( 1 ) General Maung Aye attends graduation dinner of 30th Intake of Under-Officers Training Course of OTS

Yangon, 11 May - Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye, together with members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and Maj-Gen Soe Win, Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein, Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo and Chief of Armed Forces Training Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, ministers, senior military officers of the Ministry of Defence and Bahtoo Station and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departments, inspected construction work in Bahtoo Station yesterday.

Commander of Bahtoo Station and Commandant of Defence Services (Army) Combat Training School (Bahtoo) Brig-Gen Kyaw Thu reported on construction and progress of cultivation of seasonal crops and the planting of perennial and shady trees.

General Maung Aye then gave instructions. General Maung Aye, together with members of the State Peace and Development Council, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Chief of Staff (Air), the commander, the ministers, senior military officers and heads of department, attended the graduation dinner of the 30th Intake of Under-Officers Training Course of the Defence Services (Army) Officers Training School at the Military Appointments Hall of the school.

General Maung Aye and guests had the dinner. After the dinner, General Maung Aye and party enjoyed the entertainment of vocalists and performance of Myawady Anyeint Troupe.

Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Minister for Communications, Posts and Telegraphs Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi and Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung inspected the auto-telephone exchange building in Yaksauk Township yesterday afternoon and fulfilled the requirements.

The ministers inspected Township People's Hospital and spoke words of encouragement to the patients.

Then, the ministers met with chairman of Yaksauk Township Peace and Development Council and members, departmental officials, members of the Union Solidarity Development Association and members of social organizations in Rathawady Hall of the township.

Minister U Thaung said the ministers would attend to the needs of both their ministries and other ministries.

The government has been making efforts for all-round development of the nation. Efforts are being made to achieve equitable development among the regions after designating 24 major development regions nationwide, he said. Unlike in previous conditions, he said, Yaksauk is now making progress. Concerted efforts are to be made to ensure sustainable progress. He encouraged all to present requirements for development of the township.

Chairman of Township Peace and Development Council U Thein Han reported on the area of the township, cultivated lands, cultivation of paddy and maize, local rice sufficiency, progress of roads in the township and rural roads and requirements of education and health sectors.

Minister Brig-Gen Pyi Sone said arrangements would be made to develop the township in coordination with ministries concerned.

In the nation, the rate of development is gathering momentum; it can be attributed to the cooperation of the State, the people and the Tatmadaw, he said. He urged departmental personnel and local people with understanding and in unity to make strenuous efforts for continued progress of Shan State.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 inspects regional development in Bilin Township, Mon State

Yangon, 11 May - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, accompanied by ministers, deputy ministers, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, heads of department and officials, left here this morning by Tatmadaw helicopter and arrived at Zokthok Model Village in Bilin Township, Mon State at 8.15 am.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander of South-East Command Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung, Brig-Gen Myint Soe of Thaton Station, members of Thaton District and Bilin Township Peace and Development Councils, service personnel, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, teachers and students, and local people.

First, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Kyaikhtihsaung Hsandawshin Pagoda and paid obeisance to the pagoda.

Then, they paid respects to Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Panadipa.

Next, they arrived at Thepyu Creek Bridge on Bilin-Taungzun Road where Director of Mon State Development Committee U Myint Toe reported on arrangements for construction of a new bailey bridge to the Secretary-1, who fulfilled the needs.

Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party inspected renovation of Thepyu Creek Bridge.

Then, a ceremony to put into service the five-mile tarred Section-3 of Shwewahyaung Road linking Taunggyi-Winka-Yetkanthema Villages in Bilin Township was held at Taunggyi Village at 9 am, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

Commander Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tint formally opened the tarred road. Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscription. Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panadipa and the Secretary-1 sprinkled the stone inscription with scented water.

Next, the Secretary-1 cordially greeted with those present at the ceremony.

The Shwewayaung Main Road Section-3 was constructed at a cost of K 25 million 10 million by the State and 15 million by laity led by the Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw.

The Shwewayaung Main Road Section-1 is four-mile and seven-furlong long while the Shwewayaung Main Road Section-2 is eight-mile long.

The newly opened Shwewayaung Main Road Section-3 is five-mile long. Arrangements are being made to tar the Shwewayaung Main Road Section-4.

