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1 ) Dams, river water pumping stations built at all suitable places to make Sagaing Division rice bowl of Upper Myanmar
Senior General Than Shwe inspects Yebutalin river water pumping project and Chindwin River Bridge (Monywa) Project
Yangon, 19 April - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected Yebutalin river water pumping project and Chindwin River Bridge (Monywa) Project yesterday morning.
The Senior General, accompanied by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen Kyaw Win and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, ministers, the deputy minister for health and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, left Mandalay for Yebutalin river water pumping project in Budalin Township, Monywa District, Sagaing Division, yesterday morning.
On arrival at the project at 8.30 am, the Senior General and party were welcomed by Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing.
 
At the briefing hall, the Senior General and party heard a report on emergence of the project, progress of work in implementing it and the acres of land to be irrigated on completion of the project presented by Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin.
Director-General of the Water Resources Utilization Development U Win Shwe reported to the Senior General and party on implementation of the project phase by phase, progress of work and implementation of Inndaw river water pumping project and Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut on cooperative efforts to supply power to the river water pumping projects.
Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing explained the sown acreage of paddy in Sagaing Division, per-acre yield of paddy and production of surplus rice in the division.
Maj-Gen Soe Win gave a supplementary report.
Senior General Than Shwe said: there are water resources
-- the Ayeyawady, the Chindwin and the Mu -- in Sagaing Division. It has also plenty of land resources for agriculture. As there are large stretches of land and water for agriculture, efforts should be made to cultivate paddy and other crops successfully.
The government has built dams and river water pumping stations at all suitable places to the best of its ability to make Sagaing Division the rice bowl of Upper Myanmar.
The main feeder canals of Thaphanseik Dam, which was built in Sagaing Division, have been extended to the most possible degree to increase the damÕs irrigation capacity. There still remain regions in the division which are not included in the irrigated areas of Thaphanseik Dam and other dams, so arrangements have been made to irrigate these regions by implementing the river water pumping station project. According to these arrangements, the Yebutalin river water pumping project emerged.
As water resources are scarce in Ayadaw Township in Sagaing Division, the township is in arid condition. The Yebutalin river water pumping project is being extended, and if necessary, the Mu River water pumping project will be implemented to widen the irrigated areas in the township. The projects aim at making the dry region lush and green, supplying drinking and irrigation water to villages in the region and improving the living standard of the rural people. Only then, will the poor regions develop. As the level of poverty in some regions of Sagaing and Magway Divisions is still high, the government has to try its utmost to reduce poverty.
On completion of the water supply projects of the government, nearly 700,000 acres of land in Sagaing, Shwebo and Monywa districts will become irrigated areas.
It is required to make effective use of these favourable conditions to produce more surplus rice.
 
The Senior General and party inspected arrangements being made to lift water from the Chindwin River, arrival of equipment for the project and progress of work in digging the main feeder canal.
The WRUD has irrigated 300 acres of land by use of water pumps. In accord with the guidance of the Head of State, the Yebutalin river pumping water project has been implemented to irrigate up to 40,000 acres of land. The main water pumping station of the project is located near Yathitchaung village ten miles west of Budalin.
The water pumping and irrigation system of the project has four stages. The main feeder canal is 15,500 feet long, and the total length of the outlet canals is 150,000 feet.
The department is also implementing the Inndaw river water pumping project near Inndaw village in Budalin Township to irrigate 10,000 acres of land. The combined irrigation capacity of the two projects is 50,000 acres of land.
 
On arrival at Chindwin River Bridge (Monywa) Project in Monywa Township at 9.30 am, the Senior General and party were welcomed by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Deputy Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Myint and officials.
At the briefing hall, Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on the sector-wise completion of the project. Superintending Engineer of Public Works U San Nyein said that efforts are being made to complete the bridge during the targeted period. The Senior General gave guidance on completion of the project as soon as possible.
Col Soe Thein, in charge of Monywa-Kalewa Road Project, presented a report, saying that the construction of the 30-foot-wide and 115-mile-long Monywa-Kalewa earth road began in the fiscal year 2000-2001. The earth road has been completed, and the 18-foot-wide 40-mile-long section of the road has already been tarred. The 18-foot-wide 25-mile-long section of the road will be surfaced with tar in the fiscal year 2001-2002. Up to now, eight miles and three furlongs of the section has been tarred. Efforts are being made to complete the project during the targeted period.
