( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing visit PhaungdawU Pagoda, ancient historic Alodawpauk Pagoda in Nyaungshwe

Yangon, 10 April - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing visited the PhaungdawU Pagoda and the ancient historic Alodawpauk Pagoda in Inlay Region, Nyaungshwe Township, Shan State, yesterday morning.

Senior General and Daw Kyaing Kyaing paid reverence to the Buddha images of Phaung-dawU Pagoda at 9.45 am yesterday. The Senior General and Daw Kyaing Kyaing offered "soon", lights and flowers to the images. Then, the Senior General and party offered Shwethingan to the images. Afterwards, the Senior General and Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented cash donations to the Pagoda through members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, who presented replicas of the Pagoda to them. The Senior General signed in the visitors' book. Thence, the Senior General and Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party paid homage and presented offertories to Ovadacariya Sayadaws of the Pagoda Board of Trustees led by the State Ovadacariya Presiding Nayaka of Nyaungshwe Kangyi Pari-yatti Sarthintaik Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Shwekyin Sasanabaing Sayadaw.

The Senior General and wife and party proceeded to ancient historic Alodawpauk Pagoda in Nanpan Village, Inlay Region, and paid homage to the Buddha images. After visiting the Pagoda clockwise, the Senior General and party offered Shwethingan to the images. Next, the Senior General and Daw Kyaing Kyaing presented cash donations for the pagoda to members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, who presented replicas of the Pagoda to the donors. Then, the Senior General and Daw Kyaing Kyaing cordially greeted local national residents.

The Senior General signed in the visitors' book and inspected renovation of the prayer hall of the Pagoda. During his tour of Inlay Region, the Senior General inspected tasks carried under the projects to prevent silting of the Inlay Lake, long-term existence of the lake, conservation and thriving of forests in the surrounding areas of the lake, and greening of the region from helicopter and gave guidance to the officials concerned on maintaining the momentum of implementing the tasks for long-term existence of the lake.

Senior General Than Shwe and Daw Kyaing Kyaing and party attended the ceremony to offer rice and edible oil to monasteries in Taunggyi, Nyaung-shwe and Ayethaya Myothit at Myole Dhammayon in Taunggyi at 9 am today. It was attended by Shwekyin Sasanabaing Sayadaw Bhaddanta Vima-labhivamsa and Presiding Nayaka Sayadaws of the Sarthintaiks. The Shwekyin Sasana-baing Sayadaw invested the congregation with the Five Precepts.

Members of the Sangha recited the partitas. Then, offertories such as rice, edible oil and robes were presented to the Sayadaws. The members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air) and ministers also presented offertories to the Sayadaws.

The State Ovadacariya Presiding Nayaka of Thein-daung Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Taunggyi Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma-jotika Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Chandadhika delivered a sermon. The Senior General, Day Kyaing Kyaing and party and those present shared merits gained and the ceremony came to a close.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 receives guests from ROK

Yangon, 10 April -Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt received the visiting President of Canaan Farmers' School of the Republic of Korea Mr Kim Bum Il and party at the Ministry of Defense at 4 pm today.

Also present at the call were Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Brig-Gen Khin Maung, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Myanmar Ambassador to ROK U Nyunt Maung Shein, Director-General of the Protocol Department Thura U Aung Htet and ROK Ambassador to Myanmar Mr Lee Kyung Woo.

Secretary-1 attends ceremony to pay homage to aged Sayadaws and nuns

Yangon, 10 April - A ceremony to pay homage to the aged Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka and nuns was held at Parami Nunnery in Bogyoke Village, Thanlyin, Yangon District (South) at 10 am today. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and presented offertories.

First the ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Next, Sayadaw Bhad-danta Arcinda Bhivamsa invested the congregation with Nine Precepts. Then, the Secretary-1 and congregation paid homage to the Sayadaws and nuns. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party, well-wishers and disciples presented offertories to the Sayadaws and nuns. Then, Nun Daw Tirana–ani of Parami Nunnery supplicated on the history of the nunnery.

