( 1 ) General Maung Aye inspects dress rehearsal of Parade columns

Yangon, 23 March-Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye this morning inspected dress rehearsal of Parade columns, which will participate in the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade, in the Resistance Park.

 General Maung Aye, accompanied by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Chairman of the Leading Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Chairman of Management Committee for Observance of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, ministers, senior military officers, arrived at the Resistance Park at 6 am today.

General Maung Aye inspected the Anawrahta column, the Kyansittha column, the Bayintnaung column, the Nawade column, the Aungzeya column, the Hsinbyushin column, the Bandoola column, the Myawady column and the Aung San column, which marched from Myoma Grounds to the Resistance Park under the leadership of Parade Commander Brig-Gen Hla Tun. General Maung Aye gave necessary instructions to the officials and left there at 8 am.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 warns merchants not to manipulate commodity prices only for their own interest, taking advantage of rumours

Eighth annual general meeting of Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association held

Yangon, 23 March- The eighth annual general meeting of Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association was held at the Sedona Hotel this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt. Also present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, Chairman of Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association U Nyein, executives, members of the association and guests.

 First, Chairman U Nyein extended greetings. Next, the Secretary-1 said the State Peace and Development Council is now endeavouring to enable the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast with others in the world in development and to strengthen the national economy.

 At the same time, the Government has laid down plans systematically and is implementing them so that all the national people can enjoy the fruits of national development. In its efforts to enable the nation to stand shoulder to shoulder with the nations of the world, he said, the Government has been implementing the plans systematically by enlisting internal strength such as strength of natural and human resources and participation of the people.

 Therefore, the Government is also implementing plans for sector wise formation of strong associations in order to exploit state-owned natural resources, develop human resources up to international standard and make the strength of the people dynamic, he said. In the economic sector, the Government has been giving encouragement to national private economic enterprises while practising the market-oriented economic system. It is also encouraging these enterprises to possess the power to shape national economy, he added.

Moreover, he said, the government has been giving support to national entrepreneurs so that national economy is developing on the right path and contributing to the long-term interests of the State. At the same time, it is also making arrangements for establishment of non-governmental organizations in various sectors. Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association was established in 1992 in line with the policy of the Government. Like other economic associations, the MRWA has cooperated with the Government in promoting the interests of members of the association in conformity with the economic policies of the State, he said.

 Rice is a very important crop for the Union of Myanmar. Most of the people in Myanmar rely on agriculture as their livelihood and Myanmar people eat rice as their staple food. Therefore, rice is the main economy of the State and the primary food for local consumption. At the moment the government is making efforts for progress of national economic life based on agriculture and for boosting production of rice in conformity with the increasing population, he said. The government set the target for production of 1,000 million baskets and for cultivation of 14 million acres of monsoon paddy and four million acres of summer paddy.

Altogether 15.71 million acres were grown in 2000-2001 and production was over 1,000 million baskets of paddy. In 2001-2002, over 830 million baskets of paddy were produced from 13.05 million acres of monsoon paddy and 2.4 million acres of summer paddy were grown. The government provided necessary assistance to farmers for boosting the yield of paddy. It disbursed monsoon and cold season cultivation loans of over K 10,000 million and over K 2,000 million to farmers. The government disbursed loans to the farmers for seven million cultivation acreage.

 In 2001-2002 , Myanma Agriculture Service distributed over 100,000 tons of fertilizer and national private entrepreneurs were permitted to import fertilizer. He said the government implemented irrigating facilities and made arrangements for rice sufficiency in the region, after calculating the increasing population and paddy requirements and provided assistance for mechanized farming of national private entrepreneurs. So, there is surplus of paddy in the country, he said. But, the government purchased 12 per cent of the paddy output and private merchants were permitted to purchase the rest freely in the country.

