The New Light of Myanmar (Saturday, 20 April, 2002)

[Ok Kar <okkar66126@xxxxxxxxx>]

The New Light of Myanmar (Saturday, 20 April, 2002)
---------------------------------
1. Senior General Than Shwe inspects Yebutalin river
   water pumping project and Chindwin River Bridge
   (Monywa) Project
2. - Secretary-1 presents House and "Yazagaha Thiri
     Pissaya Gaza Yaza" title to White Elephant
   - Secretary-1 inspects all-round construction
     tasks of Mindhamma Hill
3. - Minister receives Malaysian guests
   - Myanmar-Korea ICT Forum held
   - Thingyan Festival celebrated in London
4. KIO issues project and declaration to combat
   Poisonous Flower
5. - Members of State Peace and Development Council
     tour Mandalay Division
   - Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Arleinngasint Pagoda
     in Taungup
   - Seinbudaw hoisted atop PhaungdawU Pagoda in
     Rakhine State
   - Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects regional
     development works in Taungup
   - Bicycle factory opened in Kyaukse
   - Maj-Gen Aung Htwe attends ordination ceremony
     in Kengtung
6. Minister inspects railroads
7. MWSF wins IOC Women and Sport Trophy
8. - Stimulant tablets seized in Lashio
   - Two drug dealers sentenced
9. Prize winners of invitational article competition
   announced

---------

( 1 )  Senior General Than Shwe inspects Yebutalin
river water pumping project and Chindwin River Bridge
(Monywa) Project

Yangon, 19 April - Chairman of the State Peace and
Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence
Services Senior General Than Shwe inspected Yebutalin
river water pumping project and Chindwin River Bridge
(Monywa) Project yesterday morning.

The Senior General, accompanied by members of the
State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe
Mann, Maj-Gen Soe Win, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, Maj-Gen Thein
Sein, Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, Maj-Gen
Kyaw Win and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of
Defence, Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Kyi
Min, Chief of Staff (Air) Brig-Gen Myat Hein, Chairman
of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Central Command Brig-Gen Ye Myint,
ministers, the deputy minister for health and
officials of the State Peace and Development Council
Office and departments, left Mandalay for Yebutalin
river water pumping project in Budalin Township,
Monywa District, Sagaing Division, yesterday morning.

On arrival at the project at 8.30 am, the Senior
General and party were welcomed by Chairman of Sagaing
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing.

At the briefing hall, the Senior General and party
heard a report on emergence of the project, progress
of work in implementing it and the acres of land to be
irrigated on completion of the project presented by
Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt
Tin.

Director-General of the Water Resources Utilization
Development U Win Shwe reported to the Senior General
and party on implementation of the project phase by
phase, progress of work and implementation of Inndaw
river water pumping project and Minister for Electric
Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut on cooperative efforts to
supply power to the river water pumping projects.

Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing explained the sown
acreage of paddy in Sagaing Division, per-acre yield
of paddy and production of surplus rice in the
division.

Maj-Gen Soe Win gave a supplementary report.

Senior General Than Shwe said: there are water
resources -- the Ayeyawady, the Chindwin and the Mu --
in Sagaing Division. It has also plenty of land
resources for agriculture. As there are large
stretches of land and water for agriculture, efforts
should be made to cultivate paddy and other crops
successfully.

The government has built dams and river water pumping
stations at all suitable places to the best of its
ability to make Sagaing Division the rice bowl of
Upper Myanmar.

The main feeder canals of Thaphanseik Dam, which was
built in Sagaing Division, have been extended to the
most possible degree to increase the damÕs irrigation
capacity. There still remain regions in the division
which are not included in the irrigated areas of
Thaphanseik Dam and other dams, so arrangements have
been made to irrigate these regions by implementing
the river water pumping station project. According to
these arrangements, the Yebutalin river water pumping
project emerged.

As water resources are scarce in Ayadaw Township in
Sagaing Division, the township is in arid condition.
The Yebutalin river water pumping project is being
extended, and if necessary, the Mu River water pumping
project will be implemented to widen the irrigated
areas in the township. The projects aim at making the
dry region lush and green, supplying drinking and
irrigation water to villages in the region and
improving the living standard of the rural people.
Only then, will the poor regions develop. As the level
of poverty in some regions of Sagaing and Magway
Divisions is still high, the government has to try its
utmost to reduce poverty.

