The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 30 December, 2001)

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The New Light of Myanmar (Sunday, 30 December, 2001)
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1. Senior General Than Shwe inspects Vegetable Cultivation
   and Poultry Farming Special Zone in Hmawby Township
2. 54th Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Selection Examination
   commences
3. - Thai minister concludes visit
   - SRV delegation tours Kengtung region
4. Press conference on Ten Myanma Traditional Arts and
   Crafts Exhibition
5. School Family Day continues
6. Music and dance variety show to mark School Family
   Day presented
7. Paper reading session held
8. Set of computer and printer donated to school in Bago
9. - Sports Minister takes part in December mass sports activities
   - Kanbawza Trophy Golf Tournament begins in Taunggyi

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( 1 ) Senior General Than Shwe inspects Vegetable Cultivation and Poultry
Farming Special Zone in Hmawby Township

Yangon, 29 Dec-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, accompanied
by members of the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint and
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, senior military officers
and officials of the State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Office,
yesterday morning left here by car for Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special
Zone of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council in Nyaunghnapin
Village, Hmawby Township, and arrived there at 9 am. Senior General Than Shwe
and party were welcomed by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Brig-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, deputy ministers, senior military
officers, heads of department and officials.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than reported on the objectives of the establishment of
Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone in Nyaunghnapin Village, Hmawby
Township, reclamation of 12,000 acres of land for Special Zones 1, 2 and 3,
allotment of reclaimed lands to ministries and private entrepreneurs,
agricultural, poultry farming and fish breeding work carried out on alloted
lands, the growing of flowering plants and shade trees, construction of
roads, installation of power lines, water supply for the agricultural
purpose, kinds of vegetables and crops grown by the ministries and private
entrepreneurs, cultivation and sale of vegetables at Hmawby Hsan Hall.

 Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on
arrangements to supply water to Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone in
Nyaunghnapin Village and to build Kalihtaw Reservoir, and Chairman of Yangon
Division Peace and Development Council Brig-Gen Myint Swe on the upgrading of
roads in the special zones.

 Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on completion of the tasks for
Vegetable and Poultry Farming Special Zone in Nyaunghnapin Village as
scheduled, cultivation of pepper for export and the growing of tamarind,
toddy-palm and Thitseint tree (terminalia bellerica). Senior General Than
Shwe and party inspected vegetables and crops produced from the special
zones. Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected cultivation of cantaloup
and paprika in the one-and-half-acre-large greenhouse with the use of modern
techniques by Myanmar-Agro Peace Co Ltd. Senior General Than Shwe and party
arrived at the poultry farm of Myanmar Standard Livestock Breeding Co Ltd
where 10,000 layers are raised. Officials reported on the breeding of
poultry.

Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected construction of roads,
reclamation of lands and vegetable patches of the Ministry for Progress of
Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs, the Ministry of
Energy, the Ministry of Electric Power, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the
Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and private entrepreneurs. Next,
Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected construction of Hmawby-Taikkyi
section of Taikkyi-Phaunggyi-Bago Highway. Senior General Than Shwe and party
arrived at Indwingyi Farm of Yangon City Development Committee in Uto-Kya-in
region, Taikkyi Township.

 They were welcomed by Chairman of YCDC Mayor U Ko Lay, Vice-Mayor Col Maung
Pa, Secretary of YCDC Col Myint Aung and members, heads of departments of
YCDC and officials. Mayor U Ko Lay reported on agriculture and livestock
breeding projects of YCDC. Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected
construction of roads in Uto-Kya-in region, reclamation of lands and
cultivation of crops on reclaimed lands. Senior General Than Shwe and party
proceeded to the club house of the City Resort. At the briefing hall of the
club house, Mayor U Ko Lay reported on agriculture and livestock breeding
projects, facts about agriculture projects in Uto-Kya-in region, reclamation
of 12,000 acres of lands, cultivation of crops including summer and monsoon
paddy, poultry farming, construction of roads, bridges and sluice gates and
regional development tasks.


Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance on cultivation of pepper, which can
earn foreign exchange, among perennial crops, extension of cultivation of
toddy-palm and Thitseint trees (terminalia bellerica) and earning of income
to cover the investment. This afternoon, the Senior General and party arrived
at Paddy, Vegetable and Fruit Research Centre of YCDC in U-to region, Taikkyi
Township. General Manager Dr Min Aung of Myanma Agriculture Service of the
Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation reported to the Senior General on
installation of modern laboratory apparatus, the set-up of research divisions
and research on paddy, vegetables and fruits.

Then, Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn Myint and Adviser
to YCDC Dr Hla Than gave supplementary reports on research on paddy,
vegetables and fruits. Replying to the reports, the Senior General said that
conducting research seriously will contribute to production of quality
strains and crops yield; only when innovative measures are always taken, will
there be progress. He stressed the need for officials to conduct research on
the conditioning of crops into becoming ones which can be cultivated all the
year-round and hold workshops, and exchange and disseminate technical
know-how. Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected research work
being conducted in laboratories. Next, the Senior General and party inspected
construction of a main canal for Thabyedan River-water Pumping Project being
undertaken by Water Resources Utilization Department near Tawlati Village,
Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division.

 After that, Deputy Minster U Ohn Myint and Director-General of WRUD U Win
Shwe reported to the Senior General on salient points about Thebyedan
River-water Pumping Project that will irrigate 5,000 acres of farm land in
Taikkyi Township, Yangon Division, Kankalay River-water Pumping Project that
will irrigate 5,000 acres of cultivated land in Hmawby Township, Yebaw-thaung
River-water Pumping Project that will irrigate 3,000 acres of farm land in
Htantabin Township, Kyokon River-water Pumping Project that will irrigate
5,000 acres of farm land in Htantabin Township, the existing river-water
pumping projects and the river-water pumping projects in course of
implementation.

The Senior General gave guidance to officials. The Senior General and party
proceeded to Balle Island and Aingkalaung Island where wetlands are being
reclaimed by Dagon Agricultural and Livestock Breeding Group in Balle Island
region, Htantabin Township, and inspected land reclamation and farm
facilities. Then, the Senior General and party arrived at the briefing hall
of Dagon Agricultural and Livestock Breeding Group in Kyaman Village,
Htantabin Township, where Chairman of DALBG U Win Aung reported on the
permitted acres of virgin and fallow land for reclamation in Balle Island and
Aingkalaung Island, progress of land reclamation work, kinds of crops
cultivated in the reclaimed land, digging of fish ponds and fish breeding,
and construction of roads for regional development.

 Next, Deputy Minster U Ohn Myint reported to the Senior General on
construction of canal, sluice-gate and dam so as to turn the wetlands into
cultivable lands. The Senior General gave necessary instructions and called
on DFG to be an asset to development of the near-by villages. Then, the
Senior General and party proceeded to Kyokon River-water Pumping Project in
Htantabin Township where Deputy Minster for Agriculture and Irrigation U Ohn
Myint and Director-General of WRUD U Win Shwe reported on progress of work
and future tasks. The Senior General gave instructions and inspected work
being undertaken for the project. Thence, the Senior General and party
arrived back in Yangon in the evening.
___________________________


( 2 ) 54th Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Selection Examination commences

Yangon, 29 Dec - The 54th Tipitakadhara Tipitaka-kovida Selection Examination
organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs was opened at Wizaya Mingalar
Dhamma Thabin Hall on Thiri Mingalar Kaba Aye Hill here this morning. Present
on the occasion were Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee
Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Myingyan
Koehsaung Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita and member Sayadaws of the
State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee, Tipitakadhara Selection Ovadacariya
Sayadaws, members of the Sangha who will take the examination, Minister for
Religious Affairs U Aung Khin and wife Daw Yin Yin Nyunt, Vice-Chairman of
Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander of Yangon
Command Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint, member of Yangon City Development Committee U
Aung Soe, Director-General of the Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint,
Director-General of the Department for the Promotion and Propagation of the
Sasana U Sann Lwin, Pro-Rector (Administration) of the International
Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe, officials of the Ministry
of Religious Affairs, Secretary of Yangon Division Peace and Development
Council Lt-Col Kyaw Tint and division, district and township authorities,
members of the boards of trustees from pagodas, personnel of religious
associations and wellwishers.

