( 1 ) Secretary-1 attends conveying ceremony of the Yadana white elephant

Yangon, 2 June - A ceremony to convey Yadana white elephant from Hlawga Wild Life Park in Mingaladon township to the white elephant garden near Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township was held here this morning, attended by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

At 6 am today, a ceremony to convey Yadana white elephant was held at Hlawga Wild Life Park under the Ministry of Forestry in Mingalardon township, Yadana white elephant was first conveyed to the vehicle that will convey it. At the auspicious time, the convoy the white elephant vehicle followed by the vehicle that carried the companion elephant Shwe Toe Win drove along Yangon-Pyay Road. Teachers and students from Mingaladon and Insein township welcomed the white elephant from the either side of the road. On arrival of the convoy at Mindhamma road, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade, teachers and students welcomed the white elephant.

On arrival of the convoy at the white elephant garden near Mindhamma Hill at 7 am, people welcomed the white elephant by waving Eugenia sprigs. When the convoy arrived at the white elephant house, it was welcomed by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers and departmental officials. Meanwhile, Mingalar Drum Troupe played the song " Shwebondaw Toepalo". Then, the white elephant was conveyed to the ground from the vehicle by trainers. Meanwhile the cultural troupe of Fine Arts Department played "Jeyatu Sabba Mingalan" with the accompaniment of harps.

Later, the white elephant was bathed. Next, the Secretary-1 poured scented Nawarat water on the white elephant. Afterwards, the white elephant was placed in the white elephant house and it was surrounded by members of regal procession troupe. The Secretary-1 then fed it after which the ceremony came to a close.

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( 2 ) All citizens of Myanmar should have unyielding spirit to ward off all threats to territorial integrity and sovereignty
Teachers urged to nurture students to love motherland and have nationalist spirit with ardent desire to defend the motherland and to crush those attempting to disintegrate the Union
Secretary-1 addresses opening of Special Refresher Course No 14 for Basic Education Teachers

Yangon, 2 June - Special Refresher Course No 14 for Basic Education Teachers was opened at the Yadana hall of the Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in PyinOolwin Township, Mandalay Division, at 9:30 am yesterday, with an address by Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

First, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt delivered an opening address. In his address, he said: at present all the nations are making competitive efforts to develop human resources with the aim of getting abreast of others and ensuring their perpetual existence. As the changes and developments in the science and technology sectors have an effect on the socio-economic field, the learning-teaching process, reaching beyond classroom, has become orientated to practical use in the socio-economic sector. At present, the duty of the education sector is to connect classrooms and social life for the emergence of a constant learning society encompassing not only the student youths, but also the entire people.

The Union of Myanmar is striving in all the sectors to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world nations. Thus, the task to lay good foundations in the education sector, which is the most basic sector, and to develop human resources that can face and solve all the challenges of the future, has become an important national duty. At present, the education objectives are being implemented in accord with the aims of the four-year national education promotion plan  launching of the programmes to promote the efficiency of the basic education schools to produce good citizens possessing well-rounded education; implementing the programmes to provide more access to modern pedagogic methods; as the training programmes to further uplift the qualifications of the teaching staff have achieved success to a certain degree, ways and means which enable all the citizens to complete the primary education should be sought and a constant learning society will have to be created with a view to facing the challenges of the knowledge age so that the education standard of the nation can be on a par with those of the developed nations in South-East Asia region as well as the world nations.

Hence, the 30-year plan has been implemented to maintain for a long time the momentum of success achieved in carrying out reforms in education. The objectives of the 30-year plan are  to create human resources which have the ability to build a peaceful, modern and developed nation; to get the nation's education system to become a principal source of the entire Myanmar society and alternatively to use the entire Myanmar society as the source of the nation's education system; to keep the highly-qualified human resources needed for the nation and the regions developing and sustainable; to create an education environment which is endowed with the developing knowledge and which can apply advances in technology in keeping with the times; to turn the Myanmar community into a constant learning society; to upgrade the nation's education up to international standard; to ensure that there will be no dwindling or vanishing of the spirit of adoring the Union, the national interests, the national values and the national norms though there is progress of globalization. Successful realization of the noble objectives of the 30-year plan depends much on the practical deeds of teachers.