On completion of the water supply projects of the
government, nearly 700,000 acres of land in Sagaing,
Shwebo and Monywa districts will become irrigated
areas.

It is required to make effective use of these
favourable conditions to produce more surplus rice.

The Senior General and party inspected arrangements
being made to lift water from the Chindwin River,
arrival of equipment for the project and progress of
work in digging the main feeder canal.

The WRUD has irrigated 300 acres of land by use of
water pumps. In accord with the guidance of the Head
of State, the Yebutalin river pumping water project
has been implemented to irrigate up to 40,000 acres of
land. The main water pumping station of the project is
located near Yathitchaung village ten miles west of
Budalin.

The water pumping and irrigation system of the project
has four stages. The main feeder canal is 15,500 feet
long, and the total length of the outlet canals is
150,000 feet. The department is also implementing the
Inndaw river water pumping project near Inndaw village
in Budalin Township to irrigate 10,000 acres of land.
The combined irrigation capacity of the two projects
is 50,000 acres of land.

On arrival at Chindwin River Bridge (Monywa) Project
in Monywa Township at 9.30 am, the Senior General and
party were welcomed by Minister for Transport Maj-Gen
Hla Myint Swe, Deputy Minister for Construction
Brig-Gen Myint Thein, Deputy Commander of North-West
Command Brig-Gen Soe Myint and officials.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Construction
Maj-Gen Saw Tun reported on the sector-wise completion
of the project. Superintending Engineer of Public
Works U San Nyein said that efforts are being made to
complete the bridge during the targeted period. The
Senior General gave guidance on completion of the
project as soon as possible.

Col Soe Thein, in charge of Monywa-Kalewa Road
Project, presented a report, saying that the
construction of the 30-foot-wide and 115-mile-long
Monywa-Kalewa earth road began in the fiscal year
2000-2001. The earth road has been completed, and the
18-foot-wide 40-mile-long section of the road has
already been tarred. The 18-foot-wide 25-mile-long
section of the road will be surfaced with tar in the
fiscal year 2001-2002. Up to now, eight miles and
three furlongs of the section has been tarred. Efforts
are being made to complete the project during the
targeted period.

Quartermaster-General Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo
reported on assistance for the project.

Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance, saying that it
has been long since he had an idea to build the
Monywa-Kalewa Road and the Chindwin River Bridge
(Monywa).

As the government was worried that the bridge and the
road project would not be free from the Chindwin River
hydel power project areas including the Htamathi Hydel
Power Project, a number of places were considered to
be chosen as the site and the route to build the
facilities.

The site of the bridge project is not only free from
the hydel project area, but will also benefit over 70
villages along the road and Monywa itself.

In the past YeU-Taze-Thekkekyin Road was used in
travelling from Monywa to Kalewa. The 115-mile-long
Monywa-Alon-Yagyi-Kalewa Road will cut 45 miles.

Thus, efforts are needed to complete the facilities,
which will be beneficial in many sectors, in accord
with the scheduled time and the required standard.

Minister Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe reported on extension
of the runway at Monywa Airport and current of water
near the bridge.

Arrangements are being made to lengthen the runway of
Monywa airport up to 10,000 feet and widen it up to
200 feet. At the first phase, a runway, 8,000 feet
long and 100 feet wide, will be built.

After giving instructions with regard to the reports,
the Senior General inspected the scale model of
Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) and construction work.

Chindwin Bridge (Monywa) lies on
Monywa-Alon-Yagyi-Myoma-Kalaywa-Kalay motor road. In
Monywa, it is near Mindaunt Freight Handling Port on
Monywa-YeU motor road.

The lower structure of the bridge is of reinforced
concrete type and the upper structure will be built of
steel framework and reinforced concrete beams.

The bridge will be over 4,730 feet long and its motor
way, 28 feet wide. There are two 6-foot pedestrian
lanes on each side of the bridge. The clearance
between the bridge and the water level is about 40
feet high and about 305 feet wide. It can withstand
60-ton loads.

Then, the Senior General and party proceeded to Monywa
by car and inspected condition of development in
Monywa.

At Maha Bodhi Tahtaung Monastery at Khatakantaung
Village in Monywa Township, the Senior General and
party paid homage and offered alms to Maha Bodhi
Tahtaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja
Bhaddanta Narada.