Next, a ceremony to open Theinngu Bailey Bridge on Shwewayaung Main Road Section-4 linking Yetkanthema and Theinngu Villages was held at the archway of the bridge at 3 pm.

It was attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party, Chairman of Mon State Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Myint Aung, members of the District Township Peace and Development Councils, departmental officials, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, social organizations, and local people.

Chairman of Thaton District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Aung, Senior Engineer U San Way of Thaton District Public Works and U Hla Yi, Recipient of Medal for Excellent Performance in Social Field Class II of Kyaikhtihsaung Hsandawshin Sasana Organization formally opened the bridge. Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panadipa and the Secretary-1 sprinkled the stone plaque with scented water. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the bridge and the ceremony ended.

The bridge was constructed at a cost of K 12 million 9 million by the State and 3 million by laity headed by the Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw.

The Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the evening.

Dagundaingdaws, Htidaws, Hngetmyatnadaws and Seinbudaws hoisted atop pagodas in Bilin, Mon State

Yangon, 11 May - A ceremony to hoist Dagundaingdaw and Shwehtidaw atop Kelasa Hsandawshin Pagoda on the Kelasa Hill in Bilin Township, Mon State, was held at the pagoda this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 paid reverence and offered the gold crested head-dress to Myamyetshin Buddha Image.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party visited Kelasa Hsandawshin Pagoda.

The Sayadaw and the Secretary-1 paid homage to the Buddha images on the platform of the Kelasa Pagoda which are donated by Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and family, Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and family, and the Secretary-1 and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and family. They next cleansed the Buddha images.

Later, the Dagundaingdaw and Htidaw hoisting ceremony was held.

Kyaikhtisaung Sayadaw and the Secretary-1 enshrined the sacred objects into the Dagundaingdaw.

Staff Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs Department U San Thin Hlaing read out the stone inscription of the Dagundaingdaw.

The Sayadaw and the Secretary-1 and party hoisted the Dagundaingdaw and the main Htidaw atop the pagoda..

They also hoisted Htidaws atop encircling cities of the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscription of the Dagundaingdaw.

The Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.

The Secretary-1 and party then visited the Myathabeik Pagoda on Myathabeik Hill in Bilin Township.

At the Dhammayon, Deputy Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs U Kyaw Tin reported to the Secretary-1 on repairs of Thephyu Creek Bridge, arrangements being made for upgrading of Yetkanthema-Theinngu section of Bilin-Zoke Thoke-Taunggyi-Yetkanthema-Theinngu Road into a tarred one, and condition of the roads in the region. The Secretary-1 gave instructions.

The ceremonies to hoist Shwehtidaws, Hngetmyat-nadaws and Seinbudaws atop historic Rajamuni (a) Rajakumara Pagoda and Shwesayan Pagoda were held at the pagodas at noon today.

The ceremonies were graced by the presence of Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Dawei Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Arcinnabhivamsa, the Kyaikhtisaung Sayadaw and members of the Sangha.

First, the ceremony to hoist Shwehtidaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Seinbudaw atop Rajamuni (a) Rajakumara Pagoda took place at the pagoda.

Led by the Kyaikhtisaung Sayadaw, the Secretary-1 and party conveyed sacred objects, tiers of Shwehtidaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and Seinbudaw onto the pagoda platform and enshrined them into the reliquary of the pagoda. They then hoisted them atop the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony.

The similar ceremony followed at the historic Shwesayan Pagoda in Winka Village in the same township.

At first, the merit-sharing ceremony was held at the Mingala pandal in the precinct of the pagoda. The Kyaikhtisaung Sayadaw administered the Nine Precepts.

Member of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Tatkon Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Candasiri delivered a sermon. Members of the Sangha recited parittas.

The Secretary-1 supplicated on religious affairs.

In his supplication, the Secretary-1 said that Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja title recipient missionary Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw have renovated pagodas in Bilin Township where ancient Thuwunnabumi City existed once, and all the pagodas are now glittering with gold.

Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw has renovated pagodas not only in Mon State but also in other states and divisions, thus carrying out missionary tasks.

To the benefit of the people, Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw has built new roads, renovated old roads, constructed schools to enable children from nearby villages to pursue education, furnished them with furniture, provided assistance to teachers and seen to it that sufficient drinking water is available.

