[myanmar_information] The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday January 19, 2003)

Subject: [myanmar_information] The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday January 19, 2003)
From: Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 19 Jan 2003 19:57:17 -0800 (PST)
List-unsubscribe: <mailto:myanmar_information-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com>
The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday January 19, 2003)
----------------------------------
1. Central Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth 
   and Secure Transport meets 
2. Secretary-1 receives Chairman of SEA Education 
   Ministers Council
3. ASEAN Minists, senior officials leave
4. Secretary-1 attends Motion Picture Award 
   presentation ceremony for 2001
5. Secretary-1 inspects upgrading tasks in Hlawga 
   Wildlife Park
6. Commander inspects sanitation, proper flow of 
   drains in Yangon
7. Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspect 
   construction of airports, bridges in Sagaing, 
   Mandalay Divisions
8. Computers and accessories donated for 
   e-Government project
9. Construction tasks in Thantaung town inspected
10. Military Band Competition continues 
11. Traditional Snacks Contest & Festival
12. Information Minister meets staff in Lahe
13. Stake driving ceremony of Shwedagon Replica 
    Pagoda held in Lahe
14. Sports Minister attends sports activities
15. Heroin seized in Lashio

----------------------------------

1. Central Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth 
   and Secure Transport meets 

Yangon, 18 Jan - Central Supervisory Committee for
Ensuring Smooth and Secure Transport held its meeting
No 1/2003 at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha this
morning, with an address by Chairman of Central
Supervisory Committee for Ensuring Smooth and Secure
Transport Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt. 

Chairman of Central Supervisory Committee Secretary-1
delivered a speech. 

He said the meeting was to discuss progress of work on
extension of Yangon-Mandalay Highway and work to be
done for completion of the Highway as scheduled.
Stockpile of materials and machinery were made
available for repair and extension of roads during the
past monsoon. He spoke of the need to make
arrangements for speedy implementation of the tasks
before the next monsoon from the opening season. 

He said the government departments would provide
necessary assistance. As the first phase, arrangements
are being made to reach Mandalay from Yangon in ten
hours. On completion of the Yangon-Mandalay Highway
Project, one can travel from Yangon to Mandalay in
eight hours. He urged officials concerned to undertake
the tasks of upgrading the old road, extension of the
road for emergence of the six-lane Highway and
construction of by-passes in some areas after laying
down the projects and objectives. 

He spoke of the need for the Ministry of Construction
and private entrepreneurs to coordinate matters
relating to construction of major and small bridges
along the highway. The government departments would
provide necessary assistance to the private
entrepreneurs for emergence of the upgraded
Yangon-Mandalay Highway in accord with the objectives,
he said. He called on construction entrepreneurs to
carry out the tasks in unity in the open season. 

In connection with construction of Yangon-Mandalay
Union Highway, member of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint reported on
upgrading of Mandalay-Meiktila section undertaken by
Hong Pang Co, Meiktila-Yamethin section by Yuzana Co
and Yamethin-Pyinmana section by Asia World Co, tasks
on construction of new road sections, supply of
materials and axis of the by-pass road, arrangements
by local authorities and continuous coordination for
speedy implementation of the tasks. 

Member of the State Peace and Development Council
Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than reported on tasks of
Bago-Nyaunglebin section by Shwethanlwin Co,
Nyaunglebin-Phyu section by Olympic Co, Phyu-Yedashe
section by Kanbawza Co, upgrading of the existing
roads, extension of big and small bridges,
construction of Yenwe Bridge and Baingdar Bridge on
the road sections, stockpile of materials, machineries
and fuel and supervision and coordination. 

Secretary of Central Supervisory Committee Minister
for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on
implementation of the resolutions of 2/2002 meeting,
coordination between Public Works and the private
entrepreneurs in upgrading of Yangon-Mandalay Union
Highway, project roads and bridges being undertaken by
Public Works and financial matters. 

Member of the State Peace and Development Council
Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung
Myint Oo reported on fulfillment of requirements for
the respective ministries and the national
entrepreneurs. 

Next, Kanbawza Pathfinder Co, Asia World Co, Olympic
Co, Yuzana Co, Shwethanlwin Co, Dagon International Co
and Hong Pang Co reported on expansion of the existing
road to 24 feet, construction of new earth roads,
progress of work, maintenance of culverts and roads,
construction of the by-pass roads, tasks to be
undertaken, stockpile of machineries, gravel, fuel,
tar, cement, iron bars and other materials. 