After that, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt presented K 1,000,000 donated by well-wishers for the Parami Nunnery. Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe accepted the donations.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Brig-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin received a total of K 4,293,000 Ń K 600,000 donated by U Aung Sein-Daw Nyunt Nyunt Sein, K 513,000 by Chairman of the All Myanmar Tamil Hindu Foundation U Zaw Zaw, K 500,000 by U Win Myint-Daw Myint Myint Than (Shwenagamin Co Ltd) and K 200,000 by U Myint Thin Aung-Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Myint Myint (Excellent Performance in Social Field-Second Class) and K 100,000 each by Yangon District (South) Peace and Development Council, Thanlyin Township Peace and Development Council, U Kyaw Kyaw Moe, U Mya Than and group, families of Myoma Market, U Maung Maung Lwin-Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Daw Sein Sein (Chairperson of Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs' Association), Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadaja Duyinthee U Soe Myint (Excellent Performance in Social Field- Third Class), Mingalarmay Women Cooperative Association, U Hoke Swi-Daw Khin Sein of (Mingalarmay Women Cooperatives Association), Daw Myint Myint Yi of Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs' Association. Then, Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Nyaung-don Sayadaw Bhaddhanta Osadha Bhivamsa delivered a sermon.

The Secretary-1 and party and wellwishers shared the merits gained. After three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Cirantitthatu, the ceremony came to an end. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.

Myanmar seafarers working abroad urged to uphold renowned reputations,
 be loyal to State, aware of dangers of being misled by opportunists
 Increase in production of human resources of maritime sector
will contribute to development of nation and economy
Mercantile Marine Cadet Training Course No CD/29 concludes

Yangon, 10 April- The conclusion of Mercantile Marine Cadet Training Course No CD/29 and opening of Mercantile Marine Cadet Training Course No CD/30 were held at the Institute of Marine Technology on Bayintnaung Road in Kamayut Township this morning, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Present were Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the Yangon mayor, the deputy ministers, senior military officers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, Principal of IMT, course instructors, guests, cadets and parents.

The parade company marched past Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe. He delivered a graduating speech. He said the cadets are new generation marine youths produced by IMT. Based on morale, discipline and technology learned at the institute, they are to make continued efforts to become marine technicians on whom the State can rely and to earn sea service and knowledge on marine and port in practice with the use of modern equipment while working in marine transport in the world. He urged the graduating cadets to constantly observe disciplines learned at the institute and the cadets who will be taking the course CD/30 to learn marine technology. He said IMT is in the white list recognized by International Maritime Organization.

The institute drafted curriculum prescribed in 1995 Convention (Amendment) and trained the cadets and crew in accord with international standards. The minister quoted Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Than Shwe's address delivered at the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day Parade as saying that with the economic development of the nation, measures have been taken in health and education sectors and the highly qualified human resource development sector with a view to achieving improved living conditions for the people.

In education and development of highly qualified human resources, a national plan for upgrading the education standards of the entire nation has been drawn up and is being implemented. Under the guidance of Senior General Than Shwe and close guidelines and instructions of the Secretary-1 the plan was drawn to teach modern marine technology. Myanmar Marine University will come into existence in August 2002. The minister said IMT was born in Tatmadaw (Navy). Based on noble traditions of the Tatmadaw, efforts are being made for promotion of political, economic and defense strength.

He pointed out that the cadets are reserve force to defend the nation. Economic development of a country much depends on transport and communication sectors. Marine transport plays an important role in means of transportation such as land, water and air. The cadets are valuable human resources in building a nation in order to fulfill the strength needed on State-owned ships, he said. The knowledge and technology learned at the institute are essential, he added.

He urged the cadets to try to become junior marine leaders on whom the State can rely. After the ceremony, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met graduating cadets of Course No CD/29 and cadets of Course No CD/30 the Secretary-1 said as harmonious development of all the sectors are important, nurturing and production of human resources, which have the ability develop the sectors in accord with the time, is also a fundamental requirement. The sector of maritime transport is playing an important role not only in international trade, commerce and transport and national defense, but also in tourism and other economic branches.

