( 1 ) State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Kingdom of Belgium

Yangon, 21 July - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Majesty King Albert II of Belgium, on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Belgium which falls on 21 July 2002.

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( 2 ) Secretary-1 accepts donations for Tatmadawmen discharging education and social affairs tasks, national defence duty in far-flung areas

Yangon, 20 July - The donation ceremony for Tatmadawmen who are discharging education and social affairs tasks and national defence duty in far-flung areas was held at Tatmadaw Guest House in Inya Road at 11 am today, with an address by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

On behalf of the wellwishers, Chairman of Zay Gabar Construction Co U Khin Shwe explained the purpose of the donations. Then, the wellwishers presented donations to the Tatmadawmen who are discharging education and social affairs tasks and defence duty of the State at far-flung areas.

The Secretary-1, Minister at the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office Lt-Gen Min Thein and Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe accepted K 48.5 million donated by 27 companies of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association; K 19,878,000 by Shwe Gabar Maung Maung Construction Co Ltd and 30 companies; 100 cartoons of Yum Yum instant noodle packets, 50 cartoons of Jumbo mosquito repellent coils and 100 cartoons of detergent powder packets and K 5,062,000 for purchasing medicines by Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry and 15 companies; K 30 million by Kanbawza Bank Ltd U Aung Ko Win and wife Vice-Chairperson Thiha Thudhamma Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Agga Maha Thiri Thid-hamma Theingi Daw Nang Than Htwe (Excellent Performance in Social Field-First Class); K 27.9 million for 18,600 viss of dried fish by U Soe Tun Shein of Asia Economic Development Export/Import Ltd; K 1.5 million each by Ko Kyaw Nyunt and brothers, Ngapali Enterprise and KY Kyaw Kyaw Trading Co; K 2 million by U Khin Maung Soe of Myanmar Sithu Yadana Co; K 2 million by Daw San Hsint of Ngwe Zone Fish/Prawn Trading; K 1.5 million by Dr Aung Lwin of Pyi Phyo Tun Co; K 1.5 million for Mamee instant noodle and vermicelli packets by U Tin Maung Win of ILBC; 40 boxes of Mikko cereal worth K 1.2 million by U Kyi Win of Mikko Co Ltd; 39 items of vaccines and medicines worth K 772,770 by YMCA; 100 packets of C Plus soft drinks bottles and 50 packets of Tea Plus bottles worth K 756,000 by U Thura Thwin of Pho Lapyay Co Ltd; K 1,650,000 by U Zaw Lin of Lin Thitsa; K 200,000 by U Hla Tin (Islam Youth); and JS Shama (Shwe Yamonna); totalling K 2,050,000; K 500,000 by Myanmar Times journal; K 500,000 by U Sein Lwin-Daw Phyu Phyu of White House Restaurant and Guest House (Thanlyin); K 500,000 by U Aung Myat and U Thaung Ngwe of OK Bread Industry and U Aik Yi of Yadana Theingi Co; K 300,000 by U Aye Kyaw of Golden Thanzin Trading Co Ltd, U Nyunt Lwin of Golden Dragon 2002 Trading Co Ltd and U Ye Chan of White Peak Co Ltd; K 150,000 for 2,400 small Coffeemix packets by Academy Daw Myint Myint Khaing; three lion brand cheroots, C Plus soft drinks, quinine, Mamee instant noodle and cock brand biscuit worth K 60,000 by U Aye Thein of palm oil merchant group; and quinine and tonic worth K 50,000 by U Maung Maung Oo through shopkeepers of Yuzana Garden City.

The certificates of honour were presented to the wellwishers. Then, the Secretary-1 handed over K 75,050,000 and foodstuff and snacks worth K 34,200,770, totalling K 109,250,770 out of today's donations K 115,478,000 and foodstuff, snacks and gifts worth K 34,200,770, totalling K 149,678,770 for the Tatmadawmen to Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein. The Secretary-1 then expressed his thanks to the wellwishers for donation of cash and foodstuff to the educational and social tasks of the nation and the Tatmadawmen who are discharging national defence duty in the far-flung areas. At present, the government, the Tatmadaw and the people are cooperating in unity and harmony in working for the development of the nation, building the nation anew and discharging national defence duty. As long as the government, the Tatmadaw and the people are joining hands, the nation will develop and be secure and peaceful. As all the national forces are at present working together with patriotism and nationalistic spirit for the development of the nation, the nation is developing considerably. Therefore, development, economic and transport infrastructures, cities with the features of a modern city and educational and health development can be witnessed all over the nation including remote areas. The situation has no longer been the same as it was before 1988.