Those present reported on providing assistance to
various sectors in construction of Yangon-Mandalay
Union Highway. Then, the Secretary-1 fulfilled the
requirements and gave instructions. 

---------

2. Secretary-1 receives Chairman of SEA Education 
   Ministers Council

Yangon, 18 Jan - Chairman of Myanmar Education
Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt received
Chairman of Education Ministers Council of South-East
Asia nations Thai Minister of Education Mr Pongpol
Adireksarn and party at Zeyathiri Beikman on
Konmyinttha at noon today. 

---------

3. ASEAN Minists, senior officials leave

Yangon, 18 Jan - The Second Informal ASEAN Ministerial
Meeting on Science and Technology (AMMST) was held in
Yangon on 17 January. 

Secretary of State Minister of Industry, Mines and
Energy of Cambodia Mr Bunchin Nhep; Secretary to
Ministry of Research and Technology of Indonesia Dr
Ashwin Sasongko; Minister to the Prime Minister's
Office President of National Science Council of Laos
Prof Dr Souli Nanthavong; Minister of Science,
Secretary (Minister) of the Development of Science and
Technology of the Philippines Dr Estrella F Alabastro;
Minister of State, Ministry of National Development of
Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan; Vice-Minister of
Science and Technology of Vietnam Dr Bui Manh Hai and
Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN Secretariat Mr Ahmad
Mokhtar Selet and party, who attended the 2nd Informal
meeting left here for their countries by air today. 

---------

4. Secretary-1 attends Motion Picture Award
presentation 
   ceremony for 2001

Film artistes, technicians had actively taken part in
independence struggle, endeavours to safeguard
independence, restore peace and stability and bring
progress to the nation in the past

Yangon, 18 Jan - The Motion Picture Award presentation
ceremony for 2001 of the Myanma Motion Picture
Enterprise of the Ministry of Information was held at
National Indoor Stadium-1 in Thuwunna here this
evening. 

Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council
General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe
attended the ceremony. Minister for Information
Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan made an address and presented the
awards to the winners. 

At 5.15 pm before the ceremony, film artistes and
musicians staged entertainment programme to the
accompaniment of Myanma Radio Modern Music Band. 

Then, the award presentation commenced at 6.30 pm. U
Wint Aung and Daw Khin San Myint acted as programme
announcers, and film and video artistes Ngwe Sin Thon,
Hsu Latt Lwin, Yaminthu and Chit Sanoe Oo assisted the
award presentation programmes. 

Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan made a
speech. In his speech he said: 

I wish spiritual and physical well-being and
auspiciousness to Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt, ministers,
deputy ministers, heads of department, chairmen and
executives of Myanmar Writers and Journalists
Association, Motion Picture Asiayon, Thabin Asiayon,
Music Asiayon, Artists and Artisans Association, film
artistes and technicians, guests and movie fans, who
are attending the ceremony to present Motion Picture
Awards for 2001. 

First, I would like to express thanks for the large
attendance of the audience here at the ceremony. 

The awards will be presented to the outstanding film
artistes and technicians of the movies released and
screened in the year 2001. 

As the awards have been presented since 1952, the
present ceremony is the anniversary before the Golden
Jubilee. The history of Myanmar motion picture
industry began in 1920, and it has been heading
towards the Ruby Jubilee after passing the Silver
Jubilee, the Golden Jubilee and the Diamond Jubilee. 

If we look back the very start of the Myanmar motion
pictures, it was U Ohn Maung, a cameraman engaged in
still photography who improvised two incomplete and
damaged movie cameras and shot the pictures. The
period of 1920 in which the motion picture industry
began coincided with the awakening of nationalism
among the people who began to struggle for freedom
from the colonialists. A Myanmar delegation known as
Pe-Pu-Shein team went to England and demanded
restoration of Independence. U Tun Shein, a member of
the Pe-Pu-Shein team, passed away in 1920. U Ohn
Maung, motivated by nationalism, documented the
funeral procession of U Tun Shein. The documentary was
shown together with a foreign movie at the cinemas in
September 1920. The documentary won the acclaim of the
Myanmar audience. So, it may be said that the history
of Myanmar motion picture began with the awakening of
nationalism and independence struggle. 