The Secretary-1 spoke of the need for officials to undertake the purchase of over 1,00 million baskets of monsoon paddy in 2001-2002. The government laid down the policyÑ Only when there is local sufficiency, will rice be exported. Export of internationally accepted high quality rice can be done through the Ministry of Commerce according to the policy. The government stored rice for service people and organizations. In case of emergency in the country and among ASEAN nations reserve rice has been stored systematically. He pointed out that the price of rice should not be raised due to scarcity of rice and export. He said that central authorities gave directives to local authorities concerned to ensure transport of rice freely, not to control the transport of rice and flow of rice and not to close down rice mills and hullers.

The price of rice should be stabilized due to the above-mentioned reasons. However, there was instability of price of rice in February. That was because of storage of paddy in some private rice mills in the townships, manipulation of market prices and rumours about the government's purchase of rice for export, and storage of rice by those who are not rice merchants, he said. He said there are some conditions that sale and purchase of rice cannot be regarded as a mere business undertaking. Instability and soaring of rice prices are sometimes linked to unscrupulous instigations, he observed.

As the stability of rice price is linked to food, clothing and shelter needs of the people and stability of the State, it is to be assumed that there always exists the danger of destructionists in the rice/paddy trade. Moreover, whenever there occurs an unusual and unstable occasion, some of the merchants in Myanmar, with no scruple for the interest of the nation and the people, took advantage and served the self-interest by hiking prices of rice, edible oil, gold, silver etc exorbitantly.

 In this context, the manipulation of commodity prices which will be burdensome and harmful to grassroots level hand-to-mouth workers, the poor and service personnel must be prevented. Some persons in the economic sector are not to create instability of commodity prices and not to seek excessive profits, he warned. If there is stability in the basic commodity prices such as rice and edible oil, the basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter of the people will be easy and their standard of living will also be raised thereby facilitaing national plans. He said Myanmar people believe in serving the interest of secular and spiritual wellbeing and they are endowed with humanitarian spirit. If the merchants do their business with noble mind and seek just profit, holding the cardinal virtues without excessive selfishness, their business will prosper in the long run.

 He warned the merchants that they are not to manipulate commodity prices only for their self-interest, taking advantage of rumours. Rice merchants are permitted to purchase and sell 88 per cent of paddy output freely in the country and the amount of their buying and selling of paddy is growing day by day, he said. He said the power that create national economic life in private sector has now developed because of the government's goodwill. He spoke of the need to carry out the tasks for regular development on the right path of national interest and their self-interest after realizing the government's goodwill. Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association formed with rice dealers is to organize and lead them so that they will always keep in mind the goodwill and aims of the government. They should not lose sight of the interests of the members of the association, and to strive for emergence of favourable conditions. In addition, they are to strive to achieve the goals of national economic plans, and then to strengthen the national economy. Since its inception, the association has joined hands with the Government in keeping rice and commodity prices stable and striving for the better conditions of food, clothing and shelter of the people.

 In 1999 when rice prices rose, the association opened 446 rice shops in Yangon and sold 1.5 million bags of rice at reasonable prices. As a result, rice prices decreased considerably. The Government has opened tax-free markets and Win Thuza Shops of the Ministry of Industry-1 to sell rice, edible oil, meat, fish, kitchen goods, household goods and consumer goods. Today the association has opened rice shops at tax-free markets and sold rice daily  one Pyi of Emahta rice at K 100 and one Pyi of Ngasein rice at K 90. This is helpful to poor and needy people. Moreover, the association has kept a record of in-coming and out-going rice of Yangon and the price of rice daily, thus keeping rice prices stable. The association has also participated in the ceremonies in which the Tatmadaw members (Army, Navy and Air) have offered dry rations to members of the Sangha and nunneries.

 It has also made donations for other religious and various social affairs. The association has given economic advice and information about market prices, helped promote foreign relations, organized seminars and training courses and sent its members to seminars and training courses abroad. Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, together with other brother economic associations, stands as a strong national economic force and is working for the improvement of the national economy. Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association, keeping its fine traditions, is to undertake distribution and sale of rice and to strive for the perpetual existence of a favourable economic climate in accord with the policy of the State. At a time when the market-oriented economic system is not taking shape fully, national-level economic associations including Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association need to lead and organize national private entrepreneurs in accord with the policy of the Government and to ensure that the national economy is improving.