All the teachers are urged to participate in implementing the different stages of the education plans, which are the objective requirement of the Union of Myanmar to be able to stand tall among the world nations. The government is implementing them with anticipation. In nurturing students, they should give priority to spiritual development in accord with the need of the State, including vitalization of the national spirit. It is specially required for the teachers to educate their pupils to be firmly endowed with patriotism, the spirit of national solidarity and Union Spirit. To enable the Union to stand tall as a sovereign nation among the international community, the government has maintained its cordial relations with all the nations around the world in accord with its independent and active foreign policy based on equality, justice, peace and progress.

It is obvious that Myanmar and most of its neighbours have been strictly adhering to the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence and enjoying the increased mutual friendship and cooperation. If all the Myanmar's neighbours will respond with the same conviction and attitude, peace will prevail in the entire region and all the other nations of the world will also committed to the good neighbourly attitude and the principles. At present, all the citizens of Myanmar including the students should nurture themselves to have the spirit to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of others as they are civilized people. At the same time, they should have the unyielding spirit to ward off all the threats to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Myanmar.

Thus, it is the future task for all to safeguard the Union and to maintain its unity. It is also the duty of the present-day people to hand over the Union as the heritage to the future generation. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 urged the teachers to nurture the students for keeping the love for the motherland and the nationalist spirit with ardent desire to defend the motherland and to crush those who are attempting to disintegrate the Union.

Then, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt warmly greeted with the trainees. The five-week course is being attended by 1,000 teachers from States and Divisions. Before the commencement of the opening ceremony, Rector Col Aung San Win reported matters on construction works at the CICS (Upper Myanmar) and Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave necessary instructions.

( 3 ) Secretary-1 attends opening of Institute of Sports and Physical Education (Mandalay)

Yangon, 2 June - A ceremony to open the Institute of Sports and Physical Education (Mandalay) was held at the institute in Chanmyathazi Township, Mandalay Division, yesterday morning. Chairman of Myanmar National Olympic Council Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt formally unveiled the stone inscription of the institute.

Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint and Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint formally opened the institute. Then, the Secretary-1 formally unveiled the stone inscription of the institute. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected the hostels and the mess. A ceremony to mark the opening of the institute was held in the gymnasium. The Secretary-1 said that the government is paying constant attention to development of outstanding and dynamic human resources with the aim of developing the Union of Myanmar in all sectors. Therefore, the opening of the Institute of Sports and Physical Education (Mandalay) which will produce the new generation athletes will lead to emergence of outstanding athletes who will contribute to the development of the State and improvement of the national sports standard.

The guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe  the undertaking of development tasks for Upper Myanmar is to be based in Mandalay in a bid to achieve equitable development among all parts of the Union  can now be implemented from the sports sector. In striving for all-round development of the Union of Myanmar, it is of vital importance to train and nurture outstanding and dynamic human resources and promising youths of the new generation all over the nation. Today the entire national people are making efforts to improve the national sports standard and to attain the previous status of Myanma sports, the glory of which spread in south-east Asia, then in Asia and then all over the world. The standard of Myanma sports is now improving owing to the correct policies of the government, measures taken to uplift the sports standard, activities of sports federations and the encouragement and support of the people.

It is satisfactory to see that success has been achieved at the international sports events. Therefore, at a time when Myanmar sports is achieving success, the entire national people are to speed up efforts for implementation of the plans designed to promote the national sports standard. It is a must to nurture and train the new generation athletes in striving to improve the standard of Myanma sports. Moreover, to win prizes in the international sports events, athletes need to be fit, strong and healthy and to undergo training, using modern sports techniques and equipment. Therefore, to train and nurture outstanding and dynamic athletes and promising athletes, an Institute of Sports and Physical Education was established in Yangon in 1992. In addition, to enable students who are outstanding in sports to pursue education, sports and education combined training courses have been conducted in Yangon since 1997.