Quartermaster-General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo reported on assistance for the project.
Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying that it has been long since he had an idea to build the Monywa-Kalewa Road and the Chindwin River Bridge (Monywa).
As the government was worried that the bridge and the road project would not be free from the Chindwin River hydel power project areas including the Htamathi Hydel Power Project, a number of places were considered to be chosen as the site and the route to build the facilities.
The site of the bridge project is not only free from the hydel project area, but will also benefit over 70 villages along the road and Monywa itself.
In the past YeU-Taze-Thekkekyin Road was used in travelling from Monywa to Kalewa. The 115-mile-long Monywa-Alon-Yagyi-Kalewa Road will cut 45 miles.
Thus, efforts are needed to complete the facilities, which will be beneficial in many sectors, in accord with the scheduled time and the required standard.
Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on extension of the runway at Monywa Airport and current of water near the bridge.
Arrangements are being made to lengthen the runway of Monywa airport up to 10,000 feet and widen it up to 200 feet. At the first phase, a runway, 8,000 feet long and 100 feet wide, will be built.
After giving instructions with regard to the reports, the Senior General inspected the scale model of Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) and construction work.
Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) lies on Monywa-Alon-Yagyi-Myoma-Kalaywa-Kalay motor road. In Monywa, it is near Mindaunt Freight Handling Port on Monywa-YeU motor road.
The lower structure of the bridge is of reinforced concrete type and the upper structure will be built of steel framework and reinforced concrete beams.
The bridge will be over 4,730 feet long and its motor way, 28 feet wide. There are two 6-foot pedestrian lanes on each side of the bridge. The clearance between the bridge and the water level is about 40 feet high and about 305 feet wide. It can withstand 60-ton loads.
Then, the Senior General and party proceeded to Monywa by car and inspected condition of development in Monywa.
 At Maha Bodhi Tahtaung Monastery at Khatakantaung Village in Monywa Township, the Senior General and party paid homage and offered alms to Maha Bodhi Tahtaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Narada.
The Senior General and party left for Mandalay by helicopter in the afternoon.
At the briefing hall of Mandalay Ring Road Project at Kywesun Port in Mandalay at 10 am, the Senior General and party heard a report presented by Mayor of Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein on progress of work in building a eight-lane ring road, 52 miles and 4 furlongs long, construction of 47-foot Shwekyin Creek Bridge on the ring road, the building of a circular road of Kandawgyi Lake in Mandalay and staff quarters on the circular road, measures taken to keep the water of Kandawgyi Lake pure and clean and to ensure the proper water flow of Thingaza Creek.
The Senior General gave guidance on taking measures in consideration of development of Mandalay in coming 10 or 20 years and keeping Thingaza Creek and Kandawgyi Lake pleasant and clean.
 
Later, the Senior General and party inspected construction of the eight-lane ring road and the retaining wall on the bank of the Ayeyawady River.
Then, the Senior General and party inspected progress of work in building the eight-lane ring road by car.
At the Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay) Project, the Senior General and party heard a report presented by Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun on selection of the axis and site for construction of the bridge, engineering work, geological facts and figures of Mandalay and construction of the bridge.
The Senior General gave guidance on completion of the bridge as soon as possible.
Innwa Bridge spanning the Ayeyawady and linking Mandalay and Sagaing is over 65 years old.
 
To cater to the need of the increasing traffic and commodity flow, arrangements have been made to build Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay) near Innwa Bridge.
The bridge is being built on Khawataung Bank of Mandalay and Tagaung Bank of Sagaing. It can bear 60-ton loads.
Next, the Senior General and party inspected the site chosen for the construction of Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay) and the pier for the approach structure on the bank of Mandalay.
Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected condition of the region along Sagaing-Myitnge short cut.
Next, the Senior General and party left Mandalay International Airport by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived back here at 4 pm.
The Senior General toured Mandalay Division, Shan State (East), (South), and (North) and Sagaing Division from 3 April up to today.
During his 17-day tour, the Senior General
inspected condition of regional development, measures taken for
development of human resources, tasks for water supply, construction
work, tasks concerning health and education and environmental
conservation.