The development of shipping will contribute much to progress of Myanmar which has a long coastline. Thus, the government is making systematic arrangements for improvement, modernization and development of the shipping sector. The number of State-owned ocean-going vessels is increasing at present, and the international-level ports, modern container terminals and modern dockyards are emerging in the nation. Nurturing and producing the human resources of the maritime sector is an important task. Institute of Marine Technology has been producing a large number of qualified maritime officers and engineers. Forty different types of courses including the basic officer training courses, have been conducted at the Institute of Marine Technology.

Lectures have been given at the courses in accord with the curriculum prescribed at the Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers 1978 (as Amended in 1995), which is a Convention of the International Maritime Organization. The institute is continuously producing internationally-recognized maritime officers and engineers. The State is giving encouragement and making arrangements to extend the maritime courses and to acquire the advancing maritime technologies and electronic equipment of the international field with the aim of accelerating the development momentum of the maritime sector. Moreover, arrangements are under way to increase the number of students annually.

The Myanmar Maritime University will be opened soon to bring out advanced level human resources, including maritime experts, maritime engineers and shipbuilders. Increase in production of the human resources of the maritime sector will contribute to development of the nation and its economy. It is sure that the maritime officers brought out by the institute will help develop the shipping sector and create opportunities to acquire jobs abroad, thus, contributing to the national economy. Hence, the maritime officers will have to strive for progress of the nation's shipping sector. When working abroad, the Myanmar seafarers will have to uphold the renowned reputation of the Myanmar mariners, which are efficiency, discipline and dutifulness. They should work with uprightness and loyalty. They are required to live in accord with the characteristics of a good citizen to help improve the nation's dignity.

Especially, they must be loyal to the State and should try to uphold the reputation of the Myanmar people. At present, certain forces which are opposing the interests of the nation and the people are trying to tarnish the image of Myanmar and her citizens with the aim of enjoying an easy life abroad. They are also organizing the Myanmars working abroad to take part in their perpetration. The Myanmar seafarers working abroad should be aware of the danger of being misled by these opportunist forces. They should be loyal to the State, and should work hard steadfastly to raise the dignity of the nation.

They are required to always try to improve their ability and efficiency, to help each other with patriotism and to serve the national interests. At present, the maritime experts and engineers working abroad are making contributions to the national economy. Thus, they, while trying to improve their life, will have to be dutiful in serving the national interests. In conclusion, he urged them to serve the nation with their maritime knowledge to enable her to catch up with other nations in terms of development, to develop and strengthen the national economy and to improve the living standard of the people; to try to become brilliant persons who can uplift the national integrity; and to become good officers who are able to safeguard and promote the national interests at any time and situation. Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe presented a commemorative gift to Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Secretary-1 addresses opening of new school building of BEMS (branch)

Yangon, 10 April - A ceremony to open the new school building of Basic Education Middle School (branch) was held in Kayinseik Model Village, Thanlyin Township, at 9 am today, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The opening ceremony of the new school building was held at the archway of the school. Deputy Minister for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and well-wishers U Myat Thin Aung-Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Myint Myint (medal winner of Excellent Performance in Social Field-Second Class) formally opened the school building. Then, the Secretary-1 unveiled the signboard of the school. Next, the handing over ceremony of the school followed. Well-wisher Thu-dhamma Theingi Daw Khin Myint Myint explained the purpose of the donation. Headmistress Daw Thi Thi Aye spoke words of thanks.

Afterwards, U Myat Thin Aung-Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Myint Myint handed over the documents related to the new school building to Director-General U Tin Win of the No 3 Basic Education Department. The Secretary-1 presented a TV set, battery and exercise books acquired with the use of the money donated to the Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee to Headmistress Daw Thi Thi Aye.