 At a time when the Government has placed greater emphasis on the development of the agriculture sector, Myanmar Rice Wholesalers Association is to contribute to the development of the agriculture sector and to make sure that the people enjoy the fruits of agricultural development. To keep the rice markets stable at home and abroad, the association is to contribute to production of rice of good quality; to cooperate in keeping the sale and distribution of rice stable in the country; to avoid dishonest speculation in rice which can disrupt the sale and distribution of rice in the markets; to organize its members to ensure that the gap between retail price and wholesale price is not greatly wide; to prevent the manipulation of the rice market and sale of rice at higher prices by inventing and circulating rumours; to strive for the development of Myanma rice market which will contribute to the economic growth of the State; and to play a pivotal role in keeping rice prices stable and enabling consumers to buy rice at reasonable prices. Myanmar was once the great exporter of rice.

 After 1988, rice was not exported to ensure domestic sufficiency of rice in the nation, and Myanma rice market was almost lost. In the ensuing years, the export tonnage of rice was only five figures. Since last year, strategic plans have been laid down, and now Myanma rice has a place in the international market. Over 200,000 tons of rice have been exported. Export of rice brings not only immediate but also long term benefits to farmers. In the Asian rice market, the Thai government stopped buying paddy from farmers as of mid February, and in Vietnam, export of rice was kept under control. But now the rice market has been opened again as new harvests of paddy are available. More rice is being exported to the rice market, and rice prices abroad are declining.

 In addition, some Asian nations have predicted that El Nino will occur this year, and therefore, mixed cropping, cultivation of summer paddy and the use of water have been restricted. As for Myanmar, dams and reservoirs have been built systematically. Therefore, the nation is protected against shortage of water, weather changes and floods. Agricultural work can be done all the year round. If efforts are made on the basis of these favourable conditions and in consideration of systematic storage and transport of rice, rice mills of high quality and systematic and correct sale of rice, the Union of Myanmar will be able to achieve sufficiency of rice and won a stable place in the international rice market. This will invariably benefit not only the State and the people but also farmers and rice dealers.

 In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on all to cooperate in accord with the national economic policy in striving for the emergence of a stable economic environment, improvement of the national economy and prosperity of the nation; to cooperate in striving for development of cultivation, storage and distribution systems of rice with the aims of ensuring domestic sufficiency and promoting rice export; to make efforts for keeping rice prices stable so that the people can have sufficient food, lead a peaceful life and have high standard of living; and to strive for production of rice of high quality so that Myanma rice can secure a place in the international rice market again.

The Secretary-1, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and Minister Lt-Gen Min Thein accepted donations to the fund of construction of a building for the association. The donations included K 5 million by OK Rice and General Trading, K 500,000 by Aung Soe Paing Rice Sale Centre, K 300,000 each by Zabukyaw Sale Centre and Pwint Oo (1) Rice Sale Centre, K 200,000 each by Mya Shwe Wah Rice Mill and Sale Centre and Myat Mon Yadana Rice Sale Centre and K 100,000 each by ten sale centres. In the second session of the meeting, the report and financial statement of the association were approved.

 General Secretary of the association U Aung Than Oo put forward a proposal to change the name of the association and sought the approval. Then, he replied to the letters of suggestions. The members of the central executive committee chaired by U Nyein and executives were elected. New Chairman of the association U Nyein spoke words of thanks, which brought the ceremony to a close.

( 3 ) Entries invited for short story, article, song, poem, cartoon, painting and poster competitions

Yangon, 23 March - Entries are invited for the short story, article, song, poem, cartoon, painting and poster competitions to be organized by the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control in commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which falls on 26 June 2002. The rules for the competitions are as follows: The entries are to be composed on the basis of the mottoes of the CCDAC and to be aimed at eradication of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. For the short story and article competitions, there is only one open division. The entry is to be typed or written neatly on one page.