The Senior General gave guidance and fulfilled
the requirements.
During his tour, the Senior General gave special
guidance on implementation of a project for building farmlands in
highland regions as a State project to substitute terraced farming
for shifting farming.
In his guidance, the Senior General stressed the
importance of the further flourishing of Union Spirit which enables
all the national brethren from all over the Union to live in amity
and unity in building a peaceful, modern and developed nation.
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( 2 ) Secretary-1 presents House and
"Yazagaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza Yaza" title to White Elephant
 Yangon, 19 April - A ceremony to present the title to the White Elephant and a newly built house was held this morning at the White Elephant House on Mindhamma Hill near the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image. State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and poured scented paritta water on the White Elephant.
The ceremony commenced at 7 am with the "Shwe Phondaw
Toebalo" classical song played by Mingalar Royal Drum Troupe of Fine Arts Department. Next, the White Elephant and its companion elephants were taken to the new White Elephant House. Master of ceremonies Staff Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department U San Thin Hlaing announced the title of the White Elephant as
"Yazagaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza Yaza". Next, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone and Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin tied the cloth bearing the tile to the White Elephant. Agga Maha Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara Dr Khin Shwe and wife Daw San San Kywe; winner of medal for excellent performance in social field (grade 2) Thiri Thudhamma Manijo-tadhara U Thein Win and wife Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Ni; Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Sein Hla Win and wife Daw Phyu Phyu Khin; and Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara Shwepin Ngwepin U Than Tun and wife Daw Aye Myint who represented the rich couples from four corners presented the cash gifts for the White Elephant to Forest Department Director U Myint Swe who is in charge in taking care of the White Elephant.
Later, the White Elephant was taken to the stage. State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1
 Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt read out the Adit-htan Letter stating that the White Elephant may contribute towards the perpetuation and propagation of the Sasana; safeguard the nation from all kinds of dangers; contribute towards prosperity of the nation and ensure good climatic conditions. Meanwhile, U Kyaw Swe of Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture read out Mingala Ekabeik Ratu praising the White Elephant. Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt poured scented Nawarat paritta water on the White Elephant and fed it pop-corn with honey and sugar-cane. The Secretary-1 then gave away cash awards to the White Elephant, group which discovered the White Elephant conveyance group, the group to take care of the White Elephant, and White Elephant House construction group. The Secratry-1 next performed ritual of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.
The preparatory ceremony was held at 6 am. Deputy Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun washed the forehead of the White Elephant with tayaw, kinpun and scented water while State Calendar Advisory Committee member Saya Kyaw recited the Seinamani Gatha. Damsels of Teingya group threw ceremonial water and scented water, lotus flowers and jasmine flowers into the pond and the White Elephant took bath. Then, Maha Thadhamma Jotikadhaja U Shein Aung Bo recited Gathas and the White Elephant was caparisoned.
Secretary-1 inspects all-round construction tasks of Mindhamma Hill
Yangon, 19 April - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt paid homage to the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image which is kept at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township and inspected all-round renovation of the Image and gave necessary instructions to the officials concerned this morning.
 The Secretary-1, accompanied by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the deputy-ministers and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, arrived at Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image this morning and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees and officials concerned welcomed them.
First, the Secretary-1 paid homage to the Buddha Image.
The Secretary-1 then inspected the place where flagmast was built on the platform, installation of the Heat Recovery Ventilator, plantation of trees and flowering plants, completion of laying of marble slabs and the site chosen for the office of Pagoda Board of Trustees and all round-renovation works.
Then, he gave necessary instructions and left the Hill.
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( 3 )
Minister receives Malaysian guests
YANGON, 19 April - Minister at the State Peace
and Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel received the
urban development planning group
led by Advisor to the Malaysian Prime Minister on
Science Tan Sri Datuk Mr Ahmad Zaharuggin Idrus at Mya Yeik Nyo
Royal Hotel at 7 pm yesterday.
They cordially discussed matters related to urban development
tasks.