As a result, the Institute of Sports and Physical Education is producing athletes who are outstanding and promote the dignity of the nation. At the 21st SEA Games, athletes from the Institute of Sports and Physical Education won two gold and four bronze. Therefore, the Institute of Sports and Physical Education has been opened to train and nurture outstanding, dynamic and promising athletes from Upper Myanmar, which will contribute to emergence of outstanding athletes and improvement of the national sports standard. The Ministry of Sports need to select and train youth athletes from all over the nation at a time when the facilities for training and nurturing the new generation of athletes have doubly increased. The officials and instructors of the Institute need to train and nurture the new generation of athletes from all over the nation to become outstanding and dynamic athletes who promote the dignity of the nation.

The trainees who are eligible for the course opened at the Institute need to work hard, abide by discipline, help one another and adopt the attitude that they shall repay the gratitude of the State and the people by winning prizes at international sports events. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on all to work hard in turning the Institute of Sports and Physical Education into a land of victory from where athletes who will enhance the dignity of the nation are produced and to undergo training with perseverance, courage, industry and diligence to become athletes who win prizes at international sports events.

After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 had a cordial meeting with those present and the trainees of the institute.

( 4 ) Secretary-1 inspects construction tasks in Magway, Mandalay

Yangon, 2 June - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, left here by Tatmadaw aircraft on 31 May morning and arrived in Magway, Magway Division, at noon.

The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed at Magway Airport by member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min and officials.

The Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of Magway Airport and the runway being undertaken with heavy machinery. At the briefing hall there, Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on progress in construction of Magway Airport. Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co Ltd reported on Magway Airport construction project being implemented with quality control system and tasks to be done. Deputy Minister for Construction U Tint Swe reported on assistance to be provided to construction of the new airport as much as possible and Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Mya Oo on matters related to building the Institute of Medicine (Magway).

The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of Institute of Medicine (Magway) and gave necessary instructions. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 proceeded to the site of Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) construction project and inspected progress in construction of the approach bridge on Magway bank and installation of iron beams at the main bridge. At the briefing hall there, Deputy Chief Engineer (Project) U Han Zaw reported on completion of the construction tasks for the bridge and requirements in work. Deputy Minister U Tint Swe and Magway Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Col Zaw Min gave supplementary reports.

The Secretary-1 attended to their needs and gave a speech. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-1 said that Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) is located in strategic position of the country and it is one of the biggest bridges across the rivers. The bridge will link not only the eastern and western regions of Ayeyawady River but also better transportation among states and division such as Rakhine State, Chin State, Sagaing Division, Ayeyawady Division, Mandalay Division, Magway Division, Bago Division and Shan State. The bridge will contribute to conveniently trading the products among various regions of the country and border regions as well as uplift of socio-economic living standard of the people. The brethren in the Union deals with more and more one to another.

Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway) can be called the Union Bridge because it can contribute to flowering and propagation of the Union Spirit and national unity. Efforts are to be made for timely completion of the bridge which can benefit regional development, uplift of living standing of the people, national unity and flowering and propagation of the Union Spirit. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected completion of Ayeyawady Bridge (Magway). So far, construction of the bridge has been completed 64.5 per cent and the project tasks will finish in 136 days. On completion, it will be one of the biggest bridge in the country. In the afternoon, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township where they were welcomed by Mandalay Mayor Brig-Gen Yan Thein, Deputy Chief Justice U Khin Maung Latt of Supreme Court (Mandalay), Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Nay Win, senior military officers and officials.

Then, Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt and party proceeded to Yadanabon University where they were welcomed by Director-General Dr Thein Myint of Higher Education Department (Upper Myanmar), the rector, the pro-rector, faculty members and officials. At the main hall, Rector U Win Maung and Chairman U Myint Han of Shwenanthit Construction Co reported on construction of the university. The Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected progress in construction of Yadanabon University and lecture halls. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party saw over the sites chosen for construction of MICT Park in Mandalay. On 1 June, the Secretary-1 and party attended the stake driving ceremony for construction of two-storey multimedia teaching centre donated by U Moe Zaw-Daw Nwe Nwe San of Batik Country family at Sale Parihita Monastic Education School in Chanmyathasi Township.