 At 8.15 am, member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee,
Tipitakadhara Selection Ovadacariya Sayadaws and members of the Sangha who
will take the examination Ñ one who will take the oral examination for the
last portion of Abhidhamma, one for the first portion of Abhidhamma, eight
for the Diganikaya, 23 for the last portion of Vinaya and 69 for the first
portion of Vinaya  were ushered into Wizaya Mingalar Dhamma Thabin Hall by
the officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Then, the ceremony began
at 8.30 am.

The congregation received the Five Precepts from Chairman of Tipitakadhara
Selection Ovadacariya Committee Mawlamyine Sasana Manaung Webyan Sarthintaik
Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Bhaddanta Vijayabhivamsa. Then, the
Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited the Parittas. Secretary Sayadaw of
the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja
Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara read the Saraniya
Ovadakatha of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sobhita.

In his Ovadakatha, the Sayadaw said that the members of the Sangha who will
take the examination are in the forefront among those who are striving for
the perpetual existence of the Buddha Sasana. Only when one learns the
Tipitaka and five Nikayas taught by the Lord Buddha, will one be able to
distinguish between Dhamma and Adhamma. Only then will one be able to preach
sermons correctly. If members of the Sangha and wellwishers promote and
safeguard the Buddhist Sasana together, will the Sasana exist for ever. On
behalf of Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander
of Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Hsan Hsint
supplicated on religious affairs.

 He said that Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Selection Examination, which came
into existence with the regaining of independence, has extended a period of
54 years. Out of two kinds of Dhura which members of the Sangha have to
undertake for the Buddha Sasana, Ganda Dhura task plays a fundamental role in
striving for the purification and propagation of the Sasana. In undertaking
that Ganda Dhura task, Tipitakadhara Tipitaka-kovida Selection Examination is
vitally important. Only nine members of the Sangha have passed the oral and
written portions of the Tipitaka for 54 years.

The members of the Sangha who take the examination are increasing in number
year after year. Later, Minister U Aung Khin supplicated on religious
affairs. He said that there are altogether 229 members of the Sangha who will
take the examination  130 for the oral portion and 99 for the written
portion. So far, only nine Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Sayadaws who passed
both oral and written portions of the Tipitaka and only three Tipitakadhara
Sayadaws who passed the oral portion of the Tipitaka have emerged. The
examination is held only in Myanmar.

 It is very difficult, and laymen dare not take it even in their dream. The
oral portion consists of Pali Texts of 8,026 pages of Tipitaka canons  2,260
pages of Vinaya, 779 pages of Sutta and 4,987 pages of Abhidhamma. Therefore,
it is the most difficult examination in the world. The examination takes 33
days. The 54th Tipitakadhara Tipitakakovida Selection Examination will be
held for 33 days from today up to 30 January at Maha Passana Cave on Thiri
Mingalar Kaba Aye Hill.
___________________________

( 3 ) Thai minister concludes visit

Yangon, 29 Dec - Minister of University Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand Mr
Sutham Saengpratoom and party left here by Thai Airways at 7.30 pm yesterday.
They were seen off at Yangon International Airport by Minister for Education
U Than Aung, Deputy Minister U Myo Nyunt and directors-general and chairmen
of the departments and boards under the ministry.

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SRV delegation tours Kengtung region

Yangon, 29 Dec - The visiting goodwill delegation led by Chairman of the
Council of Nationalities of Vietnam National Assembly of the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam Mr Cu Hoa Van, accompanied by Director-General of the
Progress of Border Areas and National Races Development Department Col Than
Swe and officials, left here by air and arrived at Kengtung Airport at 10.30
am yesterday. They were welcomed there by Deputy Commander of Triangle Region
Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, officials, and members of cultural troupes of
local national races of Shan State (East) Shan, Akhar, Wa and Lahu. At the
airport lounge, the visiting goodwill delegation, the deputy commander and
departmental officials discussed facts about Shan State (East) region.