Myanmar-Korea ICT Forum held
 
Yangon, 19 April - Myanmar-Korea Information and Communication Technology Forum jointly organized by e-National Task Force, Myanmar and International Cooperation Agency for Korea Mobile under the arrangement of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs of the Union of Myanmar and the Ministry of Information and Communication of the Republic of Korea was held at MICT Park in Hlaing Township at 11 am today. It was attended by Minister for CPT Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister at the office of Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Abel, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, members of the e-National Task Force and the chairmen of committees, officials of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications and Directorate of Telecommunications, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Information and Communication Mr Kim Tae-Hyun, Ambassador of Korea to the Union of Myanmar Mr Lee Kyung Woo, members of delegations and guests.
Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw said: this time is very suitable for holding of this forum. Myanmar is implementing ASEAN Framework Agreement in collaboration with other member countries in information technology development sector as ASEAN leaders have signed e-ASEAN Framework Agreement in October, 2002, in Singapore. This will help narrow the gap of technology. e-National Task Force has been set up for successful implementation of the objectives. Myanmar will make efforts for development of information technology and communication sector as we know the 21st century is information era. In doing so, there are limitations of finance, the gap of technology and the need of human resources. But, Myanmar will continue its efforts for development of information technology.
Then, Deputy Minister Mr Kim Tae-Hyun of Ministry of Information and Communication, ROK, made a speech. Afterwards, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and the deputy minister held a separate meeting and cordially discussed matters related to the communication sector.
At the first session of the forum, Korea and Myanmar delegates discussed current condition of information technology in the two countries and policy matters.
 In the second session, prospects for development of information and communication technology, conditions for bilateral cooperation between the two countries and investment matters were discussed.
The forum came to an end at 5 pm today.
In the evening, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw hosted a dinner to Deputy Minister Mr Kim Tae-Hyun and party at Sedona
Hotel.
Thingyan Festival celebrated in London
Yangon, 19 April - Atar Thingyan Festival organized by the Myanmar Association (UK) and Myanmar Embassy was held on a grand scale at the Napier Hall of City of Westminster, Pimlico, the centre of London, at 11.30 am on 14 April.
Myanmar families who are resident in Britain and friends totalling 250 merrily took part in the festival.
Ambassador Dr Kyaw Win extended the New Year greetings and opened the festival.
The hall was decorated with Padauk flowers. Myanmar families and the guests sang Thingyan songs and the dance troupe entertained the guests.
Myanmar families sang "Mya-Nandar" song and doused each other with water. Then, the ceremony came to a close at 4.30 pm.
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( 4
) KIO issues project and declaration to combat Poisonous Flower
Yangon, 19 April - In Myanmar, the elimination of narcotic drugs has been carried out persistently as a national duty. Since 1999, a 15-year plan has been implemented to rid the entire nation of narcotic drugs within 15 years. Before the implementation of 15-year drug elimination plan has been started, Mongla region in Shan State (East) was declared a drug-free zone on 27 April 1997.
In the same vein, Wa and Kokang national races have been making all-out efforts to declare their respective regions to be drug-free zones in 2005.
While Myanmar is taking measures to eradicate narcotic drugs, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met with leaders of national races and exhorted them to endeavour for the total elimination of narcotic drugs.
Accordingly, Wa and Kokang national races issued declarations strictly banning narcotic drugs on 26-3-2002 and 28-3-2002 respectively.
Likewise, KIO group and Special Region-3 of Shan State (North) issued a project and a declaration concerning narcotic drugs on 1-2-2002 and 4-4-2002 respectively.
The project and the declaration are as follows:
The Project to combat Poisonous Flower
The opium and the narcotic drugs are the most dangerous enemy of the entire mankind of the world today. Addiction to opium and narcotic drugs is easy, but quitting is so difficult. Abuse of opium and narcotic drugs may not only lead to suffering from various kinds of diseases, but will also face total destruction of life. The abusers may even contacted with AIDS, which is the harbinger of Death, and no drug has found yet to cure the disease. The Central KIO has made a determination to root out the opium and narcotic agents in Kachin
State.
The main tasks of the Project to combat Poisonous
Flower
1. To prohibit and destroy poppy cultivation.
2. To give support and encouragement to opium-substitute crops
cultivation.
3. To prohibit and combat trafficking of opium and narcotic drugs.
4. To prohibit and fight against opium and narcotic drug abuse.
5. To give systematic medical treatment to opium and narcotic drug addicts.
The project will be implemented in cooperation with all the local and foreign opium and narcotic drugs elimination bodies till the success is achieved. It is fully believed that the entire people of the nation will give unanimous support and assistance to the project.