Since then, the Myanmar films have reached the screen
and passed the different stages - silent movies,
musicals, talkies, colour movies and movies in
cinemascope. Innovative means were employed with zeal
and perseverance throughout the history of the Myanmar
film industry. 

The Myanmar motion pictures had not only overcome the
material hardships in the technological and technical
sectors alone on their way to advancement, but also
faced suppression of the colonialist government in the
spiritual issues and managed to create movies igniting
the national spirit and the spirit to restore
independence. 

Beginning 1928, ten years after the start of Myanmar
motion picture industry, Myanmar films had been
released and shown not only at home but also in
foreign countries. The Myanmar films that had been
shown abroad since 1930 were "Nan Nyunt Yin", "Mya
Dali", "Swedaw Tha-maing", "Hsu Htoo Pan", "Japan
Yin-thwe Hnit Lela Yathi Japan Pyi", "Arein-dama",
"Myaing-yan-bwa", "Thuriya Kunma', "Ma-he-thi",
"Mon-pyit-tha-let", "Phu", "Mya-ga-naing", "Shwe
Hninzi", "Ne-gya Myaing", "Sein Shwe Shwe",
"Wei-ba-gi" and "Mya-sein-taung". The movies were
mainly exported to Thailand and India. 

After the World War II, China bought "Thu Chit", "Bawa
Than-tha-ya" and "Nga Ba" and released them in Chinese
language. "Chit Pan Thazin" and "Nga Ba" were imported
by the Soviet Union and shown in Russian language.
"Pinlon Hteik-hta Oo" was shown at Beijing, Moscow and
Helsinki youth festivals. 

Three Myanmar films - "Akyaw Amaw", The-hsuang He-man"
and "Yadanabon" - took part at the film festival in
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Soviet Union. "Shwe-chi
Ngwe-chi Tan-ba-loh", "Doe", "Son-ye", "Dan-da-yi",
"Thin-gyan Moe" and "Bagan Hma Tha De La" took part in
other international film festivals. 

Myanmar movies could be released in foreign countries
even in the eras, during which, the Myanmar film
industry lacked equipment and film technology. But
nowadays, there is much weakness in releasing Myanmar
films abroad. Here, I would like to urge the artistes
and technicians of the film world to try to release a
larger number of movies abroad as if we can show more
Myanmar films, documentaries and news films in foreign
countries, the foreigners will know more about us. The
entrepreneurs will then earn more foreign exchange. 

At present, the number of foreign films, video tapes
and CDs entering Myanmar is very great. A total of
35,149 foreign video and CDs and 732 foreign movies
totalling 35881 during the period from 1988 to 2001.
So, I would like to urge artistes and technicians of
the film world to make efforts to release their
standard features and documentary films in foreign
countries. 

The independence struggle in Myanmar gained extra
momentum at the end of the WW II. The films which were
produced and shown during the time were "Pyauk-kya
Bo", "Thwe-thauk", "Yanthu Nanbat Tit", "Bo Gyoke',
"Taung-dan Bo", "Bamar Thit', 'Thwe-ta-set", "Bama
Thwe", "Ye Lulin", "Thwe Nyi-naung", "Sit-pyan", "Dah
Thon-let" and "Ta Thwe Ta Mye", all these portraying
the courage and revitalizing patriotism of Myanmars.

In 1937 A-1 Company directed and produced a talkie
"Aung-tha-bye". It was banned while on screen under
the order of the British governor, for, its scene of
the last Myanmar King Thibaw being taken from Myanmar
was so striking that it revitalized the national
spirit of the people. There have been many instances
in which the Myanmar film world joined hands with the
people throughout the independence struggle. 

Film artistes and technicians joined the Burma
Independence Army, formed to restore independence, and
took part in driving out the colonialists and
Fascists. When the nation nearly lost her independence
again and faced near disintegration of the Union
resulting from internal insurgency, the film artistes
joined hands with the Tatmadaw and the people to
safeguard the nation. 

We will have to acknowledge the role of the musical
performance, presentation of plays, dramas and movies
of the film world in safeguarding the independence and
the Union for their perpetuity, and consolidating
national unity and promoting and propagating Union
Spirit. 