The Senior General and party left for Mandalay by
helicopter in the afternoon.

At the briefing hall of Mandalay Ring Road Project at
Kywesun Port in Mandalay at 10 am, the Senior General
and party heard a report presented by Mayor of
Mandalay Brig-Gen Yan Thein on progress of work in
building a eight-lane ring road, 52 miles and 4
furlongs long, construction of 47-foot Shwekyin Creek
Bridge on the ring road, the building of a circular
road of Kandawgyi Lake in Mandalay and staff quarters
on the circular road, measures taken to keep the water
of Kandawgyi Lake pure and clean and to ensure the
proper water flow of Thingaza Creek.

The Senior General gave guidance on taking measures in
consideration of development of Mandalay in coming 10
or 20 years and keeping Thingaza Creek and Kandawgyi
Lake pleasant and clean.

Later, the Senior General and party inspected
construction of the eight-lane ring road and the
retaining wall on the bank of the Ayeyawady River.

Then, the Senior General and party inspected progress
of work in building the eight-lane ring road by car.

At the Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay) Project, the Senior
General and party heard a report presented by Minister
for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun on selection of the
axis and site for construction of the bridge,
engineering work, geological facts and figures of
Mandalay and construction of the bridge. The Senior
General gave guidance on completion of the bridge as
soon as possible.

Innwa Bridge spanning the Ayeyawady and linking
Mandalay and Sagaing is over 65 years old.

To cater to the need of the increasing traffic and
commodity flow, arrangements have been made to build
Ayeyawady Bridge (Mandalay) near Innwa Bridge.

The bridge is being built on Khawataung Bank of
Mandalay and Tagaung Bank of Sagaing. It can bear
60-ton loads.

Next, the Senior General and party inspected the site
chosen for the construction of Ayeyawady Bridge
(Mandalay) and the pier for the approach structure on
the bank of Mandalay.

Afterwards, the Senior General and party inspected
condition of the region along Sagaing-Myitnge short
cut.

Next, the Senior General and party left Mandalay
International Airport by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived
back here at 4 pm.

The Senior General toured Mandalay Division, Shan
State (East), (South), and (North) and Sagaing
Division from 3 April up to today.

During his 17-day tour, the Senior General inspected
condition of regional development, measures taken for
development of human resources, tasks for water
supply, construction work, tasks concerning health and
education and environmental conservation.

The Senior General gave guidance and fulfilled the
requirements.

During his tour, the Senior General gave special
guidance on implementation of a project for building
farmlands in highland regions as a State project to
substitute terraced farming for shifting farming.

In his guidance, the Senior General stressed the
importance of the further flourishing of Union Spirit
which enables all the national brethren from all over
the Union to live in amity and unity in building a
peaceful, modern and developed nation.

___________________________

( 2 ) Secretary-1 presents House and "Yazagaha Thiri
Pissaya Gaza Yaza" title to White Elephant

Yangon, 19 April - A ceremony to present the title to
the White Elephant and a newly built house was held
this morning at the White Elephant House on Mindhamma
Hill near the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha
Image. State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1
Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and poured
scented paritta water on the White Elephant.

The ceremony commenced at 7 am with the "Shwe Phondaw
Toebalo" classical song played by Mingalar Royal Drum
Troupe of Fine Arts Department. Next, the White
Elephant and its companion elephants were taken to the
new White Elephant House. Master of ceremonies Staff
Officer of Yangon Division Religious Affairs
Department U San Thin Hlaing announced the title of
the White Elephant as "Yazagaha Thiri Pissaya Gaza
Yaza". Next, Minister for Forestry U Aung Phone and
Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin tied the
cloth bearing the tile to the White Elephant. Agga
Maha Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara Dr Khin Shwe and
wife Daw San San Kywe; winner of medal for excellent
performance in social field (grade 2) Thiri Thudhamma
Manijo-tadhara U Thein Win and wife Thiha Thudhamma
Theingi Thiri Thudhamma Theingi Daw Ni; Thiri
Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Sein Hla Win and wife Daw
Phyu Phyu Khin; and Thiri Thudhamma Manijotadhara
Shwepin Ngwepin U Than Tun and wife Daw Aye Myint who
represented the rich couples from four corners
presented the cash gifts for the White Elephant to
Forest Department Director U Myint Swe who is in
charge in taking care of the White Elephant.