The Central Opium and Narcotic Drugs
Elimination Committee (KIO)
1 February 2002
The declaration of Special Region-3 of Shan State (North) concerning narcotic drugs
With effect from the date when this declaration is issued, no one is allowed to sell or buy, traffic and store or use any kind of narcotic drugs and chemicals related to narcotic drugs in the Special Region-3 of Shan State (North).
In view of the fact that the Government has explained matters related to narcotic drugs to journalists and the people at Press conferences from time to time, that other nations have come to make critical remarks on Myanmar, and that narcotic drugs produce only evil results for the people, the organization has to put a ban on narcotic drugs.
If authorities carry out a search and raid and take action in connection with narcotic drugs, our organization will assume no responsibility whatsoever for the matter. If anyone does not follow the above-mentioned declaration, then effective action will be taken in accord with the existing laws of the Government and the laws of the organization.
Chairman
Central Leading Committee
Special Region-3, Shan State (North)
Dated: 4 April 2002
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( 5 ) Members of State Peace and Development Council tour Mandalay Division
 
Yangon, 19 April - Members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of Defence
met with division level departmental officials of Mandalay Division
at the hall of Central Command in Mandalay and gave necessary
instructions on 18 April afternoon.
Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint reported on land utilization, land reclamation, cultivation of summer and monsoon paddy and main crops in Mandalay Division, total crop cultivation acres in Mandalay Division, arrangements being made for regional sufficiency in rice and fish, work being carried out for regional and rural development and greening tasks.
Then, Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing reported on land utilization in Sagaing Division, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, paddy yield and surplus, gross domestic product of the division, supply of irrigation water and rural development endeavours.
Next, Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on ensuring better transportation, self-sufficiency of rice, rural development, industrial zones development, health and education matters and substitution of firewood.
 
Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann also spoke at the meeting. He said that by accompanying the Head of State they arrived in Mandalay Division. He said they had also toured eastern, northern and southern Shan State as well as Sagaing Division. They have witnessed improvements in transportation, development of towns and villages, conservation of forests and creating of good conditions for human resources development, he said. Mandalay and Sagaing
Divisions are also achieving development with momentum. The Government
is providing assistance for equitable development of all States and
Divisions in the country. Arrangements have been made to develop
the education and health sectors of Mandalay like those of Yangon City. To narrow down the development gap between urban and rural areas, rural development tasks have been laid down and it is important to strive collectively for developing the rural areas, he said. During his tour, the Head of State has given guidance on rural development, better transportation, forest conservation, regional self-sufficiency of rice, he noted. He also urged all to exert efforts four or five times more to ensure the emergence of a new peaceful, modern and developed nation in accordance with the guidance of the Head of State. He also stressed the importance of making collective efforts to meet success. Then, he cordially greeted those present at the meeting.
State Peace and Development Council member Union Solidarity and Development Association Central Panel of Patrons member Maj-Gen Soe Win, together with USDA CEC member U Aung Thaung met with secretaries, executives and organizers of Division/ District / Township USDAs at the Mandalay Division USDA Office at 2 pm on 18-4-2002. Divisional USDA Secretary U Tin Maung Oo reported the members participation in rural development tasks. Maj-Gen Soe Win gave necessary instructions.
 Likewise, State Peace and Development Council member Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organising Committee Chairman Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, together with WVO COC Vice-Chairman Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, met with war veterans of Mandalay Division, District and Township WVOs at 2.15 pm on 18-4-2002. Divisional WVO Supervisory Committee Chairman Lt-Col Maung Pu reported matters on work progress. COC Vice-Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Tun and COC Chairman Maj-Gen Thein Sein gave necessary instructions.
Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein and Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo met with Tatmadaw officers and other ranks and their family members at the Mandalay Station Hall of the Central Command at 7 am today, and gave necessary instructions.
Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Arleinngasint Pagoda in Taungup
Yangon, 19 April - A ceremony to hoist Shwehtidaw atop the Waiyan Bonmyint Arleinngasint Pagoda in Taungup, Thandwe District, Rakhine State, was held at the pagoda on 17 April morning.