The Secretary-1 said, "May Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw be able to enjoy a healthy and long life and to carry out missionary and communal tasks all the more".

Then, the Secretary-1 offered Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and alms to the Sayadaws. Later, Commander Brig-Gen Thura Myint Aung and the ministers offered alms to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

To the fund of the missionary tasks of Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw, Zekaba Family donated K 45 million; U Paw-Daw Tin Mya and family of Toungoo, K 10 million; U Aung Moe and family of Yangon, K 1 million; and U Aung Tin-Daw Tun Khin and family of Winka Village, K 700,000.

The Secretary-1 accepted the donations.

The Secretary-1 also accepted the documents related to the basic education school building of Zoakkali Village worth K 6 million donated by Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw set and disciples.

The Secretary-1 presented K 1 million, a TV, a battery, exercise books and pencils for the school to Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Tun Ngwe.

The Secretary-1 also presented exercise books for the basic education high school branch of Zoakthoak Village to headmaster U Aung Myint.

The Secretary-1 then presented cash awards to the officials of No 44 LID, Mon State Development Affairs Committee, the Mon State Engineer's Office under the Ministry of Construction, Bilin Township Peace and Development Council and Kyaikhtihsaung Religious Building Construction Group who participated in building Section-3 of Shwewahyaung Road.

Next, Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Pannadipa delivered a sermon. The Secretary-1 and party and the well-wishers shared merits.

Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw, the Secretary-1 and party conveyed the tiers of Shwehtidaw, Hngetmyatnadaw, Seinbudaw and sacred objects round Shwesayan Pagoda.

Later, Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw, the Secretary-1 and party hoisted sacred objects, Seinbudaw, Hngetmyatnadaw and the tiers of Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda.

Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw, the Secretary-1 and party placed the sacred objects into the reliquary.

Then, Kyaikhtihsaung Sayadaw, the Secretary-1 and party fixed the tiers of Shwehtidaw and Hngetmyatnadaw atop the pagoda.

The Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscription of the Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 performed the rituals of silver and golden shower to mark the successful conclusion of the ceremony.

( 3 ) Maj-Gen Aung Htwe inspects regional development tasks in Kengtung and Mongphyat

Yangon, 11 May - Member of the State Peace and Development Maj-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence accompanied by Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt, Deputy Minister for Health Dr Mya Oo, Deputy Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, senior military officers and departmental officials arrived at Ponsaing village in Mongphyat township this morning.

At the briefing hall, officials reported to Maj-Gen Aung Htwe on construction of Kengtung-Tachilek motor road. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party had a cordial meeting with local people and fulfilled requirements for education and health. Dr Mya Oo and team gave medical treatments to those who are in need of health care. Then, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party visited Ponsaing village monastery.

Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party left Mongpat for Pasoe village at noon. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe heard a report on conditions of the region and communication matters presented by officials at the village hall. Then, he met with local people and fulfilled requirements for the school and dispensary in Monghe village.

Then, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party met with local authorities, members of social organizations and towns elders in the township hall in Mongphyat. Maj-Gen Aung Htwe gave instructions on implementation of guidance of the Head of State, health matters of local people, pursuit of higher education, smooth transportation, availability of water, mechanized farming and highland cultivation. Officials reported on endeavours for regional development.

Then, Minister Col Thein Nyunt, Minister U Aung Khin and Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo gave accounts on ministrywise implementation for regional development.

Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and party visited the monastery in Mongphyat in the afternoon and presented offertories to the members of the Sanhga. Central Executive Committee members Col Thein Nyunt and U Aung Khin met with members of USDA at Mongphyat District USDA office.

Similarly, Deputy Minister Dr Mya Oo inspected the operation theatre, X-ray room, wards and store room at People's Hospital in Mongphyat and fulfilled the needs.

CEC member and of Shan State (East) USDA in-charge Col Thein Nyunt met with members of USDA at Shan State (East) USDA office in Kengtung in the yesterday evening and gave instruction on taking a leading role in regional development endeavours.

  ( 4 ) Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects upgrading of Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway

Yangon, 11 May - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, accompanied by Chairman of Bago Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Southern Command Brig-Gen Aung Min, Command Staff Colonel Lt-Col Tin Maung Win, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental heads, inspected construction of Bago-Nyaunglaybin entrance road to Pyuntaza between mile posts 91/5 and 91/6 of the 48-mile-long Bago-Nyaunglebin road section between mile posts 50/0 and 98/0 on Yangon-Mandalay Union Highway being undertaken by Shwe Thanlwin Highway Co Ltd, with heavy machinery, on yesterday afternoon and gave necessary instructions to officials.