The original and a copy are to be submitted. The range of words is from 3,000 to 5,000. For the song composing competition, there is only one open division. The entry is to be new and can be sung individually or in group. Only one song is to be submitted. Together with a cassette or a master reel, two copies of lyrics and the original of musical notation are to be sent. For the poem competition, there is only one open division.

The entry is to be typed or written neatly on one page. The original and a copy are to be submitted. The range of the stanza is from 50 to 100. For the cartoon, painting and poster competitions, there are four divisions: under-tens, from the 10-year-old to the 15-year-old, from the 15-year-old to under-twenties and above-twenties. A recommendation from the headmaster or the chairman of Ward Peace and Development Council is needed to certify that the entry is his or her own work. Any paper, paint and style can be used. At the bottom of the entry is to be put a signature of the entrant. The cartoon or the painting is to be 15 inch by 20 inch. The poster is to be 20 inch by 30 inch, and a motto is to be stated on it.

 One entrant is allowed to send only one entry for each competition. Paintings, cartoons and posters drawn with the use of computer will not be taken into account. To be attached with the entry are two passport photos, the entrant's name, the national registration card number, address, curriculum vitae and statement that the entry is his or her own work and has not been printed before. The entries for the short story, article and poem competitions and the entries for the song, painting, cartoon and poster competitions are to be sent by 10 May 2002 and by 31 May 2002 respectively to Police Col Maung Maung Soe, Secretary of Crime Reduction and Information Committee, Yangon Division Police Force, Bank Street, (at the corner of Strand Road and Sule Pagoda Road), Yangon. The list of winners will be announced on 15 June 2002, and first, second, third and consolation prizes will be given to them in a fitting manner in Yangon on 26 June 2002. 

( 4 ) Second Meeting of Fifth State Central Working Committee of Sangha begins

Yangon, 23 March- The Second Meeting of the Fifth State Central Working Committee of the Sangha commenced at the Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill here this morning. It was attended by State Ovadacariya Sayadaws, Chairman of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Agga Maha Ratha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan Koehsaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita, member Sayadaws of SSMNC and member Sayadaws of SCWCS, 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 Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana U Sann Lwin, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, officials of RAD and DPPS and heads of State/Division/District Religious Affairs Departments.

Myaynikyin Kyaungtaik Sayadaw of Chanayethazan Township, Mandalay Division Agga Maha Kamma-thanacariya Bhaddanta Okkansa, Hsinkyoun Tawyakyaung Sayadaw of Yamethin Township Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kosalla, Thitsarwadikyaung Sayadaw of Muyitkyi Village, Chaungzon Township, Mon State, Bhaddanta Nandasami, Kamawet Taikkyaungthit Sayadaw of Mudon Township, Mon State, Bhaddanta Palita and Maha Withuddanyama Sayadaw of Pakokku, Magway Division, Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sumangala were elected as Ovadacariya Sayadaws for the meeting. Myingyan Koehsaung-taik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita chaired the meeting. Joint-Secretary Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Tejaniya acted as master of ceremonies and opened the meeting.

 Then, the master of ceremonies presented agenda for the meeting and sought the approval of the meeting. Next, members of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Bhaddanta Jotikabhivamsa, Bhaddanta Candasiri, Bhaddanta Sumana, Bhaddanta Sirinda and Bhaddanta Vicara read the Ovadakathas of the five Ovadacariya Sayadaws. Afterwards, Bhaddanta Kumara read out Saraniya Ovadakatha of Bhaddanta Sobhita. In his Saraniya Ovadakatha, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita said that he was pleased to see the presence of members of the Sangha at the meeting. Some monks are acting not in line with the Sasana, he added and urged members of the Sangha concerned to wipe out such these monks for purification, perpetuation and propagation of the Sasana.