The Presiding Sayadaw of Mingalayama Pali Tekkatho administered the Nine Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited parittas.
Then, wellwisher traditional physician U Bo Gyi presented the Shwehtidaw to Taungup Theinkyaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara. Joint-Secretary of Rakhine State Sangha Nayaka Committee Taungup Kaingshei Ward Saytrayama Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Cula Kammathanacariya Bhaddanta Suriyadhaja sprinkled scented water on it.
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo, Brig-Gen Kyi Thein and wellwishers presented offertories to the Sayadaws.
The Joint-Secretary Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained.
Next, the second session of the ceremony followed.
Flanked by regal procession troupes, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than conveyed the Seinbudaw, Brig-Gen Maung Oo Hngetmyatnadaw, Brig-Gen Kyi Thein four bunches of flowers and departmental heads and wellwishers Hsatthaphu, Khaun-glaungdaw and tiers of the Shwehtidaw round the pagoda clockwise three times.
 
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than formally unveiled the stone inscription. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Brig-Gen Maung Oo and Brig-Gen Kyi Thein hoisted the religious objects atop the pagoda.
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party performed rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the success of the ceremony.
After the ceremony, U Win Sein, U Maung Maung and family of Asia Express Co Ltd donated K 220,000 for keeping a bronze Buddha image on the pagoda through Brig-Gen Kyi Thein of Taungup Station.
Seinbudaw hoisted atop PhaungdawU Pagoda in Rakhine State
Yangon, 19 April - A ceremony to hoist Seinbudaw atop the historic PhaungdawU Pagoda in Taungup, Thandwe District, Rakhine State, was held in conjunction with the merit-sharing for Dhamma Vijaya Sasana Beikmandaw and novitiating 1,000 boys into novicehood
at the designated places yesterday morning.
The Seinbudaw hoisting ceremony was held at the Buddhology Museum.
Joint-Secretary of Rakhine State Sangha Nayaka Committee Sayadaw of Saytrayama Kyaungtaik in Kaingshei Ward, Taungup, Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Cula Kamma-thanacariya Bhaddanta Suriyadhaja invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Members of the Sangha recited parittas.
 Then, wellwisher Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Ba Khant presented the Seinbudaw to Theintaung Phayagyi Kyaungtaik Saya-daw Bhaddanta Kumara. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suri-yadhaja sprinkled scented water on it. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than hoisted the Seinbudaw atop the pagoda.
Later, the opening of Dhamma Vijaya Sasana Beikmandaw was held in front of the Beikmandaw. Wellwisher Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Ba Khant and Doctor San Hlaing of Taungup Township formally opened the Beikmandaw.
Afterwards, the ceremony to novitiate 1,000 boys followed in front of the Beikmandaw.
Member of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Presiding Nayaka of Mingalayama Pali Tekkatho Kyaungtaik on Theinbyu Road in Yangon Agga Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Rattha-sara administered the Five Precepts.
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Brig-Gen Maung Oo, Brig-Gen Kyi Thein and wellwisher family members presented offertories to the Sayadaws.
Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo presented the Sasana banner to Presiding Nayaka of Kanpaing Maha Wihara Kyaungtaik in Kanpaing Ward, Taungup, Maha Ganthavacaka Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indaca-ra and a gold medal to wellwisher Thiha Thudha-mma Manijotadhara U Ba Khant.
U Khin Maung Win-Daw Soe Moe Thu and family presented K 2 million for extension of western prayer hall of the pagoda; and Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Ba Khant-Daw Khin Shwe and family, traditional physician U Bo Gyi-Daw Than Than and family, and Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Maung Maung, U Win Sein, Dr Than Than Nwe and family K 1 million each thorough Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, who presented certificates of honour to them.
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suriyadhaja delivered a sermon. Those present shared merits gained and the ceremony came to an end.
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects regional development works in Taungup
 
Yangon, 19 April - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence
and party, together with Chairman of Rakhine State Peace and Development
Council Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Maung Oo, attended the
Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of Waiyanbonmyint Arleinngasint Pagoda held
at the pandal of Maha Thantithukha Aungmyay of the pagoda in Taungup and
hoisted the Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda on 17 April morning.
Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the
Panmyauktaung microwave tower and installation of self-reliance
telephone lines in Taungup. Taungup Station Officiating Tactical
Operations Commander Lt-Col Khin Zaw Oo reported on progress of work.
Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo and Brig-Gen Kyi Thein of Taungup Station
presented supplementary reports.
Afterwards, Thandwe District Peace and Development
Council Chairman Lt-Col Khin Maung Than reported on installation of
phone lines in the district. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary
instructions.
Next, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the
completion of Panmyauktaung microwave tower, the building for
self-reliance telephone exchange and the site chosen for tower and gave
necessary instructions. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party
proceeded to Shwe Myitta Home for the Aged where they were welcomed by
the donor of the home Shwe Myitta U Khin Maung Win, wife Daw Soe Moe Thu
and family members.
Shwe Myitta U Khin Maung Win and family reported on
construction of hostels and the dining hall for aged persons, dhammayon
and management office.
Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to
the site chosen for construction of new port in Watkyaik Village-tract
in the township. Tactical Operations Commander Col Myint Soe reported on
construction of the new port and jetty. Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo,
Brig-Gen Kyi Thein of Taungup Station and prawn breeding entrepreneurs
also presented supplementary reports.
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the site
and gave necessary instructions.
Afterwards, they proceeded to the export jelly fish
processing work site of Winner Enterprise Co Ltd in Watkyaik Village,
Taungup Township. Director U Aye Ko of the company explained functions
of the work.
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party viewed the
procession for novitiation of 1,100 boys from Dhamma Vizaya Sasana
Beikmandaw in Taungup and inspected Thattahtana Buddha Museum and
stairway donated by Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Ba Khant and wife
Daw Khin Shwe. They also paid homage to historic Phaungdaw-U Pagoda.
In the evening, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party met
with chairmen and members of Thandwe District and Taungup Township Peace
and Development Councils, district and township level departmental
officials and fishery entrepreneurs at the Township Peace and
Development Council Office and discussed matters related to the
development of the township.
Rakhine State Head of the Fisheries Department U Soe
Thu reported on offshore and onshore fishing, trading of prawns and
marine products and location of prawn breeding centres in Rakhine State.
One of the fishery entrepreneurs reported on jelly fish processing.
Then, Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo reported on cultivation of paddy,
production of meat, fish and prawn, extration of timber and prevention
of digging ponds in paddy fields.
Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than fulfilled the
requirements and gave instructions on harmonious development of
agriculture and meat and fish sectors, extension of prawn breeding on
wetlands and uncultivable lands, digging of fish and prawn breeding
ponds in accordance with law, rules and regulations without damaging
paddy fields, concerted efforts of local authorities, departmental
personnel and entrepreneurs for development of livestock breeding and
agriculture sectors.
Bicycle factory opened in Kyaukse
Yangon, 19 April - The opening ceremony of the bicycle factory (Kyaukse) under the Ministry of Industry-1 was held at the factory in Kyaukse Industrial Zone, five miles east of Kyaukse, Kyaukse Township, Mandalay Division, on 11 April morning.
It was attended by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military officers, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, local populace and pom pom troupe.
 
Managing Director of Myanma General and Maintenance Industries U Thaik Tun formally unveiled the signboard of the factory.
 
Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, ministers and deputy ministers inspected the bicycle parts and production process at the factory. Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung
conducted them round the factory. Afterwards, they inspected sample
bicycles manufactured by the factory. The factory is producing Maung
Myanmar Brand bicycles and plans are under way to produce trishaws.
Maj-Gen Aung Htwe attends ordination ceremony in Kengtung
 Yangon, 19 April
- Under the leadership of Shan State (East) Peace and development Council and Triangle Region Command, the collective ordination, novitiation and nuns initiation ceremony was held at Sasana Beikman in Kengtung, Shan State (East) on 17 April morning, attended by members of the Sangha led by Presiding Sayadaw of Dhammawdaya Sarthintaik of Kengtung Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddnata Arjeya, member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe and senior military officers and their wives, members of state/district/township Peace and Development Councils, officers and other ranks of battalions and units in Kengtung Station, officials and local people.
Altogether 201 boys were novitiated with the sponsorship of Lecturer Sayadaw of Dhammawdaya Sarthintaik Bhaddanta Eindaka. Then, the congregation received the Eight Precepts from Bhaddanta Arjeya. Next, members of the Sangha recited parittas.