These achievements can be attributed to the cooperation of the government, the Tatmadaw and the people. The Myanma Tatmadaw men are defending the motherland at the risk of their lives. Myanmar people have the tradition of defending the nation in unity against any encroachment on the sovereignty and territory of the nation in the course of history. Based on national solidarity spirit and the Union Spirit, the Tatmadaw, hand in hand with the national forces, has now been safeguarding sovereignty and territory at the risk of lives. Such donations of the entire people show the support of the people for the Tatmadaw and promote the spirit of sacrificing the lives for the country, patriotism, Union Spirit and bravery. On behalf of the government and the Tatmadaw, the Secretary-1 expressed thanks for the donations with full Union Spirit and patriotism. Donations for education sector are being used in human resource development tasks including presenting exercise books and pencils for needy schoolchildren under the programme of every school-going age child going to school. Similarly, donations for social sector are used for those who need social assistance.

For instance, out of the donations for social sector, some were used in operation of cleft lips and palate patients through Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association. Surgical treatment was given to over 1,000 cleft lips and palate children. Public donations were presented again to noble social and education tasks and the tasks that effectively contribute toward the national development. So it is also a noble deed. He said at a time when the government, the Tatmadaw and the people are united in the country, the Tatmadawmen would discharge more defence and security duties of the State for national development due to the noble donations of the wellwishers.

The cash donations contributed today by companies and entrepreneurs of the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association included K 5.5 million by U Khin Shwe of Zaw Gabar Co; K 5 million by U Tint San of ACE Co; K 5 million by U Maung Maung of Asia Express Co; K 5 million by U Teza of Htoo Co; K 4.5 million by U Aik Tun of Olympic Co; K 2.5 million by U Kyaw Nyunt and Dr Zaw Tun of Shwe Kyar Pyan Co; K 2.5 million by U Shwe Kyaing and U Shwe Hlaing of Wah Wah Win Co; K 2.5 million by U Shein Win of Tetlan Co; K 2 million by U Htay Myint of Yuzana Co; K 1.1 million by U Zaw Zaw Naing of Maykhala Co; K 1 million by U Zaw Win of Aryon Oo Co; K 1 million by U Win Aung of Dagon International Co; K 1 million by U Myat Min of Myanma Ahla Co; K 1 million by U Win Sein of National Land Co; K 1 million by U Ko Ko Htwe of Tawwin Co; K 1 million by U Aung Htwe of Golden Flower Co; K 1 million by U Sein Thit of Tosta Co; K 600,000 by U Thein Han of Tokyo Pipe Co; K 500,000 by U Than Myint of Aye Yeikmon Co; K 500,000 by U Sunny Thwin of Pinlon Hteikhtar Co; K 500,000 by U Yan Win of A-1 Co; K 500,000 by U Myo Win of Win Shweyi Co; K 500,000 by U Soe Myint of FMI Co; K 500,000 by U Ohn Myint of Htut Khaung Co; K 200,000 by U Than Myint of High Rise Co; K 100,000 by Daw Mya Thida Swe Tin of SI Co; and K 2 million by U Maung Weik of Maung Weik Co totalling K 48.5 million. The cash donations contributed today by Shwe Gabar Maung Maung Construction Co Ltd and 30 companies were K 3.1 million by U Aung Zaw Win of Shine Construction; K 2.5 million by U Kyaw Naing Oo of Naing group Construction; K 2 million by U Aung Naing of Asia Winner Industry Trading; K 1.6 million by U Tun Min of MTM Construction; K 1.5 million by U Annawa of Trade Park Co Ltd; K 1.5 million by U Maung Maung of Shwe Gabar Maung Maung Construction; K 1 million by U San Yi of Win Brothers Construction; K 1 million by U Chit Sein of Shwe Nagar nylon rope factory; K 500,000 by U Shefi Ahmed of Myanmar Golden Mine Co; K 500,000 by U Than Zaw Oo of Mingala Than Myint Family Machinery Trading; K 500,000 by U Shawmshu Arlaung; K 500,000 by Haji U Yusoof of Shwe Myanmar Investment and Trading; K 500,000 by U Kyaw Myint of MMM Construction; K 500,000 by U Nyo Min of Min Zarni Co Ltd; K 500,000 by U Tin Myint Ni of Nilar Biriani Shops; K 200,000 by U Maung Ni of Kyaw Yazar Co; K 200,000 by U Nur Ahmein of Shwe Myanmar Aung Import Export Co; K 200,000 by U Arli of City Light Store; K 200,000 by U Kyaw Win of Super Fine Garment Factory; K 200,000 U Tin Win of Yangon Mecca Travel and Tour; K 153,000 by U Shawfi of Arrow Trade International Co; K 125,000 by U Hla Myint of Shanthi Sagar International Ltd; K 100,000 by U Nyan Win of A-1 Garment Factory; K 100,000 U Maung Maung Tin of Osman Enterprise; K 100,000 U Maung Maung of Proton Plus Co Ltd; K 100,000 by U Maung Tun of SKM Electronics; K 100,000 by U Win Maung of Myanmar Ahla Jewellery shop of Bogyoke Market; K 100,000 by Mr Abdulla of Oasis International Co Ltd; K 100,000 by U Khin Maung Latt of Shwe Ein Nan Construction; K 100,000 by U Myat Thin Aung of Aung Aung Enterprise Ltd; and K 100,000 by U Win Htoo of Sein Sekkya shoulder bag company totalling K 19 878, 000. The cash and kind donations through the UMFCCI included K 500,000 by UMFCCI; K 500,000 of Dr Ko Ko Gyi of Diamond Star Co Ltd; K 500,000 by U Win Myint of Shwe Nagar Min Trading Co Ltd; K 300,000 by U Aung Lwin of Myanmar Forest Products and Timber Merchants Association; K 300,000 by U Tin Myint of Bronze Villa Co Ltd; K 300,000 by U Aung Thein of Nibban Int'l Ltd; K 300,000 by U Mya Han of Fortune Int'l Ltd; K 200,000 by U Tin Win of Myanmar Rice Millers' Association; K 100,000 by U Pyone Maung Maung of CE Technology Co Ltd; K 100,000 by U Thein Han of Oil Dealers' Association; K 100,000 by U Kyaw Aye of Golden Sun Moon Co Ltd; K 50,000 by U Tun Aung of Myanmar Nyunt Co Ltd; 100 cartoons of Yum Yum Noodle worth K 912,000 by U Wai Phyo of Yatha Cho Co Ltd, 100 cartoons of detergent wroth K 400,000 by U Inya of First Top Co Ltd; 50 cartoons of Jumbo snacks valued at K 300,000 by U Htein Win of Myitmakha International Co; and medicines worth K 200,000 by U Myat Thin Aung and Daw Khin Myint Myint of Aung Aung Enterprise totalling K 5,062,000 and kind.