 At the hall of Kengtung Hotel, Director of PBANRD U Nyi Nyi briefed the
delegation on tasks being carried out for development of Shan State (East)
region, and tasks being implemented for regional development with the
assistance from abroad. The delegation members headed for Maingzin pig
breeding farm of Wa national race in special region 2. At the hall of the
farm, farm in-charge U Law Win Shin and officials briefed them on breeding,
production and marketing of quality strain pigs on a commercial scale. They
then viewed the breeding work round the farm. They visited Mya Shwe Yi hot
spring resort and posed for documentary photos there.

In the afternoon, they visited Maha Myatmuni Buddha Image, Khemarattha
Standing Buddha Image and the Cultural Museum in Kengtung. Commander of
Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Chit Than hosted a dinner in honour of the
goodwill delegation at Kengtung Hotel, and souvenirs were exchanged yesterday
evening. Afterwards, local cultural troupe members presented traditional
dances to them at the hall of the hotel. The delegation presented flower
baskets to the cultural troupe members. The goodwill delegation left for
Mongla in No 4 Special Region this morning.
__________________________

( 4 ) Press conference on Ten Myanma Traditional Arts and Crafts Exhibition

Yangon, 29 Dec - A Press conference on staging Ten Myanma Traditional Arts
and Crafts Exhibition 2002 was held at the Defence Services Museum on
Shwedagon Pagoda Road at 1 pm today. It was attended by Patrons of Myanma
Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central) doyen artists U Min Naing,
U Shein Tun, U Nyan Shein, Bagyi Soe Moe, Chairman Bagyi U Thaung Han,
Secretary U Thant Zin (Bagyi Hla Tin Tun) and CEC members, journalists and
guests.

 First, Chairman U Thaung Han made an opening speech. Then, Secretary U Thant
Zin said that arrangement has been made for holding the exhibition at the
Tatmadaw Convention Hall for 15 days beginning the third week of January and
so far 707 paintings and over 100 sculptures have been received; private
painting booths and the ten arts and crafts booths will be included at the exh
ibition; and the respective subcommittees are formed to make the exhibition a
success. Later, on behalf of the journalist, Chief Editor of City News U Soe
Myint raised queries, and patrons and CEC members replied to the queries. The
Press conference ended at 2 pm.
__________________________

( 5 ) School Family Day continues

 Yangon, 29 Dec Ñ The School Family Day of the 2001-2002 academic year
continued for the third day at the Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road in
Kamayut Township today. Students, teachers and parents visited the venue. At
the education book fair, various kinds of books were put on sale at the
ground floor. Handicraft booth, domestic science booth and art studio were
crowded with students. Household items and other things were also sold at the
handicraft booth of No 3 Basic Education Department (Yangon City). Gifts and
handicrafts given to the Chairman of the Myanmar Education Committee by
students during his inspection tour of States and Divisions were displayed on
the second floor. At the booth of 'Myanmar: Towards a Know-ledge Dominant
Society" implementations of e-Education in Myanmar were put on display on the
third floor . Students performed their computer skill with the use of drawing
and painting, word processing, CD ROM and power point programmes in the
centre of the hall. Measures for e-Education programmes of University of
Distance Education,University of Foreign Languages and Universities' Central
Library were also shown.
___________________________

( 6 ) Music and dance variety show to mark School Family Day presented

Yangon, 29 Dec-Music and dance variety show of School Family Day for
2001-2002 academic year was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung
Street in Dagon Townships this afternoon. Present were Daw Khin Than Nwe,
wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, the directors-general of departments under the
Ministry of Education, officials, Township Education Officers, school heads,
teachers, students, parents and members of the work committee for music and
dance variety show. Students from No 2 Basic Education High School, Latha
Township, No 5 BEHS, Botahtaung Township, No 2 BEHS Dagon Township, No 2
Basic Education Primary School, Hline Township, No 1 BEMS, Dagon Township, No
6 BEHS, Botahtaung Township, No 3 BEHS, Mingala Taungnyunt Township No 1
BEHS, Dagon Township and Institute of Education Practising School, Kamayut
Township presented music and dances to the audience.
___________________________