The Secretary-1 and party took the designated places for the stake driving ceremony. Then, the Secretary-1 drove the stake at No 1 place. Similarly, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Brig-Gen Ye Myint, the minister, the deputy ministers and wellwisher U Moe Zaw drove stakes at the designated places. Next, the Secretary-1 sprinkled scented water on the stake and performed the rituals of golden and silver showers to mark the successful completion of the ceremony. Afterwards, the donation of exercise books by Myanmar Education Committee was held at the school.

The Secretary-1 and party offered provisions to the Sayadaws. Then, the Secretary-1 presented 2,307 dozens of exercise books donated by MEC to teachers and students of the school. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party proceeded to Central Institute of Civil Service (Upper Myanmar) in Zeebingyi, PyinOoLwin Township, by helicopter.

Next, the Secretary-1 attended the opening ceremony of the Special Fresher Course No 14 for Basic Education Teachers. They then went to Mandalay International Airport in TadaU Township by helicopter. Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and party left the airport by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived back here in the afternoon.

( 5 ) Secretary-1 presents exercise books, pencils to monastic education schools in Yangon South District

Yangon, 2 June - The ceremony to present exercise books and pencils to monastic education schools in Yangon South District was held at Shwe Hmaw Wun Hall in Kyauktan Township, Yangon South District, this morning, attended by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, Chairman of MEC Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt made an opening speech. He said according to the National Education Promotion Programme, the State has been striving for promotion of national education for three years and plans and projects were drawn for systematic implementation of the programme by experts, rectors, professors and teachers. At basic education level, the programme has been implemented in three phases. With the purpose of all-round education development, uplifting the national education to meet international education standard, and narrowing the educational gap between the urban and rural areas, the programme has been implemented, he said. In so doing, success has been achieved more than expected in education promotion programme due to active cooperation of the public.

When the education promotion programme has gained momentum, the special four-year national education promotion plan was implemented. Basic education sector and higher education sector are joined together for balanced progress and now the second-year period of the special four-year national education promotion plan has been implemented. Success has been achieved in implementing the objective for narrowing the education gap between the urban and rural areas due to the harmonious efforts of the State, parents and students, he added. The State is now implementing the thirty-year long term education plan and monastic education schools guided by Sayadaws have help the plan in some way. Monastic education schools had been existing in Myanmar before the country fell under British colonial rule, and the sector of monastic education schools became faded at that time, he said.

Monastic education schools help the students who are at school age and could not attend schools due to various reasons to pursue education. Monastic education schools give assistance to students and nurture them to be clever and train them to respect Myanmar culture and customs. The Secretary-1 also spoke of the donations of exercise books and pencils by the MEC to monastic education schools in Yangon North District, Yangon West District and Yangon East District and Sale Monastic Education School in Mandalay and plans for donations of exercise books and pencils to monastic education schools in other states and divisions. Wellwishers presented cash to the MEC to be able to make such donations. Enrolment of school age children is included in the national education promotion programme and this year over 92 per cent of school age children are pursuing education and efforts are being made for cent per cent enrolment. Monastic education schools help the plan for cent per cent enrolment. He then urged the students at monastic education school to try hard with the resolution to be outstanding ones who will serve the interest of the State in future.

Afterwards, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and deputy ministers presented 2,157 dozens of exercise books and 500 dozens of pencils purchased with the cash donated to the MEC to representatives for 4,313 students including 310 novices and 12 nuns at 39 monastic education schools in Yangon South District. Schoolhead U Thaung Myint of Meepya Village monastic education school in Kyauktan Township, on behalf of schools, spoke words of thanks. Then, the Secretary-1 presented offertories to member Sayadaws of the Supervisory Committee for Monastic Education Schools and the ceremony came to a close with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu. The MEC has presented 12,102 dozens of exercise books and 2,500 dozens of pencils for 24,200 students including novices and nuns at 150 monastic education schools in 38 townships in four districts in Yangon Division.

Moreover, it also presented 2,307 dozens of exercise books to Sale Parahita Monastic Education School in Mandalay on 1 June. After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party visited Padagyi Sandawshin Pagoda in Kyauktan Township where Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Aung Ko reported to the Secretary-1 on all-round renovation of the pagoda.