The Union of Myanmar has accomplished to a certain
extent in building a peaceful, stable, modern and
developed nation. Like the writers, musicians, drama
artistes and technicians, artists and artisans, the
film artistes and technicians have taken part in the
task together with the people. 

Hence, the State has been presenting academy awards
and rendering all-round assistance to the film
artistes and technicians throughout the history. 

Soon, the academy awards for 2001 will be announced
one by one and presented to the winners. The
objectives of presenting the awards are: to
acknowledge the outstanding performance of artistes;
to try to make the rest of artistes emulate the award
winners; and to promote the standard of Myanmar motion
picture through their performance. 

Securitization and selection of the awards are based
on the seven basic principles prescribed in the 1996
Motion Picture Law. The basic principles are: to raise
the standard of the Myanmar films; for flourishing of
Myanmar culture; to vitalize the spirit to love the
race and the country; to consolidate the national
unity; to give correct thoughts and promote sound
knowledge; to help towards purifying the moral
character; and to contribute to perpetuation of
sovereignty and national peace and development.

Based on the principles, securitization and selection
experts have scrutinized the films for the respective
awards in accord with the nature of the prize. 

The awards for 2001 were selected after 19 films - 16
released in 2001; and three which were left to be
screened in 2000 - had been watched and scrutinized
again and again. I would like to urge the award
winners to continue their efforts and the film
artistes and technicians, who have not won the award
yet, to make extra efforts to become an award winner
in the coming years. In the past, the awards were
presented in seven categories, but since 1988, eleven
have been presented. The practice of awarding two best
performers for a particular category has been
practised continuously if there are worthy persons. It
is the State's goodwill towards the film artistes and
technicians. 

In this world today, technology is developing with
greater momentum. Thus, I would like to request the
members of the Myanmar film world to make efforts till
the industry reaches the world standard, instead of
being complacent with the current stage of technology
and techniques. They should introduce technological
and technical innovations and make more studies
without fail to catch up with the advancing situation.
They will have to hold workshops, seminars and
training courses to disseminate knowledge. 

The countries that are producing standard movies have
complete film studios. The members of the film
industry should also make efforts and preparations for
emergence of advanced and complete studios in Myanmar.
The State will also render assistance to the most
possible degree to their endeavours to raise the
industry's standard. 

The film artistes and technicians had actively taken
part in the independence struggle, the endeavours to
safeguard the independence, restore peace and
stability and bring about progress to the nation in
the past. So also, they are energetically
participating in the undertakings to build a peaceful,
modern and developed nation at present. In the future
too, they will have to continue to realize the
political, economic and social objectives, the
four-point People's Desire and the six resolutions of
the Bagan mass meeting, while placing in the fore "Our
Three Main National Causes" and keeping in their
hearts Union Spirit. 

In conclusion, I would like to urge the film-loving
people to provide assistance for raising the standard
of the Myanmar films; the members of the film industry
to study the basic securitization and selection
principles and act accordingly, while striving to
become outstanding ones striving for modernization and
development of the industry; the film artistes and
technicians to preserve and promote Myanmar cultural
heritage and national characters through their
profession; Myanma motion pictures are to penetrate
the foreign markets as in the past; and the film
artistes and technicians to join hands with the
government, the Tatmadaw and the entire national
people for emergence of a peaceful, modern and
developed nation, which is the task and the goal of
all the people of the country. 

Then, film artists who had won academy awards
announced the list of award winners of Myanma Motion
Pictures for 2001. The Best Cameraman Award went to Ko
Ko Htay for his performance for the film
"Kaungkin-htetka- pandabwint"; the Best Script Writer
Award to Khin Lay Theint to the film "Pan-ta-pwint-ko
Phan-hsin-gyin"; the Best Supporting Actor Award to
Nay Aung for his role in the film "Hna-lon-hla
Lu-maik"; the Best Supporting Actress Award to May
Thinza Oo for her performance to the film "Hna-lon-hla
Lu-maik"; the Best Supporting Actress Award to Soe
Myat Nanda to the film 'Achit-ko-mway-phwar-gyin"; the
Best Film Award to the film "Hna-lon-hla Lu-maik"; the
Best Film Director Award to Maung Tin Oo for his role
in the film "Hna-lon-hla Lu-maik"; the Best Actress
Award to May Than Nu for her role in the film
"Chit-chin-ei Achar-me-hneik"; the Best Actress Award
to Htet Htet Moe Oo in the film "Tha-mee-meik"; the
Best Actor Award to Min Maw Gun for his performance to
the film "Hna-lon-hla Lu-maik"; and the Best Actor
Award to Lwin Moe for his role in the film
"Pan-ta-pwint-ko Phan-hsin-gyin". 