Later, the White Elephant was taken to the stage.
State Peace and Development Council Secretary-1
Lt-Gen. Khin Nyunt read out the Adit-htan Letter
stating that the White Elephant may contribute towards
the perpetuation and propagation of the Sasana;
safeguard the nation from all kinds of dangers;
contribute towards prosperity of the nation and ensure
good climatic conditions. Meanwhile, U Kyaw Swe of
Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture read
out Mingala Ekabeik Ratu praising the White Elephant.
Next, Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt poured scented
Nawarat paritta water on the White Elephant and fed it
pop-corn with honey and sugar-cane. The Secretary-1
then gave away cash awards to the White Elephant,
group which discovered the White Elephant conveyance
group, the group to take care of the White Elephant,
and White Elephant House construction group. The
Secratry-1 next performed ritual of golden and silver
showers to mark the successful completion of the
ceremony.

The preparatory ceremony was held at 6 am. Deputy
Minister for Forestry Col Thaik Tun washed the
forehead of the White Elephant with tayaw, kinpun and
scented water while State Calendar Advisory Committee
member Saya Kyaw recited the Seinamani Gatha. Damsels
of Teingya group threw ceremonial water and scented
water, lotus flowers and jasmine flowers into the pond
and the White Elephant took bath. Then, Maha Thadhamma
Jotikadhaja U Shein Aung Bo recited Gathas and the
White Elephant was caparisoned.

---------

Secretary-1 inspects all-round construction tasks of
Mindhamma Hill

Yangon, 19 April - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt paid homage to
the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Image which is
kept at Mindhamma Hill in Insein Township and
inspected all-round renovation of the Image and gave
necessary instructions to the officials concerned this
morning.

The Secretary-1, accompanied by Chairman of Yangon
Division Peace and Development Council Commander of
Yangon Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe, the ministers, the
deputy-ministers and officials of the State Peace and
Development Council Office, arrived at Lawka Chantha
Abhaya Labha Muni Image this morning and members of
the Pagoda Board of Trustees and officials concerned
welcomed them.

First, the Secretary-1 paid homage to the Buddha
Image.

The Secretary-1 then inspected the place where
flagmast was built on the platform, installation of
the Heat Recovery Ventilator, plantation of trees and
flowering plants, completion of laying of marble slabs
and the site chosen for the office of Pagoda Board of
Trustees and all round-renovation works.

Then, he gave necessary instructions and left the
Hill.

___________________________

( 3 ) Minister receives Malaysian guests

YANGON, 19 April - Minister at the State Peace and
Development Council Chairman's Office Brig-Gen Abel
received the urban development planning group led by
Advisor to the Malaysian Prime Minister on Science Tan
Sri Datuk Mr Ahmad Zaharuggin Idrus at Mya Yeik Nyo
Royal Hotel at 7 pm yesterday.

They cordially discussed matters related to urban
development tasks.

---------

Myanmar-Korea ICT Forum held

Yangon, 19 April - Myanmar-Korea Information and
Communication Technology Forum jointly organized by
e-National Task Force, Myanmar and International
Cooperation Agency for Korea Mobile under the
arrangement of the Ministry of Communications, Posts
and Telegraphs of the Union of Myanmar and the
Ministry of Information and Communication of the
Republic of Korea was held at MICT Park in Hlaing
Township at 11 am today. It was attended by Minister
for CPT Brig-Gen Thein Zaw, Minister at the office of
Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council
Brig-Gen Abel, Deputy Minister for Social Welfare,
Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win, members of the
e-National Task Force and the chairmen of committees,
officials of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications and
Directorate of Telecommunications, Deputy Minister of
the Ministry of Information and Communication Mr Kim
Tae-Hyun, Ambassador of Korea to the Union of Myanmar
Mr Lee Kyung Woo, members of delegations and guests.

Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw said: this time is very
suitable for holding of this forum. Myanmar is
implementing ASEAN Framework Agreement in
collaboration with other member countries in
information technology development sector as ASEAN
leaders have signed e-ASEAN Framework Agreement in
October, 2002, in Singapore. This will help narrow the
gap of technology. e-National Task Force has been set
up for successful implementation of the objectives.
Myanmar will make efforts for development of
information technology and communication sector as we
know the 21st century is information era. In doing so,
there are limitations of finance, the gap of
technology and the need of human resources. But,
Myanmar will continue its efforts for development of
information technology.