( 7 ) Paper reading session held

Yangon, 29 Dec-Paper reading session to mark the centenary of Sayagyi Thakhin
Ba Thaung was held in conjunction with third prize presentation ceremony of
short story competition sponsored by Wai Moe Aung publishing house at
National Museum on Pyay Road at noon today. It was attended by Deputy
Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt, Chairman of Myanmar Writers and Journalists
Association U Hla Myaing, central executive committee members,
Director-General of Department of Cultural Institute U Myint Thein Swe,
Deputy Director-General U Myint Kyaing and directors, editors of periodicals,
writers, family members of Sayagyi Thakhin Ba Thaung and guests.

Writers Shwe Thinza and Daw Kyu Kyu Thin acted as masters of ceremonies.
First, writer Sayagyi Paragu made a speech. Then, Saya Maung Zeyar, grand-
child of Sayagyi Thakhin Ba Thaung, presented the paper; Literary works which
are not under the name of Thakhin Ba Thaung. The paper; Translations were
conducted with patriotic spirit was presented by Saya U Aye Cho (MA), Study
on plays of Sayagyi Thakhin Ba Thaung by Maung Syun Ye and Sayagyi Thakhin Ba
Thaung and Myanmar Language by Saya Maung Khin Min (Danubyu).

Later, prize presentation ceremony of short story competition sponsored by
Wai Moe Aung publishing house was held. Owner of Wai Moe Aung publishing
house U Kyaing Myint and wife and guests presented prizes to the winners.
Then, Wai Moe Aung publishing house family presented K 10,000 to wife of late
author Thakhin Ba Thaung. On behalf of prize winners, Pathein Aung Thein Oo
spoke words of thanks. The ceremony came to a close with a speech by Sayagyi
Paragu.
___________________________

( 8 )  Set of computer and printer donated to school in Bago

Yangon, 29 Dec -A ceremony to hand over a set of computer and printer donated
by Myanmar families, who are currently working in Brunei, to the affiliated
basic education high school in Ngaphyu-galay Village, Thayawady Township,
Bago Division (West), was held at the school on 26 December. On behalf of the
wellwishers, an official of Office of the Chief of Military Intelligence
handed over the gift to Headmistress Daw Kyi Kyi Myint. Then, the
headmistress and Chairman of the school board of trustees U Than Myint spoke
words of thanks and presented the certificate of honour to the donar. After
that, U Ko Ko presented K 200,000 donated by wellwishers for multi-media
classrooms of the school to Secretary of Township Peace and Development
Council U Tin Min.
___________________________

( 9 ) Sports Minister takes part in December mass sports activities

Yangon, 29 Dec - Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee Minister for Sports
Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint formally opened the mini-marathon and micro-marathon
races to mark the year 2001 December mass sports activities at the Youth
Training Centre (Thuwunna) this morning. Then, the minister proceeded to
Sports and Physical Education Institute (Kyaikkasan ground) and took part in
the December mass walk together with officials of the Sports and Physical
Education Department, instructors of the Sports and Physical Education
Institute, athletes, local people of Tamway, Bahan and Yankin townships and
students totalling over 12,000. The minister presented prize for outstanding
performance in December mass sports activities to Tamway Township and
honorary prizes to Bahan and Yankin townships. Later, the minister watched
the sports events held in the ground of the institute. Likewise, mass sports
activities and sports competitions were also held at Youth Training Centre
(Thuwunna) and Aung San Stadium.

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Kanbawza Trophy Golf Tournament begins in Taunggyi

Yangon, 29 Dec - Kanbawza Trophy Golf Tournament was opened at Ayethaya Golf
Course in Taunggyi, Shan State (South), at 7 am on 27 December. Present were
Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern
Command Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Deputy Commander Col Myint Aung and senior
military officers, departmental officials and contestants from state,
district and township departments. The commander formally opened the
tournament. Altogether 16 teams will participate in the tournament. The
tournament including the individual handicap event and scrap event, the team
handicap event and scrap event and the senior division event will be held
until 30 December.

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