Next, some good scenes that helped them win the awards
were shown. 

Then, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan gave
away Academy Award and K 100,000 each presented by
Hnin Hnin Khaing Co Ltd Group (VeVe) to the award
winners. 

Afterwards, the award winners spoke words of thanks
and the ceremony came to an end. 

After the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and
wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe cordially greeted the
Academy Award winners for 2001.

---------

5. Secretary-1 inspects upgrading tasks in Hlawga
Wildlife Park

Yangon, 18 Jan - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council General Khin Nyunt inspected
arrangements for upgrading of Hlawga Wildlife Park in
Mingaladon Township this morning and gave necessary
instructions to officials.

The Secretary-1 arrived at Hlawga Wildlife Park of
Forest Department at 1.30 pm. At the briefing hall,
Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone reported to the
Secretary-1 on the location of the park, geographical
condition, type of soil, the area, climate and
geographical features, kind of forests, sorts of
stones in the area, thriving of herbal plants, animals
in the park, transport and background history and aims
for upgrading the park, supporting tasks of
eco-tourism industry on the bird tower, pathways in
the park, forest resorts, the bird showroom,
traditional cottages, elephant rides and boat rides,
forest research work, sufficient supply of power and
water, repaving of the roads in the park, land
preparation, upgrading of the rest houses,
construction of the Shukhintha Tower, amusement
facilities for children. 

Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt
Tin and national entrepreneurs reported on
opportunities for participation in upgrading the park.
After hearing the reports, the Secretary-1 gave
instructions on construction of play grounds and
amusement facilities for visiting families and
children, upgrading of the park to a modern one and
cooperation of departments concerned in promotion of
eco-tourism industry. 

Next, the Secretary-1 climbed the five-storey
Shukhintha Tower which is 65 feet high and 25 feet
wide in the park and inspected progress of the park.
Later, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions to
officials and left the park in the evening.

---------

6. Commander inspects sanitation, proper flow of 
   drains in Yangon

Yangon, 18 Jan - Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Yangon Command
Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Vice-Chairman of Yangon City
Development Committee Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa today
inspected sanitation tasks being carried out in Yangon
City by Tatmadawmen, members of Myanmar Police Force,
workers of YCDC, Red Cross and Auxiliary Fire
Brigades, Maternal and Child Welfare Association,
Working Committees for Women's Affairs and local
people. 

First, the commander, the vice-mayor and party arrived
at Nyaungdon Road in Hlinethaya Township this morning.


Then, the commander and party inspected sanitation
tasks being carried out by over 1,000 workers from Pi
Moe Nin Road junction to Kyan Sit Tha Road on
Nyaungdon Road. 

The commander heard reports by Head of Engineering
Department (Road/Bridge) U Bo Htay of YCDC on tasks
undertaken for proper flow of the drain along
Nyaungdon Road and tasks to be carried out. The
commander then gave necessary instructions. 

Next, the commander and party saw over sanitation work
and unblocking of drains along No 4 Highway in
Shwepyitha Township. 

Afterwards, they proceeded to Central Fish Market in
Kyimyindine Township. The commander viewed sanitation
tasks being carried out at the market and gave
instructions on emphasis to be placed on keeping the
market pleasant and clean. 

At the meeting hall of Mann Myanmar General Trading
Company Ltd near the market, Managing Director U Thein
Htay of Myanma Port Authority reported on berthing of
ships and boats at the jetties at the wharf in
Kyimyindine Township and pleasant and cleaning tasks
being supervised; No 3 Military Region Commander Col
Yan Naing Oo on sanitation tasks being undertaken at
the Central Fish Market as other markets; Yangon West
District Peace and Development Council Chairman Lt-Col
Maung Maung Shein on repair of the entrance road to
the market; and Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa on assistance
to be provided by YCDC to the respective sectors,
hanging of educative signboards on sanitation and
cooperation of shopkeepers in sanitation and pleasant
works. 