Then, they inspected progress of the bypass road at mile posts from 121/1 to 122/5 in Penwegon, Kyaukdaga Township.

Next, they saw over repaving of the road section in Tawkywe-in, Kyaukdaga Township and gave instructions on tasks to be carried out for meeting the set standard . In Phyu, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected construction of new six-lane Yangon-Mandalay Highway being carried out by Olympic Co Ltd and gave instructions.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than heard reports on construction of a 30-foot-long bridge at mile post 140/1 in Zeyawady presented by Project Director U Ba Tun of Kanbawza Co Ltd and Bago Division Superintending Engineer U Kyaw Lwin and gave instructions. Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected road construction tasks being undertaken by Kanbawza Co Ltd in Ottwin Township.

Next, they proceeded to the stone crushing machine at mile post 196 in Thabyetan village, Yedashe Township. The managing director of Dagon International Ltd reported on the quarry and the 20 feet wide tarred road being extended to the 24 feet wide one between mile posts 194/0 and 217/2 in Bago Division. Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions to officials and he left for Toungoo.

( 5 ) Transport Minister receives Bangladeshi guest

Yangon, 11 May - Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe received member of National Parliament and former Minister of Communications of the Republic of Bangladesh Mr. Oli Ahmed at his office at 9 am today.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Director-General of Transport Department Col Nyan Tun Aung, Managing Director of Myanma Five Star Line U Khin Maung Kyi and Managing Director of Myanma Port Authority U Thein Htay.

Transport Ministry holds coord meeting

Yangon, 11 March - The Ministry of Transport held its year 2002 first four-monthly co-ordination meeting at the meeting hall of the ministry on Merchant Street here this morning.

It was attended by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Ministers Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint and U Pe Than, the rector of the Myanmar Maritime University, directors-general and managing directors of the ministry, advisers, deputy directors-general, general managers, directors, those in charge of respective regions and guests.

In his speech, the minister said that Myanmar Maritime University was going to be opened in coming June. He urged those at the meeting to present weak points and strong points of their respective departments.

Afterwards, those in charge reported on their functions and the directors-general, managing directors and rectors on work being carried out, financial statements and use of fuel oil in the respective departments.

Then, a general round of discussions followed and the first day session of the meeting ended. The meeting continues tomorrow.

                                        ( 6 )  Commander inspects cleaning of drainage

Yangon, 11 May - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe inspected cleaning work being carried out under Wathanoo project at 25 main drains in 25 townships for proper flow and prevention of the overflow of water in the rainy season this morning and fulfilled the requirements.

First, the commander inspected the nurturing and fertilization of 3266 teak trees in Thudhamma teak plantation beside Thudhamma Road being carried out by Yangon City Development Committee.

Vice-Chairman of YCDC Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and officials welcomed the commander.

Then, the commander, the vice-mayor and party inspected the cleaning work being carried out by Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, staff of YCD3C, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross Society and Fire Brigade and local people at Kamayut drain at the corner of Pyay Road and Lake Road in Kamayut Township and gave necessary instructions.

Then, the commander and party proceeded to the cleaning site of Dhammathukha drain at the corner of Insein Road and Dhammathukha Kyaung street in Hline Township, where Commander of No 3 Military Region Col Yan Naing Oo and officials welcomed them.

The commander and party inspected the cleaning work and gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the commander and party inspected cleaning work at the Quaingchaung drain near Thiri Mingalar market and that of Thitmyawchaung drain in Ahlon Township. Next, the commander and party went to the cleaning site of Kyongyi drain in Lanmadaw Township, where Commander of No 4 Military Region Commander Brig-Gen Myo Myint and officials welcomed them.

The commander and party encouraged the Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force and War Veterans Organization, Union Solidarity and Development Association, Red Cross Society and Fire Brigade and local people cleaning the drain. Then, the commander, the vice-mayor and party inspected the condition of cleaning the drain at upper Pansodan Road in Mingalar Taungnyunt Township and left instructions there.