Today's donations were K 75,050,000 and provisions worth K 34,200,770 totalling K 109,250,770 for Tatmadawmen, K 10,550,00 for social affairs tasks and K 29,878,000 for education tasks altogether K 149,678,770.

Libraries in constant contact with public need to inform them of national policy and stance of the State and nation-building endeavours of government through publications Second Conference of Myanmar Library Association held

Yangon, 20 July - The Second Conference of Myanmar Library Association was opened at the National Museum of the Department of Cultural Institute this morning, with an address by Chairman of Myanmar Education Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt.

The Secretary-1 delivered an address. He said: Now the State Peace and Development Council has laid down the plans for uplift of educational standard of the entire people and for establishment of constant learning Myanmar society, which are basic requirements for keeping abreast with international development process. And it is implementing them as national educational objectives. In doing so, systematic plans are being implemented to develop the academic fields of the various development sectors as well as of the education sector and to build good teaching-learning foundations. That is why the government has laid emphasis on the development of libraries and library science which play a vital role in striving for the development of the academic fields and emergence of good teaching-learning foundations. In international communities, it is accepted that development of library and library science is of vital importance. It can be seen that every nation is giving encouragement to the development of library and library science.

Moreover, with the rapid advances in knowledge and technology in the world today, the role of libraries in the efforts for national development is becoming more and more important. Library and library science play an important role in the modernization of the nation as well as in the academic fields. Librarians are urged to make concerted efforts for the development of library and library science in Myanmar, and to fulfil national requirements with library science. The government is giving encouragement to the development of library and library science. The part-time library science diploma course was conducted in Yangon University in 1971. The full-time courses were opened in 1999. The Department of Library and Information Studies has now conducted courses on B.A and M.A (Library and Information Studies) and M. Research.