The commander explained the importance of sanitation
tasks at development affairs markets in Yangon, proper
flow of the drains and tasks to be carried out for
keeping the wharf and the market in Kyimyindine
Township pleasant and clean. Later, the commander and
party inspected sale of fish at the jetty of Mann
Myanmar General Trading Company Ltd and attended to
their needs. 

---------

7. Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspect
construction 
   of airports, bridges in Sagaing, Mandalay Divisions

Yangon, 18 Jan - Members of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint
of the Ministry of Defence, inspected extension of the
runway at Khamti Airport in Khamti on 16 January
morning. 

At the hall of the airport, Superintending Engineer U
Kyaw Tint of Sagaing Division Public Works reported on
progress in extension of the runway. 

Lt-Gen Ye Myint fulfilled the requirements and gave
instructions on timely completion of land preparation
and construction of the runway. They then left Khamti
and arrived at Homalin Airport in Khamti District. 

At the briefing hall, Lt-Col Tin Aung reported on
construction tasks of the airport. 

Lt-Gen Ye Myint attended to the needs. They then
inspected construction of the runway. Next, they met
with departmental officials and heard reports on
respective sectors. 

Lt-Gen Ye Myint fulfilled their needs and gave
instructions on coordination tasks to be carried out
for gaining achievement for five rural development
tasks. In the afternoon, they arrived in Mandalay. 

Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Ye Myint inspected tasks of
Ayeyawady Bridge (Yadanabon) Project and Panhsay Creek
Bridge Project. 

Lt-Gen Ye Myint gave necessary instructions to
engineers. Later, they left Mandalay International
Airport and arrived back here in the evening.

---------

8. Computers and accessories donated for 
   e-Government project

Yangon, 18 Jan - The Republic of Korea donated
computers and accessories for the e-Government project
at the Communications and Postal Training Centre of
Myanma Posts and Telecommunications, the Ministry of
Communications, Posts and Telegraphs in Pazundaung
Township this afternoon. 

The Korean Ambassador first explained the purpose of
the donation and presented 75 computers, 38 printers
and 75 AVRs to Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw. The
minister then presented a certificate of honour to the
ambassador and spoke words of thanks. 

---------

9. Construction tasks in Thantaung town inspected

Yangon, 18 Jan - Chairman of Bago Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Southern Command
Maj-Gen Aung Min and Minister for Progress of Border
Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col
Thein Nyunt, together with Director-General of
Development Affairs Department Col Myo Myint arrived
at Thandaunggyi in Kayin State and inspected building
of Thantaung hill station in Thantaung yesterday. 

The commander and party inspected the stone garden at
the entrance to the town and tarring of road. At the
briefing hall the commander and party heard reports by
the DAD director-general on construction of roads,
water and electricity supply, greening tasks,
completion of guest house construction and future
tasks and gave necessary instructions. They then met
with national entrepreneurs and gave instructions and
fulfilled their requirements. 

The commander and party then proceeded to King Like
Hotel, which is under construction, where the hotel in
charge reported on supply of electricity and water and
installation of telephone line. They next inspected
the recreation centre being constructed by Shwe Than
Lwin Co and the department store and the cinema by
Super One Co. They then gave instructions to
officials. The commander and party met with
departmental officials in Thandaunggyi and explained
matters pertaining to educational, health and regional
development affairs. Thantaung hill station lies at an
altitude of 4050 feet and has cool weather. 

It is 28 miles from Taungoo and can be reached in a
five-hour drive. The hill station is being constructed
as a mountain resort and hotels are also being
constructed there. Local and foreign visitors can
visit it soon. 

----------

10. Military Band Competition continues 

Yangon, 18 Jan - The 12th Defence Services (Army, Navy
and Air) Military Band Competition to mark the 58th
Anniversary Armed Forces Day continued for the eighth
day at the People's Square this morning. 

No 2 Band Company of Coastal Region Command, No 1 Band
Company of Eastern Command, No 1 Band Company of
North-West Command, the band of South-West Command,
the band of Western Command, No 1 Band Company of
Triangle Region Command and No 1 Band Company of
Central Command participated in the competitions.
Member of the Organizing Committee for the Competition
Deputy Adjutant-General Col Khin Soe presented prizes
to leaders of the bands of Ahlon BEHS No 4, Yankin
Education College Practising Middle School (Yankin)
and Thingangyun BEHS No 1. 