To implement tasks for perpetuation of the Sasana, the State Pariyatti Sasana Universities were set up and Pariyatti, the basic part of the three Sasana, is being taught with the use of modern techniques. To implement the tasks for propagation of the Sasana the government established the Department for Promotion and Propagation of the Sasana. The department is conducting religious courses for monks and lay devotees and brought out missionary persons. Minister U Aung Khin then supplicated on the religious affairs. He said that it was a great pleasure to have the golden opportunity of paying obeisance to members of the Sangha from various parts of the nation who arrived here to attend the meeting. Purification of the Sasana, perpetuation of the Sasana and propagation of the Sasana are interrelated. Only when there are purification and perpetuation of the Sasana, will the Sasana be flourishing.

There is unity among members of the Sangha at different levels owing to the successful holding of the first Sangha Meeting of All Ganas in 1980. As cases of members of the Sangha occurred in Sasana could be handled by Sangha organizations at different levels, it could make those who did not respect members of the Sangha respect and those who respect members of the Sangha respect more.

 Then, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara presented the report of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and the meeting adjourned for a while. The meeting resumed in the afternoon with presentation of reports on Vinaya, religious and education affairs by the respective Sayadaws. The first day session ended with the replies to the reports by Joint-Secretary Sayadaws. To mark the meeting, U Tin Win-Daw Thein Thein Oo and daughter Thin Yu Aung of 9/1, Khayaymyaing Street, Thuwunna, Daw Khin Hla and friends U Hla Myo-Daw Khin Win Maw, U Min Naing and family of 17/C, Thayawady Street, Sayasan Ward, Bahan Township, and family of Sandi Traditional Medicine offered " soon " and desserts to members of the Sangha on 21, 22 and 23 March.

Htidaw hoisted atop Padamya Nagayon Pagoda in Mongshu

Yangon, 23 March- The Htidaw hoisting and the consecration ceremony of Shwephonedaw Abhaya Labha Muni Padamya Nagayon Pagoda was held at the pagoda in Hsainghlyan region of Mongshu Gems Land, Shan State (South), on 20 March. Present were State Central Working Committee of the Sangha member Agga Maha Ganthavanaka Pandita Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kosiya and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint and senior military officers, departmental officials, local authorities and local people. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kosiya administered the Nine Precepts. The commander and wellwishers offered the Seinbudaw, the Hnget-myatnadaw, tiers of the Htidaw and provisions to the Sayadaws and shared merits gained. Then, the commander and wellwisher U Nay Win Tun conveyed the first tier of the Htidaw atop the pagoda and officials conveyed the tiers of the Htidaw, the Seinbudaw and the Hngetmyat-nadaw atop the pagoda. Next, Sayadaw Bhad-danta Kosiya and members of the Sangha consecrated the pagoda. Later, the commander and officials offered "soon" to the Sayadaws.

Shwehtidaw of Zabuaye Pagoda hoisted

Yangon, 23 March - The Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of Zabuaye Sutaungpyi Pagoda of Kamahtan Kyaungtaik, Zibyubin, Toungoo, Bago Division, was held at Pyittaingdaung Dhammayon of the Kyaungtaik yesterday morning. Present were Kamahtan Kyaungtaik Presiding Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suriya and members of the Sangha, Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min and wife, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Thura Maung Ni, Brig-Gen Thura Myint Thein of Toungoo Station and senior military officers, Secretary of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Aung Min and members, local authorities, social organizations, wellwishers, guests and local people. At the ceremony, the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha, the commander and wellwishers conveyed Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw, and Shewhtidaw round the pagoda clockwise three times and hoisted them atop the pagoda by the carriage. On 21 March, the commander attended the birthday ceremony of the Sayadaw, who turned age 93, and presented offertories to him.