The eight-storey modern national library is being constructed and arrangements are being made to store nearly three million books in the computer network and e-library. The government is giving encouragement to the development of library and library science. The most significant encouragement of the government is the formation of Myanmar Library Association. With the emergence of the MLA, librarians can make efforts for development of library and library science in unity under the leadership of the association. Today, there has been cooperation between librarians and scholars, between international library associations and MLA, and among libraries. Now MLA is endeavouring to participate in the South East Asia Library cooperation programme, an integral part of regional development programmes, with the strength of librarians and scholars. In international relations, MLA has become a member of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions situated in The Hague and it has cooperated with libraries in the world. With the development of information and communication technology, there is no gap among the nations of the world in distribution of information. News and information are now available at the same time in the nations of the world. Not only libraries in the country but also those all over the world have now been linked to a network of information.

Therefore, librarians need to make efforts to enable the libraries in Myanmar to link with international libraries, to keep them in accord with the international library system and to be able to use modern electronic system. Today, academic subjects can be stored on CDs, microfilms and documentary films. Moreover, access to information technology has become a prime factor not only for national development but also for individuals. Therefore, libraries need to plan to fulfil the academic requirements of the nation and individuals. With the aim of making smooth and effective the main functions of a library - obtaining, sifting and storing information and distributing the information to researchers and organizations - continued efforts need to be made to promote the quality of the library. While striving to develop and modernize libraries, all are to make efforts to broaden the horizons of the public, to contribute to the development of education and to turn out highly-qualified academicians and technicians, thereby fulfilling the national requirements. Not only academicians and researchers but also the public need to contribute to the building of the good foundations needed for the effective use of libraries.

The needs of using modern electronic devices at the libraries and networking among libraries have yet to be fulfilled. Now some have been upgraded to e-libraries. However, sustained efforts need to be made to run these e-libraries effectively and to upgrade the others up to e-libraries. Just as efforts need to be made to upgrade libraries up to international level, so the preservation of Myanma literature and cultural traditions also need to be accorded special attention. Rare palm-leaf inscriptions and Parabaiks, the cultural heritage of Myanmar, need to be collected and preserved by use of modern technology. Then, these are to be published in black and white to enable the public to study them. By acquainting the public with literary heritage of the national culture, the sense of respecting and cherishing cultural heritage can be increased and patriotism and nationalistic spirit which cherish and defend the race further strengthened. Libraries which have constant contact with the public need to inform them of the national policy and stance of the State and the nation-building endeavours of the government through publications. Therefore, librarians need to work in unity under the leadership of Myanmar Library Association for the development of libraries and library science in Myanmar in accord with the national requirements. The government departments need to further develop their libraries and those which do not have libraries of their own need to have ones.

The librarians of these departments need to be assisted in their efforts for the development of libraries and library science and for their participation in the tasks of Myanmar Library Association. The members of the association, while working harmoniously under the banner of the association, need to consolidate the libraries into a national force and to broaden the horizons of the people and disseminate academic knowledge. In conclusion, the Secretary-1 called on all to work hard to be able to produce highly-qualified human resources who are capable of promoting the development of the nation, to contribute to the improvement of the national education standard and to help create constant learning Myanma society with libraries and library science, to find and collect cultural heritage such as Parabaiks and rare books and propagate Myanma culture which is of high standard to the world, to work hard to enable the public to get knowledge, have clear national outlook and be imbued with strong patriotism and nationalistic spirit and to strive for the emergence of libraries in Myanmar which are on a par with international libraries. He also said, May Myanmar Library Association exist and develop perpetually and librarians under the banner of the association be able to serve the interest of the State and the people in unity.

Next, The Secretary-1 presented K 500,000 for MLA. Brig-Gen Sithu Tin Pe (Retd) and Sayamagyi Daw Thein Sai (Writer Ma Myat Lay) presented K 100,000, writer and musician U Hsu Tin of Ace Dragon Co Ltd) books and equipment worth K 150,000, Chairman of MLA U Khin Maung Tin K 100,000 and U Cho Aye-Daw Nyunt Nyunt Tin (ACA Pyinnya Yeiknyein Family) K 100,000 to the Secretary-1. The Secretary-1 presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers. Next, Chairman of MLA U Khin Maung Tin thanked the wellwishers.

The Secretary-1 then greeted those present. Deputy Director (Retd) of the Auditor-General's Office Daw Tin Tin presented K 50,000 for MLA, Deputy Director-General of Department of Cultural Institute U Myint Kyaing and Daw Tin Tin Win 150 books on records of library, Lecturer U Thein Shwe of Department of Library and Information Studies of Yangon Eastern University and wife Daw Khin Aye Mu K 10,000, Librarian Daw Phyu Phyu Thin of the State Peace and Development Council Office K 10,000 and Yaphyae publishing house and bookshop K 5,000.