The Secretary-1, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Brig-Gen Myint Swe and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung accepted K 39,39,000 including K 1 million donated by U Myat Thin Aung-Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Myint Myint (medal winner of Excellent Performance in Social Field-Second Class), K 315,000 by Chairman U Zaw Zaw Naing of All Myanmar Tamil Hindu Foundation, K 300,000 by Dr Aung Kyaw Win-Dr Thet Thet Khaing (Golden Palace Jewellery Shop), K 300,000 by U Myo Myint (M-3 Food Centre & Maha Myaing Specialist Clinic)-Dr Daw Cho Cho Win, K 200,000 each by Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Hse (Excellent Performance in Social Field), U Win-Daw Sein (Cetana Transport Service) and U Tun Myint-Daw Aye Aye Nyunt, K 100,000 each by U Yu Kyi-Daw Yin Yin Myint, U Yan Min-Dr Moe Sanda Myint, U Aik Tun (AWB Vice-Chairman), U Maung Maung Lwin-Thiai Thudhamma Theingi Daw Sein Sein (Chairperson of Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs' Association, U Kyaw Soe (Dipawady Construction)-Daw Hla Wady (Joint-Secretary of MWEA), U Mya Han-Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Sabei Kyi (Fortune International Co Ltd) and U Maung Maung Oo-Daw Thet Yi (Jacob Leather Industry), K 110,000 by Mingala May Women's Cooperative Society, K 100,000 each by staff of Aung Aung Co, U Hoke Swi-Daw Khin Sein, Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara Durinthee U Soe Myint (medal winner of Excellent Performance in Social Field-Third Class).

Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an address. He said, on behalf of the State, he thanked well-wishers U Myat Thin Aung and wife Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Khin Myint Myint (Excellent Performance in Social Field-Second Class) and well-wishers for donating a new school building for Kayinseik Village BEMS (branch) in Thanlyin Township, and setting up a trust fund for maintenance of the building. In agriculture and livestock breeding sector, the Myanmar Women's Entrepreneurs Association gave local people small loans for the development of socio-economy of local people and has been striving for the village to be a model one.

Today is an auspicious day because for the welfare of local children, well-wishers donated a high-class new school building and set up a trust fund for maintenance of the building. At a time when earnest efforts are being made to implement the five rural development tasks all over the country with added momentum in accord with the guidance of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe, the Myanmar Women Entrepreneurs Association and well-wishers are implementing two of the five tasks  to promote the economy of rural people and to uplift education standard by donating such a building.

As good foundations are being set up for the village to become a model one, local and departmental officials are to carry out the tasks. As the government, with the slogan "The strength of the nation lies within", has been making self-reliant efforts, the cooperation of social organizations and well-wishers contribute to the success of development tasks of the State. Moreover, success has been achieved in the tasks for the development of human resources that will contribute to success in development tasks of the State. So, a modern and developed nation will surely emerge.

The Secretary-1 urged the student youths to take advantage of the opportunities and to strive for becoming intellectuals and intelligentsia on whom the State can rely. Teachers are urged to train student youths to be educated and parents are to continue helping their offspring to be highly-educated ones. Then, the ceremony came to a close. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party together with well-wishers, teachers and students had souvenir photos taken.

( 3 ) Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Ye Myint meet departmental officials in Taunggyi

Yangon, 10 April - Members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defense, accompanied by officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments concerned, met with Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint and members, Shan State level departmental officials, local authorities and members of social associations at the City Hall in Taunggyi at 7 am yesterday.

Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint reported on land use of Shan State, progress of the agricultural sector, tasks undertaken for development of education, health and transport sectors, sufficiency of rice in the region, development of Ayethaya Industrial Zone in Taunggyi and requirements in the work. Then, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung explained the emphasis laid on development of respective industrial zones after forming the Myanma Industrial Development Committee and the work committee for improvement of the State's industrial sector, prospects for development of Ayethaya  Industrial Zone and assistance to be provided by the Ministry of Industry-1.

Next, Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung explained the education promotion programmers being implemented by the Government, requirements of human resource development and matters related to opening of colleges of the ministry. Next, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin discussed condition on cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, beans and pulses, maize, oil crops in Shan State, use of high-quality strains and arrangements for supply of fertilizers.

Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann said he was with the inspection tour of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe who arrived in Taunggyi. The Senior General has given guidance on regional development. He said development of Shan State gained momentum due to unity of officials, service personnel and the people. Efforts are to be made for more sufficiency of rice in the region and continued regional development in accord with the good traditions of leaders of the region, he said. He said the State has been extending assistance as much as possible for harmonious development in the region.

Arrangements are being made for ensuring better transport such as extension of roads and railroads and upgrading airfields, he said. Plans for long-lasting of Inlay Lake and greening of the lake and its environs were laid down and progress has been achieved to some extent, he said. Traditional shifting cultivation caused forest depletion, soil erosion and danger to environment. Local people relying on shifting cultivation faced negative effects of moving from one place to another and low living standard. Therefore, the Head of State gave guidance on launching of terrace cultivation method in the hilly regions. He spoke of the need to make concerted efforts for effective implementation of the tasks for terrace cultivation method.

Next, Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Man cordially greeted those present. Similarly, member of the State Peace and Development Council member of the Panel of Patrons of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Maj-Gen Soe Win met with secretaries, executives, organizers and members of Shan State, District and Township USDAs at Shan State (South) USDA Office yesterday morning.

He gave necessary instructions and attended to their needs. Likewise, member of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman of Central Organizing Committee of Myanmar War Veterans Organization Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, together with Vice-Chairman Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, met members of Shan State, District and Township WVOs at the meeting hall of Shan State in Taunggyi yesterday morning. Members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein and Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo met with officers, Tatmadawmen and families of regiments and units from Taunggyi Station at Thanlwin Hall of Eastern Command Headquarters this morning.

Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi met with members of the work committee formed in Ayethaya Industrial Zone of Taunggyi yesterday evening. The minister said that though 26 Shan Star Jeeps were produced in 2001-2002 fiscal year, the vehicle production work committee is to produce double the number of Shan Star Jeeps in 2002-2003 more than previous year; and the agricultural machinery manufacturing work committee is to produce power-tillers and he attended to their needs.

( 4 ) Prizes presented to outstanding cadets of Mercantile Marine Cadet Training Course

Yangon, 10 April- The prize and certificate presentation ceremony of Mercantile Marine Cadet Training Course CD/29 of the Ministry of Transport was held at the assembly hall of Institute of Marine Technology on Bayintnaung Road in Kamayut Township this morning, attended by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe.

Also present were Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and U Pe Than, directors-general and managing directors of departments and enterprises under the ministry, departmental officials, the principal of the Institute, graduation cadets and their parents. Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe presented the Model Cadet Award (Marine) to Cadet Thet Oo Swe, Model Cadet Award (Engineer) to Cadet Sithu Kyaw, Excellent Study Award (Marine) to Cadet Min Kyaw, Excellent Study Award (Engineer) to Cadet Paing Phyo Thein and Excellence in Drills Award to Cadet Htet Aung Aung. Then, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and U Pe Than presented prizes to outstanding cadets. Next, Principal U Win Thein gave a speech. Later, the principal and heads of department presented certificates to the trainees.

( 5 ) Birthday ceremony of Aung Zedi Sayadaw held

Yangon, 10 April - The 81st birthday ceremony of Aung Zedi Sayadaw Bhaddanta Catila was held in conjunction with the merit sharing ceremony of Forever Group Dhammayon donated by Forever Group at Sasana Beikman Kyaungtaik of Aung Zedi at 10th mile, Insein Township this morning. Present on the occasion were Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and wife Daw Khin Khin Lay, wellwishers U Win Maw-Daw Khin Khin Lay and daughter Ma Khin Lin Maw, families of the Forever Group and disciples.

Yangon, 10 April - JTM Co, Japan, provided stipend to the Union Solidarity and Development Association at the USDA Head Office this morning. Present on the occasion were USDA CEC members U Than Shwe, U Thein Sein, Col Tin Hlaing, Mr Yoshi Nori Yakabe of Embassy of Japan and wellwishers and officials concerned. At the ceremony wellwisher Mr Tsu Yoshi Watanabe of JTM Co presented ´ 1,000,000. CEC member U Than Shwe accepted the donation and presented the certificate of honour and extended greetings.