Then, Deputy Minister Mr Kim Tae-Hyun of Ministry of
Information and Communication, ROK, made a speech.
Afterwards, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and the deputy
minister held a separate meeting and cordially
discussed matters related to the communication sector.

At the first session of the forum, Korea and Myanmar
delegates discussed current condition of information
technology in the two countries and policy matters.

In the second session, prospects for development of
information and communication technology, conditions
for bilateral cooperation between the two countries
and investment matters were discussed.

The forum came to an end at 5 pm today.

In the evening, Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw hosted a
dinner to Deputy Minister Mr Kim Tae-Hyun and party at
Sedona Hotel.

---------

Thingyan Festival celebrated in London

Yangon, 19 April - Atar Thingyan Festival organized by
the Myanmar Association (UK) and Myanmar Embassy was
held on a grand scale at the Napier Hall of City of
Westminster, Pimlico, the centre of London, at 11.30
am on 14 April.

Myanmar families who are resident in Britain and
friends totalling 250 merrily took part in the
festival.

Ambassador Dr Kyaw Win extended the New Year greetings
and opened the festival.

The hall was decorated with Padauk flowers. Myanmar
families and the guests sang Thingyan songs and the
dance troupe entertained the guests.

Myanmar families sang "Mya-Nandar" song and doused
each other with water. Then, the ceremony came to a
close at 4.30 pm.

__________________________

( 4 ) KIO issues project and declaration to combat
Poisonous Flower

Yangon, 19 April - In Myanmar, the elimination of
narcotic drugs has been carried out persistently as a
national duty. Since 1999, a 15-year plan has been
implemented to rid the entire nation of narcotic drugs
within 15 years. Before the implementation of 15-year
drug elimination plan has been started, Mongla region
in Shan State (East) was declared a drug-free zone on
27 April 1997.

In the same vein, Wa and Kokang national races have
been making all-out efforts to declare their
respective regions to be drug-free zones in 2005.

While Myanmar is taking measures to eradicate narcotic
drugs, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development
Council Lt-Gen Khin Nyunt met with leaders of national
races and exhorted them to endeavour for the total
elimination of narcotic drugs.

Accordingly, Wa and Kokang national races issued
declarations strictly banning narcotic drugs on
26-3-2002 and 28-3-2002 respectively.

Likewise, KIO group and Special Region-3 of Shan State
(North) issued a project and a declaration concerning
narcotic drugs on 1-2-2002 and 4-4-2002 respectively.

The project and the declaration are as follows:

The Project to combat Poisonous Flower

The opium and the narcotic drugs are the most
dangerous enemy of the entire mankind of the world
today. Addiction to opium and narcotic drugs is easy,
but quitting is so difficult. Abuse of opium and
narcotic drugs may not only lead to suffering from
various kinds of diseases, but will also face total
destruction of life. The abusers may even contacted
with AIDS, which is the harbinger of Death, and no
drug has found yet to cure the disease. The Central
KIO has made a determination to root out the opium and
narcotic agents in Kachin State.

The main tasks of the Project to combat Poisonous
Flower

1. To prohibit and destroy poppy cultivation.
2. To give support and encouragement to
opium-substitute crops cultivation.
3. To prohibit and combat trafficking of opium and
narcotic drugs.
4. To prohibit and fight against opium and narcotic
drug abuse.
5. To give systematic medical treatment to opium and
narcotic drug addicts.

The project will be implemented in cooperation with
all the local and foreign opium and narcotic drugs
elimination bodies till the success is achieved. It is
fully believed that the entire people of the nation
will give unanimous support and assistance to the
project.

The Central Opium and Narcotic Drugs
Elimination Committee (KIO)
1 February 2002

The declaration of Special Region-3 of Shan State
(North) concerning narcotic drugs

With effect from the date when this declaration is
issued, no one is allowed to sell or buy, traffic and
store or use any kind of narcotic drugs and chemicals
related to narcotic drugs in the Special Region-3 of
Shan State (North).

In view of the fact that the Government has explained
matters related to narcotic drugs to journalists and
the people at Press conferences from time to time,
that other nations have come to make critical remarks
on Myanmar, and that narcotic drugs produce only evil
results for the people, the organization has to put a
ban on narcotic drugs.