Secretary-1 gives instructions on construction of Nanmyint Tower in Kandawgyi National Garden, PyinOoLwin

Yangon, 20 July - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met with officials of Asia World Co Ltd at the Ahlon Wharf Administrative Office at noon today and gave instructions on arrangements for construction of Nanmyint Tower in Kandawgyi National Garden of the Ministry of Forestry in Pyin-OoLwin Township, Mandalay Division.

The Secretary-1 arrived at the Ahlon Wharf Administrative Office of Asia World Co Ltd in Ahlon Township this noon. The Secretary-1 and party were welcomed there by Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, the Vice-Mayor and officials. At the office, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported on the matters related to the arrangements for construction of Nan-myint Tower in Kandawgyi National Garden in Pyin-OoLwin. Then, Architect Dr Kyaw Latt reported on the architectural lay-out plan of the ground floor and upper floors, the lobby, the restaurant halls and the special chamber to be built phase by phase and materials in the construction tasks at the respective halls with the use of charts. Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co Ltd also reported on the driving of piles at the construction site, the restaurant, the souvenir shop, the car parking, the approach road, the tower crane and other construction work, availability of construction materials and progress of work with the use of charts.

Next, Myanmar handicraft technician U Ohn Tin reported on matters related to the scale model of the seven-tier Pyadthad of Yadanabon Period to be built atop Nanmyint Tower and Myanmar handicraft works to be installed at the Pyadthad. Afterwards, Managing Director U Win Tun of Myanma Timber Enterprise reported on samples of wood to be provided for construction of the tower.

Then, the Secretary-1 gave instructions on systemic construction of the tower with long-term durability of Myanma handicraft works.

The Secretary-1 inspected samples of teak, ironwood and gum Kino wood to be used in the construction tasks. Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co Ltd reported on extension of Bagaya Jetty of Ahlon Port being carried out phase by phase by Asia World Port Management Co Ltd, the strengthening of the retaining walls at the bank and co-operation of Asia World Co Ltd and Myanma Port Authority.

Next, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone and Managing Director U Thein Htay of Myanma Port Authority gave supplementary reports. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt gave instructions on construction of jetties at Ahlon Wharf and Bagaya Jetty and spoke of the need for the departments concerned to undertake the tasks of keeping the environs of the wharf beautiful and pleasant.

Later, the Secretary-1 inspected progress of construction tasks at Ahlon Wharf. He gave necessary instructions to the officials again and left the Asia World Ahlon Wharf later in the afternoon.

( 3 )  Minister inspects construction of Wakema Bridge project

Yangon, 20 July - Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, accompanied by officials, left here by car along Yangon-Pathein Road yesterday morning and inspected maintenance tasks being carried out on Yangon-Pantanaw Road section and Pantanaw-Shwelaung-Wakema Road.

The minister gave instructions on maintenance of the roads and proper drains. Next, he inspected construction of Wakema Bridge. At the briefing hall there, officials reported on progress of work, tasks to be undertaken and difficulty in use of heavy machinery. The minister gave instructions on fulfilling requirements of vehicles and heavy machinery in time, supervision for controlling of quality and norms and security measures in installation of iron frames. The Wakema Bridge construction project completed 18 60-foot-long spans out of 21 on Yangon bank and construction of the remaining three spans will contine. Out of 18 piers, the placement of floor tiles has been completed at 16 piers of the approach road on Wakema bank.

The lower structure of the bridge is being built of reinforced concrete bole piles. Piers, beams and floor tiles of the approach bridge will be built of reinforced concrete. The main bridge will be of steel cable suspension iron frames. The bridge will have a 24-foot-wide two-lane motor road and one four-foot-wide pedestrian lane on either sides. The bridge can withstand 60-ton loads and the clearance is 582 feet wide and 46 feet high.

Minister inspects Indagaw Industrial Zone

Yangon, 20 July - Minister for Industry-2 Maj-Gen Saw Lwin, accompanied by Deputy Minister Lt-Col Khin Maung Kyaw and officials, arrived at Indagaw Industrial Zone yesterday morning and heard reports on arrival of machinery from People's Republic of China, installation of machinery, arrangement for further arrival of machinery, installation of power lines and production of metal bearing workshop and radiator workshop presented by directors-general and managing directors under the ministry. Then, the minister inspected Inlet & Exhaust Valve Workshop of Myanma Automobile and Diesel Engine Industries, power tiller engine factory of Myanma Agricultural Machinery Industries and gave instructions on timely completion of the factories under construction and constant production of machinery.