After giving necessary instructions to the officials, the Secretary-1 planted a Bo tree in the north-east of the pagoda. He then inspected progress of the renovation tasks of the pagoda and left there for Yangon.

 Secretary-1 inspects renovation of No 2 BEHS in Pabedan Township

Yangon, 2 June - Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt inspected renovation of No 2 Basic Education High School in Pabedan Township this evening.

The Secretary-1 inspected renovation of the school and classrooms. Managing Director of AryonU Construction Co Ltd U Zaw Win reported with the use of audio visual aids on renovation of the school without causing any damage to its ancient style. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung gave a supplementary report. The Secretary-1 said renovation of the school building has been completed by preserving its ancient style and it is going to open soon.

He then called for concerted efforts for successful implementation of education promotion programmes and maintenance of the building. The ancient five-storey school, 100 feet long and 59 feet wide, was built in 1906 of iron pillars and iron trusses.

( 6 ) Maj-Gen Ye Myint tours Minbu, Thayet in Magway Division

Yangon, 2 June - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence, left Mone Creek Multi-purpose Dam Project site in Sedokttara Township on 29 May. Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected rural roads linking villages in Sedokttara and Ngaphe Townships.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint arrived at Mann Creek Dam where Assistant Director of the Irrigation Department U Tint Lwin reported on storage of water, supply of water to irrigated areas and cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy with the water of the dam. Next, Chairman of Magway Division Peace and Development Council Col Zaw Min gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Ye Myint called on officials to cooperate with departments concerned and gave instructions on reclamation of farmlands. Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected water supply through the canals of the dam and the flowing of water into Aima Diversion Weir. Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party met township-level departmental officials and personnel of social organizations in Ngaphe Township.

Chairman of Ngaphe Township Peace and Development Council U Kyaw Kyaw Maung reported on the location and area of the township, matters related to transport, cultivation, education, health and water supply. Chairman of Minbu District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Maung Win gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Ye Myint said the government is making all-out efforts for national development. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe laid down five rural development tasks for uplift of the living standard of rural people. Emphasis must be placed on the implementation of these tasks in cooperation with regional authorities and social organizations.

Only when efforts are to be made with Union Spirit, patriotism and nationalist spirit, will a peaceful, modern, developed nation emerge and be able to stand tall for ever. Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected People's Hospital in Ngaphe Township and Shwe Creek Bridge Project in Minhla Township. He also inspected People's Hospital in Mindon Township. Maj-Gen Ye Myint met departmental officials, service personnel and officials of social organizations.

Chairman of Mindon Township Peace and Development Council U Myint Soe reported on utilization of lands, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, purchase of crops, construction of rural roads, education and health sectors. Chairman of Thayet District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Soe gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Ye Myint then fulfilled the requirements.

Maj-Gen Ye Myint meets departmental personnel in Thayet

Yangon, 2 June - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry of Defence,  went to the local battalion in Thayet on 30 May.

He met officers, Tatmadawmen and families of the battalion and gave necessary instructions. Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party proceeded to the office of Thayet District Peace and Development Council and met with district and township level departmental officials and social organizations. Chairman of Thayet Township Peace and Development Council U Twal Kap Thang reported on transportation, rain fall, cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy, growing of edible oil crops and pulses and beans, breeding of fish, water supply and construction of rural roads. Chairman of Thayet District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Tin Soe gave a supplementary report. Maj-Gen Ye Myint attended to their needs.

Next, they inspected Bwetgyi Bridge in Aunglan. Junior Engineer-2 U Maung Maung Zaw reported on prevention of water erosion and collapse of the river bank. Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions. Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint inspected strengthening of the bridge and proper drainage. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party inspected the new road linking Koebin village in Hsinpaungwe Township and Thityakauk village. The new road is 12 feet wide and 21 miles and three furlongs long. The new road is 26 miles shorter than the 47 miles and three furlongs long old road linking Koebin village and Thityakauk village through Taungdwingyi. Then, they arrived in Magway in the afternoon.

On 31 May morning, Maj-Gen Ye Myint and party met officers, Tatmadawmen and families at the local battalion. He gave necessary instructions and left Magway.