Afterwards, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and officials presented offertories to members of the Sangha.
Maj-Gen Aung Htwe supplicated on the purpose of the ceremony. Then, Bhaddanta Arjeya delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. After the ceremony,
'soon' was offered to members of the Sangha. A total of 275 men were ordained, 201 boys novitiated and 54 girls initiated into nuns at the
ceremony.
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( 6 ) Minister inspects railroads
 Yangon, 19 April
- Minister for Rail Transportation U Pan Aung, accompanied by officials, inspected railroads from Magyibot railway station on Hsinbyushin bridge to YeU railway station and gave instructions on extension of earthwork under the railroads on 14 April.
On arrival at Mu river bridge, the minister gave necessary instructions on maintenance of the bridge and requirements of KhinU railway station and proceeded to bridge No 159 on Htantabin-Nyaungzin railroad.
On 15 and 16 April, the minister inspected maintenance of railroads, bridges and stations on Bonchaung-Namhkam and Shan State (North) railroads and fulfilled the requirements.
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MWSF wins IOC Women and Sport Trophy
Yangon, 19 April - International Olympic Committee has been presenting IOC Women and Sport Trophy to persons and organizations of the countries that have actively carried out women's sports activities. This year, Myanmar Women Sports Federation was chosen for IOC Women and Sport Trophy 2002 for its strenuous endeavours for women sports activities in Asia.
The trophy will be presented at the IOC Work Committee Meeting to be held at the headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland on 26 April 2002. Vice-Chairperson Daw Nu Nu Yi and executive Daw Kyu Kyu
will leave here for Switzerland to receive the trophy on 21 April 2002.
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Stimulant tablets seized in Lashio
Yangon, 19 April - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Lashio Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched Lawrin Kwe who arrived at a house in Ward 12, Lashio on 3 April, and arrested him together with 100,000 stimulant tablets weighing 10 kilos.
Action was taken against Lawrin Kwe, 27, son of U Law Win, of Nanphatswan Village, Mongyaung Village-tract in Lashio, and Aiksan (a) Aikkyaing, 34, son of U Maung Khan, of Tawinya Kyaung Street, Ward 9, Lashio under Section 15/19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by No 1 Lashio Police Station in connection with the seizure of the drugs.
Two drug dealers sentenced
Yangon, 19 April - A combined team comprising members of local intelligence unit and Bago Special Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched a vehicle (4 Kha 5481) which was on its way from Toungoo at the Toll Gate at the entrance to Bago on 12 December and arrested Soe Aung (a) Nay Lin and Ma Hla Myint together with 4.75 kilos of marijuana.
Action was taken against Soe Aung (a) Nay Lin, 34, son of U Min Aung, of Chinbo Village, Hinthada Township and Ma Hla Myint, 32, daughter of U Shwe of Nyaungbintha Village, Pyu Township under Section 15/19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law by Bago No 1 Police Station.
The two were sentenced to three years in prison under Section 15 and 12 years under Section 19 (A) to serve separately by Bago
District Court on 26 March 2002.
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Prize winners of invitational
article competition announced
Yangon, 19 April - The prize winners of the invitational article competition to mark the 11th Founding Anniversary of the Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association were announced today. U Kyi Tun ( Social Welfare), Aye Myat Myat and U Than Soe (Dr Than Soe) won first, second and third prizes respectively. Consolation prizes went to Dr Nwe Ni Ohn, U Tin Aung Ngwe (Naygyi-Magway), Ma Mu Mu Khaing (Ma Pwint Wai), Daw Nwe Nwe Kyi (Nwe Nwe Kyi-MNA), Daw Soe Yin Pyone (Thabyay Nu), Dr Hla Pe (Mandalay), Daw Tin Yi (Phyu Mar Thant), Ma Le Le Cho, Daw Khin Su (Ma Kyeetan-Myanmarsar) and Capt Khin Thida.
The prize winners are to contact the Multipurpose Building of MMCWA, Ph 571123, 571758 not later than 26 April and the prizes will be presented to the winners at the dinner to mark the 12th annual conference of MMCWA at the Karaweik Palace here at 6.30 pm on 28
April.
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