( 4 ) Minister inspects training schools

Yangon, 20 July - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, accompanied by Director-General U Sit Myaing of the Social Welfare Department and officials, inspected the Training School for Girls in Mayangon Township and the Vocational Training School for Women in Bahan Township this afternoon and attended to the needs.

First, the minister arrived at the Training School for Girls and heard reports on the tasks being carried out at the school presented by Principal Daw Myint Myint Hlaing. The minister gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister inspected the hostel, the primary school, vocational training, the library, the dining hall and the teaching of music and art lessons there. He donated K 10,000 for a day's meal to the school. Afterwards, the minister proceeded to the Vocational Training School for Women in Bahan Township and heard reports on the tasks being carried out at the school.

Then, the minister and party inspected the school. The minister and party spoke words of encouragement to the trainees and donated K 10,000 for a day's meal to the school.

( 5 ) Information Ministry offers Waso robes

Yangon, 20 July - Under the patronage of Minister for Information Maj-Gen Kyi Aung and wife Daw Khin Khin Lay, families of the ministry held the fifth Waso robes offering ceremony at Dagon Pariyatti Sarthintaik in the precinct of Eindawya Pagoda on Myomakyaung Street, Dagon Township, this morning.

The Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw administered the Five Precepts to the congregation. Then, members of the Sangha recited the partitas. After that, led by the minister and wife, the deputy minister and wife, directors-general and managing directors and officials presented Waso robes and offertories to members of the Sangha. Ashin Sirindabhivamsa (Yaw) Sayadaw delivered a sermon. Then, merits gained were shared. After the ceremony, "soon" was offered to members of the Sangha.

MAPT offers Waso robes

Yangon, 20 July - Waso robes offering ceremony of Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading of the Ministry of Commerce was held at Sagaing Sarthintaik in Thingangyun Township this morning.

It was attended by Presiding Nayaka of Sagaing Sarthintaik member Sayadaw of the State Central Working Committee of the Sangha Agga Maha Ghanthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Dhammarnanda and members of the Sangha, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and wife Daw Aye Pyi Wai Khin, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Director-General of the Directorate of Trade U Nyunt Aye, Director-General of the Border Trade Department U Nay Win, Managing Director of the Myanma Agricultural Produce Trading U Min Hla Aung, guests and staff.

The Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw invested the congregation with the Five Precepts. Then, the minister and wife and the deputy minister presented the Waso robes and offertories to the Sayadaw and members of the Sangha. Next, the deputy minister donated K 21,60,000 for the renovation of the Migada-won three-storey monastery. The Sayadaw delivered a sermon followed by sharing the merits gained. Later, the minister and wife, the deputy minister and officials offered "soon" to the members of the Sangha.

( 6 ) Sanitation work carried out in Yangon City

Yangon, 20 July - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, accompanied by Vice-Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, inspected sanitation tasks in Yangon City this morning.

The commander and the vice-mayor went to Kyaukmyaung Street in Tamway Township, Yangon East District, where sanitation work was being done. Head of YCDC Engineering Department (Road and Bridge) U Bo Htay reported on water flowing from Kyaukmyaung drain to Aung Mingalar drain and thence into Aung Mingalar Circular Creek. The commander gave necessary instructions. They inspected sanitation tasks being carried out in Kyaukmyaung Street.

Later, they proceeded to North Okkalapa Township General Hospital in Yangon East District where Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force, YCDC workers, members of USDA, Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and MCWA totalling over 3,000 carried out sanitation work. The commander, the vice-mayor and party were welcomed there by No 1 Military Region Commander Col Khin Maung Soe, Medical Superintendent Professor Dr Myint Maung Maung and officials. At the meeting hall of the hospital, the medical superintendent reported on conditions of health care activities and sanitation work. The commander, the vice-mayor and party looked into sanitation tasks being carried out in surrounding areas of the hospital. Then, the commander, the vice-mayor and party saw over Padauk Creek on Baho Street, Hline Township, Yangon West District, where sanitation tasks were being done for proper flow of the creek. U Bo Htay reported on work being done. The commander then left necessary instructions.

The commander, the vice-mayor and party also inspected tasks for proper flow of Aung Chan Tha drain in Sangyoung Township. The commander gave instructions to the officials on supervision for preventing against clogging up the drains, expansion of drains, laying stones on the slopes of the drains and carrying out sanitation tasks over weekends and gazetted holidays.