---------

11. Traditional Snacks Contest & Festival

Yangon, 18 Jan - The Myanmar Traditional Snacks
Contest and Festival was opened at the People's Park
and People's Square, here, this morning. 

Wife of the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Daw
Khin Thet Htay, wife of the Minister for Hotels &
Tourism Daw Mu Mu Win, Chairperson of MWEA Daw Sein
Sein and Chairman of Myanmar Hoteliers Association U
Khin Shwe formally opened the contest and festival. 

Over 50 Myanmar traditional snacks makers will sell
various kinds of traditional snacks beginning 7 am on
19 January. Admissions is free. Variety songs will be
presented to the audience.

---------

12. Information Minister meets staff in Lahe

Yangon, 18 Jan - Minister for Information Brig-Gen
Kyaw Hsan, during his tour of Lahe on 15 January, met
with the staff of the Ministry of Information at the
township office of the Information and Public
Relations Department and discussed matters related to
the work requirements. 

The minister urged the staff of IPRD to strive for the
realization of the objectives of the department,
organize the people and disseminate knowledge for them
by using educative measures through media, carry out
the tasks with political, organizational, economic and
administrative approaches and take pride in the
discharge of their duties. Then, the minister
fulfilled the requirements of the staff of IPRD in
Hkamti, Nanyun, Homalin and Leshi Townships and
provided cash assistance to them.

Then, the minister proceeded to the Television
Retransmission Station of the Myanma Radio and
Television in Lahe and attended to the needs. The
minister also presented cash to the staff welfare
funds of IPRD in Lahe. 

---------

13. Stake driving ceremony of Shwedagon Replica 
   Pagoda held in Lahe

Yangon, 18 Jan - The stake driving ceremony of the
replica of Shwedagon Pagoda on Dhammarakhita hill in
Lahe, Hkamti District, Sagaing Division was held at
the town on 16 January morning. 

First, the ceremony was opened with the three-time
recitation of Namotassa , and the congregation
received the Nine Precepts from Chairman of the
Township Sangha Nayaka Committee TatU Kyaung Sayadaw
Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Bhaddanta Kavindacariya.
Then, members of the Sangha recited parittas . 

Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, the commander and the
ministers presented offertories to the Sayadaw and
members of the Sangha. 

At 7.20 am, Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Commander
Maj-Gen Soe Naing, Minister for Information Brig-Gen
Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye
Myint, Deputy Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen
Thura Aung Ko and Naga national race leader U Hla Pe
drove the stakes at the designated places. 

The ceremony came to a close with the three-time
recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Tithatu. The pagoda
will be 13.5 yards high on completion. 

---------

14. Sports Minister attends sports activities

Yangon, 18 Jan - Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee
Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint attended
the MOC Chairman's Trophy Traditional Rowing Contest
at Inya Lake this morning. 

Then, the minister attended the opening ceremony of
the National League Hockey Tournament, organized by
Myanmar Hockey Federation and co-sponsored by Shine
Construction and Kiss Company. 

The minister gave a speech. Then, the band and pom-pom
dance troupe of Tamway BEHS No 4 and the band of
Yangon Division Police Force gave entertainment to
audience. Next, the minister accepted K 1 million each
for MHF donated by Shine Construction and Kiss
Company. Commander of Naval Dockyard Command
Rear-Admiral Paw Tun also accepted K 450,000 for the
Defence Services (Navy) Hockey Team donated by Shwe
Yamonna Co. 

At the opening match, Defence Services (Navy) team
played against YCDC team.

---------

15. Heroin seized in Lashio

Yangon, 18 Jan - A combined team comprising members of
the local intelligence unit and Lashio Special
Anti-drug Squad, acting on information, on 3 January
morning searched the vehicle with number plates da /
1356 near Hopate village in Lashio Township. 

The authorities seized heroin kept in 11 soap cases in
the hand bag of Ma Jalat, 66 soap cases in 3 bags of
maize grain and 55 soap cases in the basket totalling
132 soap cases weighing 2.649 kilos of heroin. Action
is being taken against Ma Jalat, 40, daughter of U Zaw
Maw of Jayan village in Lashio Township, and Ma Kaun
Nue Nue of Namhu village who is at large under Section
15/19 (A)/ 20(A)/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Law by Lashio No 2 Police
Station. 

---------------------
http://www.myanmar.com/nlm/

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