If authorities carry out a search and raid and take
action in connection with narcotic drugs, our
organization will assume no responsibility whatsoever
for the matter. If anyone does not follow the
above-mentioned declaration, then effective action
will be taken in accord with the existing laws of the
Government and the laws of the organization.

Chairman
Central Leading Committee
Special Region-3, Shan State (North)
Dated: 4 April 2002

__________________________

( 5 ) Members of State Peace and Development Council
tour Mandalay Division

Yangon, 19 April - Members of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen
Ye Myint and Maj-Gen Tin Aye of the Ministry of
Defence met with division level departmental officials
of Mandalay Division at the hall of Central Command in
Mandalay and gave necessary instructions on 18 April
afternoon.

Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint reported on land
utilization, land reclamation, cultivation of summer
and monsoon paddy and main crops in Mandalay Division,
total crop cultivation acres in Mandalay Division,
arrangements being made for regional sufficiency in
rice and fish, work being carried out for regional and
rural development and greening tasks.

Then, Commander Brig-Gen Soe Naing reported on land
utilization in Sagaing Division, cultivation of
monsoon and summer paddy, paddy yield and surplus,
gross domestic product of the division, supply of
irrigation water and rural development endeavours.

Next, Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave instructions on ensuring
better transportation, self-sufficiency of rice, rural
development, industrial zones development, health and
education matters and substitution of firewood.

Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann also spoke at the meeting. He
said that by accompanying the Head of State they
arrived in Mandalay Division. He said they had also
toured eastern, northern and southern Shan State as
well as Sagaing Division. They have witnessed
improvements in transportation, development of towns
and villages, conservation of forests and creating of
good conditions for human resources development, he
said. Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions are also
achieving development with momentum. The Government is
providing assistance for equitable development of all
States and Divisions in the country. Arrangements have
been made to develop the education and health sectors
of Mandalay like those of Yangon City. To narrow down
the development gap between urban and rural areas,
rural development tasks have been laid down and it is
important to strive collectively for developing the
rural areas, he said. During his tour, the Head of
State has given guidance on rural development, better
transportation, forest conservation, regional
self-sufficiency of rice, he noted. He also urged all
to exert efforts four or five times more to ensure the
emergence of a new peaceful, modern and developed
nation in accordance with the guidance of the Head of
State. He also stressed the importance of making
collective efforts to meet success. Then, he cordially
greeted those present at the meeting.

State Peace and Development Council member Union
Solidarity and Development Association Central Panel
of Patrons member Maj-Gen Soe Win, together with USDA
CEC member U Aung Thaung met with secretaries,
executives and organizers of Division/ District /
Township USDAs at the Mandalay Division USDA Office at
2 pm on 18-4-2002. Divisional USDA Secretary U Tin
Maung Oo reported the members participation in rural
development tasks. Maj-Gen Soe Win gave necessary
instructions.

Likewise, State Peace and Development Council member
Myanmar War Veterans Organization Central Organising
Committee Chairman Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein
Sein, together with WVO COC Vice-Chairman Minister for
Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun, met with war veterans of
Mandalay Division, District and Township WVOs at 2.15
pm on 18-4-2002. Divisional WVO Supervisory Committee
Chairman Lt-Col Maung Pu reported matters on work
progress. COC Vice-Chairman Maj-Gen Saw Tun and COC
Chairman Maj-Gen Thein Sein gave necessary
instructions.

Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Maj-Gen Ye Myint,
Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein and
Quartermaster-General Maj-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung
Myint Oo met with Tatmadaw officers and other ranks
and their family members at the Mandalay Station Hall
of the Central Command at 7 am today, and gave
necessary instructions.

---------

Shwehtidaw hoisted atop Arleinngasint Pagoda in
Taungup

Yangon, 19 April - A ceremony to hoist Shwehtidaw atop
the Waiyan Bonmyint Arleinngasint Pagoda in Taungup,
Thandwe District, Rakhine State, was held at the
pagoda on 17 April morning.

The Presiding Sayadaw of Mingalayama Pali Tekkatho
administered the Nine Precepts. Members of the Sangha
recited parittas.

