7 Dec - The work coordination meeting on holding of the seventh Sasana Takkathila convocation ceremony of the State Pariyatti Sasana University was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here at 3 pm today, attended by member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the ceremony Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, members of the Work Committee for Organizing the ceremony, officials and guests. The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, the minister stressed the need for officials to take part in the discussion in order to successfully organize the ceremony, to report requirements and to complete tasks in time. Afterwards, Chairman of the Work Committee Director-General of the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin reported on progress of work by the Work Committee, followed by a general round of discussions. The meeting ended with the concluding remarks by the minister.

Minister attends concluding ceremony of courses

Yangon, 7 Dec - The concluding ceremony of the Basic Digital Electronics Course, the U/G Cable Construction and Maintenance Course and the Optical Fiber Splicing Course was held at the Communication and Postal Training Centre here at 8.30 am today. It was attended by Minister for Telecommunications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Officer on Special Duty Col Win Maung, the managing director of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, the director-general of the Directorate of Telecommunications, heads of the divisions of MPT, the principal of the training centre, course instructors and 37 trainees. The minister made a speech and presented prizes to the outstanding trainees and certificates to the representatives of the trainees.

Minister opens training course on H S code

 Yangon, 7 Dec- The opening ceremony of Harmonized Commodities Description and Coding System Training Course No 1 was held at the meeting hall of the Ministry of Commerce on Strand Road at 9 am today. It was attended by Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, departmental officials, guests and trainees. The minister made an opening speech. After the ceremony, the minister cordially greeted the trainees. The course is being attended by 50 trainees and will last four weeks.

( 4 )  Minister attends opening ceremony of banking courses

Yangon, 7 Dec - The opening ceremony of Banking Course No 1/2001 for managers and Banking Course No 2/2001 for assistant managers of Myanma Economic Bank of the Ministry of Finance and Revenue was held at the branch bank No 1 of MEB at 9 am today. Minister for Finance and Revenue U Khin Maung Thein made an opening speech at the ceremony. Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Than Tun, Governor of the Central Bank of Myanmar U Kyaw Kyaw Maung, Managing Director U Aung Myint of MEB, departmental officials, course instructors and trainees. In his opening speech, the minister said: MEB is taking the responsibility of the financial matters and border trade banking services of the government enterprises and departments. It has been training the staff by organizing the courses to be competent with its responsibility and to contribute to the human resource development. The minister also urged the trainees to make systematic approach to the courses. Altogether 40 trainees are attending the managerial course and another 40 trainees the assistant managerial course. The former will last 2 weeks and the latter 7 weeks.

Talks in commemoration of World AIDS Day held

Yangon, 7 DecÑThe talks in commemoration of World AIDS Day jointly sponsored by health unit of Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs and Health Department was held at Thida Hall of Fire Services Department on Naga Hlaing Gu Road in Mayangon Township this morning.

It was attended by Chairman of MNWCWA Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, Vice-Chairperson Dr Daw May May Yi, members of the committee Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, Daw Khin Aye and others, directors-general of departments, Chairman of Myanma Motion Picture Asiayon, actors and actresses, presidents of sports federations, gold medalists and guests. First, the deputy minister made a speech.

Then, AIDS and Syphilis Control Project Manager Deputy Director (AIDS/Syphilis) Dr Myint Zaw of Health Department, Chairman of Sports Writers Federation Joint-Secretary of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association Dr Tin Tun Oo gave talks on the topic " Our role in controlling AIDS". Afterwards, actor Paing Zay Ye Tun and Wushu Gold Medalist Swe Swe Thant presented activities in controlling AIDS.

( 5 ) National races continue Yangon excursion

 Yangon, 7 Dec - Led by Deputy Director of the Department for the Progress of Border Areas and National Races Maj Nyan Lin Myint, the 114-member study group of national races from Kyaingtaung and Kyaing-kham regions in Monai Township, Shan State (South), visited Hlinethaya Industrial City this morning. Project Manager of Public Works U Myint Swe explained facts about the city with the use of audio-visual aids. Then, they went sightseeing by car in FMI City where they were conducted round by the officials. They next visited the Golden Yacht Garment Factory and Max Soft Drinks Factory. Next, they visited the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image on Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township and made cash donations to the fund of the Image.

They viewed the white elephant named " Yaza Gaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza Yaza ". In the afternoon, they visited the National Museum and the Defence Services Museum. Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt hosted a dinner in their honour at Sibin Thayayay Yeiktha in Thanlyetsun in the evening. Present at the dinner were Maj-Gen Maung Bo and Maj-Gen Soe Win of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Ministers for PBANRDA U Kyaw Tin and Brig-Gen Than Tun, directors-general, directors, the managing director of Sibin Thayayay Bank and study group members. Maj-Gen Maung Bo extended greetings, and the minister delivered a speech. Then, Maj-Gen Maung Bo and the minister presented gifts and cash to the members. The members presented a gift, and Ma Nan Phu Phay, on their behalf, spoke words of thanks. Afterwards, the dinner was hosted to those present.

( 6 )  Implementation of 30-year Long-term Plan (Higher Education Sector) explained

 Yangon, 7 Dec-A ceremony to explain the implementation of the 30-year Long-term Plan (Higher Education Sector) of the Ministry of Education was held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall here this after noon with an address by Minister for Education U Than Aung. Also present on the occasion were Deputy Ministers for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and U Myo Nyunt, directors-general and chairmen of departments and boards under the ministry, deputy directors-general, directors, rectors of universities, degree colleges and colleges, pro-rectors, principals, deputy principals, professors, associate professors, heads of department and registrars.

Formation of Taxis Supervisory Group discussed

Yangon, 7 Dec -The Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee held the final meeting to form the Taxis Supervisory Group at the meeting hall No-4 of the Yangon City Development Committee at 1 pm today. Present at the meeting were Vice-Chairman of TRESC Joint-Secretary of YCDC U Kyi Win, members of the supervisory group and officials. U Kyi Win made an opening speech. Joint-Secretary of TRESC Commander of Wireless Unit and Traffic Police Division Police Lt-Col Aung Naing explained about the final formation of the supervisory group and those present also took part in the discussion. Vice-Chairman of TRESC and Joint-Secretary of YCDC U Kyi Win fulfilled the requirements and the meeting came to a close in the evening.