( 5 ) Golden Jubilee paper-reading session of Ministry of Culture continues

Yangon, 23 March - The Golden Jubilee paper- reading session of the Ministry of Culture continued at the National Theatre today, attended by Minister for Culture U Tin Winn, the directors-general and deputy directors-general of the departments under the ministry, rectors of the Universities of Culture (Yangon & Mandalay), directors, lecturers, assistant lecturers, students of the University of Culture (Yangon) and guests. Director-General of the Department of Cultural Institute U Myint Thein Swe presided over the session and Director of the Department of Archaeology Daw Sanda Khin acted as master of ceremonies. Resource persons Director-General U Kyaw Win (Manutha Kyaw Win) of Fine Arts Department, Assistant Lecturer U Zaw Than Htut of the University of Culture (Mandalay), and Lecturer U Tin Maung Lwin of the art department of the University of Culture (Yangon) presented papers in the morning session.

 In the afternoon session, Assistant Curator Daw Thida Tun of National Museum and Director-General U Nyunt Han of the Department of Archaeology presented papers and replied to the queries raised by those present. Then the paper reading session concluded. The public and students viewed and studied works of paintings and sculptures of the students from the Universities of Culture (Yangon & Mandalay). People also viewed the exhibition displayed at the National Museum. In the evening, entertainments were presented at the National Museum and so it was packed with people. The exhibition continues tomorrow and admission is free.

Urban, rural roads put back into service in Thanlyin

Yangon, 23 March - Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, accompanied by Director-General of Development Affairs Department Col Myo Myint, attended the ceremony to open repaved roads constructed by Thanlyin Township Development Committee under the supervision of Yangon Division Development Committee, this morning. Present were Director U Tin Soe of Yangon Division Development Committee, members of Yangon South District Peace and Development Council, the chairman of Thanlyin Township Peace and Development Council and departmental officials, members of Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association, township USDAs, War Veterans Organization, Township Committee for WomenÕs Affairs, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Auxiliary Fire Brigade, Red Cross Society and local people. First, the minister and party attended the opening ceremonies of repaved U Bo Thein Road, at Myohaung East Ward in Thanlyin Township and new Htamalon-Saylongyi gravel road and later inspected the roads. In 2001-2002 financial year, eight urban and five rural roads in Thanlyin Township were constructed at a cost of K 20,784,570. Later, they proceeded to Chaungsauk Village, Kyauktan Township and inspected the village. The minister met with local authorities, townselders and villagers there. He cordially discussed matters relating to rural development and gave necessary instructions.

( 6 ) Computer application skill contest held

Yangon, 23 March- A computer application skill contest for basic education high school students at central level in commemoration of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day was held at the University of Computer Studies in Hline Township this morning. Deputy Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge, Professor (Head of Department) of University of Computer Studies U Mya Thein, Secretary of Committee for Computer Drawing and Skill Contest U Saw Shwe and members of board of judges visited the contest. Altogether 17 students from states and divisions participated in the contest.

A&I Ministry holds ordination and novitiation ceremony

Yangon, 23 March - The tenth ordination and novitiation ceremony of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation was held in the hall of the ministry this morning. It was attended by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and wife Daw Khin Myo Oo, staff and families of the enterprises and departments under the ministry and guests. The minister and the congregation received the Nine Precepts from Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Saddhama Jotikadajha Lashio Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kavindacara. Then, members of the Sangha recited parittas. The minister and staff families presented offertories to the members of the Sangha and shared the merits gained. Afterwards, soon was offered to members of the Sangha and the ceremony came to a close. A total of 248 persons were ordained or novitiated at the ceremony.

Packages of Biriani donated to parade column

Yangon, 23 March - As a gesture of hailing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, Haji U Myint Naing of Ngapali General Trading, Tamway, donated 500 packages of Biriani worth K 200,000 to the Tatmadawmen of the Anawrahta column of the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade at No 1 Transit Centre (Bayintnaung) this morning. Commander of the column Col Thaung Shwe accepted the packages of Biriani and presented a certificate of honour to the wellwisher.