Then, wellwisher traditional physician U Bo Gyi
presented the Shwehtidaw to Taungup Theinkyaung
Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara. Joint-Secretary of Rakhine
State Sangha Nayaka Committee Taungup Kaingshei Ward
Saytrayama Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Maha Saddhamma
Jotikadhaja Cula Kammathanacariya Bhaddanta
Suriyadhaja sprinkled scented water on it.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo,
Brig-Gen Kyi Thein and wellwishers presented
offertories to the Sayadaws.

The Joint-Secretary Sayadaw delivered a sermon,
followed by sharing of merits gained.

Next, the second session of the ceremony followed.

Flanked by regal procession troupes, Maj-Gen Khin
Maung Than conveyed the Seinbudaw, Brig-Gen Maung Oo
Hngetmyatnadaw, Brig-Gen Kyi Thein four bunches of
flowers and departmental heads and wellwishers
Hsatthaphu, Khaun-glaungdaw and tiers of the
Shwehtidaw round the pagoda clockwise three times.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than formally unveiled the stone
inscription. Afterwards, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than,
Brig-Gen Maung Oo and Brig-Gen Kyi Thein hoisted the
religious objects atop the pagoda.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party performed rituals of
golden and silver showers to mark the success of the
ceremony.

After the ceremony, U Win Sein, U Maung Maung and
family of Asia Express Co Ltd donated K 220,000 for
keeping a bronze Buddha image on the pagoda through
Brig-Gen Kyi Thein of Taungup Station.

---------

Seinbudaw hoisted atop PhaungdawU Pagoda in Rakhine
State

Yangon, 19 April - A ceremony to hoist Seinbudaw atop
the historic PhaungdawU Pagoda in Taungup, Thandwe
District, Rakhine State, was held in conjunction with
the merit-sharing for Dhamma Vijaya Sasana Beikmandaw
and novitiating 1,000 boys into novicehood at the
designated places yesterday morning.

The Seinbudaw hoisting ceremony was held at the
Buddhology Museum.

Joint-Secretary of Rakhine State Sangha Nayaka
Committee Sayadaw of Saytrayama Kyaungtaik in
Kaingshei Ward, Taungup, Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja
Cula Kamma-thanacariya Bhaddanta Suriyadhaja invested
the congregation with the Five Precepts. Members of
the Sangha recited parittas.

Then, wellwisher Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Ba
Khant presented the Seinbudaw to Theintaung Phayagyi
Kyaungtaik Saya-daw Bhaddanta Kumara. Sayadaw
Bhaddanta Suri-yadhaja sprinkled scented water on it.
Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than hoisted the Seinbudaw atop the
pagoda.

Later, the opening of Dhamma Vijaya Sasana Beikmandaw
was held in front of the Beikmandaw. Wellwisher Thiha
Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Ba Khant and Doctor San
Hlaing of Taungup Township formally opened the
Beikmandaw.

Afterwards, the ceremony to novitiate 1,000 boys
followed in front of the Beikmandaw.

Member of the State Central Working Committee of the
Sangha Presiding Nayaka of Mingalayama Pali Tekkatho
Kyaungtaik on Theinbyu Road in Yangon Agga Maha
Ganthavacaka Pandita Bhaddanta Rattha-sara
administered the Five Precepts.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than, Brig-Gen Maung Oo, Brig-Gen
Kyi Thein and wellwisher family members presented
offertories to the Sayadaws.

Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo presented the Sasana
banner to Presiding Nayaka of Kanpaing Maha Wihara
Kyaungtaik in Kanpaing Ward, Taungup, Maha
Ganthavacaka Pandita Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indaca-ra and a
gold medal to wellwisher Thiha Thudha-mma
Manijotadhara U Ba Khant.

U Khin Maung Win-Daw Soe Moe Thu and family presented
K 2 million for extension of western prayer hall of
the pagoda; and Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Ba
Khant-Daw Khin Shwe and family, traditional physician
U Bo Gyi-Daw Than Than and family, and Thiha Thudhamma
Manijotadhara U Maung Maung, U Win Sein, Dr Than Than
Nwe and family K 1 million each thorough Maj-Gen Khin
Maung Than, who presented certificates of honour to
them.

Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suriyadhaja delivered a sermon.
Those present shared merits gained and the ceremony
came to an end.

---------

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects regional development
works in Taungup

Yangon, 19 April - Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than of the
Ministry of Defence and party, together with Chairman
of Rakhine State Peace and Development Council
Commander of Western Command Brig-Gen Maung Oo,
attended the Shwehtidaw hoisting ceremony of
Waiyanbonmyint Arleinngasint Pagoda held at the pandal
of Maha Thantithukha Aungmyay of the pagoda in Taungup
and hoisted the Shwehtidaw atop the pagoda on 17 April
morning.

Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the
Panmyauktaung microwave tower and installation of
self-reliance telephone lines in Taungup. Taungup
Station Officiating Tactical Operations Commander
Lt-Col Khin Zaw Oo reported on progress of work.
Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo and Brig-Gen Kyi Thein of
Taungup Station presented supplementary reports.

Afterwards, Thandwe District Peace and Development
Council Chairman Lt-Col Khin Maung Than reported on
installation of phone lines in the district. Maj-Gen
Khin Maung Than gave necessary instructions.

Next, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the
completion of Panmyauktaung microwave tower, the
building for self-reliance telephone exchange and the
site chosen for tower and gave necessary instructions.
Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to
Shwe Myitta Home for the Aged where they were welcomed
by the donor of the home Shwe Myitta U Khin Maung Win,
wife Daw Soe Moe Thu and family members.

Shwe Myitta U Khin Maung Win and family reported on
construction of hostels and the dining hall for aged
persons, dhammayon and management office.

Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party proceeded to
the site chosen for construction of new port in
Watkyaik Village-tract in the township. Tactical
Operations Commander Col Myint Soe reported on
construction of the new port and jetty. Commander
Brig-Gen Maung Oo, Brig-Gen Kyi Thein of Taungup
Station and prawn breeding entrepreneurs also
presented supplementary reports.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected the site
and gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, they proceeded to the export jelly fish
processing work site of Winner Enterprise Co Ltd in
Watkyaik Village, Taungup Township. Director U Aye Ko
of the company explained functions of the work.

Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party viewed the
procession for novitiation of 1,100 boys from Dhamma
Vizaya Sasana Beikmandaw in Taungup and inspected
Thattahtana Buddha Museum and stairway donated by
Thiha Thudhamma Manijotadhara U Ba Khant and wife Daw
Khin Shwe. They also paid homage to historic
Phaungdaw-U Pagoda.

In the evening, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than and party met
with chairmen and members of Thandwe District and
Taungup Township Peace and Development Councils,
district and township level departmental officials and
fishery entrepreneurs at the Township Peace and
Development Council Office and discussed matters
related to the development of the township.

Rakhine State Head of the Fisheries Department U Soe
Thu reported on offshore and onshore fishing, trading
of prawns and marine products and location of prawn
breeding centres in Rakhine State. One of the fishery
entrepreneurs reported on jelly fish processing. Then,
Commander Brig-Gen Maung Oo reported on cultivation of
paddy, production of meat, fish and prawn, extration
of timber and prevention of digging ponds in paddy
fields.

Then, Maj-Gen Khin Maung Than fulfilled the
requirements and gave instructions on harmonious
development of agriculture and meat and fish sectors,
extension of prawn breeding on wetlands and
uncultivable lands, digging of fish and prawn breeding
ponds in accordance with law, rules and regulations
without damaging paddy fields, concerted efforts of
local authorities, departmental personnel and
entrepreneurs for development of livestock breeding
and agriculture sectors.

---------

Bicycle factory opened in Kyaukse

Yangon, 19 April - The opening ceremony of the bicycle
factory (Kyaukse) under the Ministry of Industry-1 was
held at the factory in Kyaukse Industrial Zone, five
miles east of Kyaukse, Kyaukse Township, Mandalay
Division, on 11 April morning.

It was attended by Member of the State Peace and
Development Council Maj-Gen Ye Myint of the Ministry
of Defence, ministers, deputy ministers, senior
military officers, departmental officials, members of
the Union Solidarity and Development Association,
social organizations, local populace and pom pom
troupe.

Managing Director of Myanma General and Maintenance
Industries U Thaik Tun formally unveiled the signboard
of the factory.

Then, Maj-Gen Ye Myint, ministers and deputy ministers
inspected the bicycle parts and production process at
the factory. Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung
conducted them round the factory. Afterwards, they
inspected sample bicycles manufactured by the factory.
The factory is producing Maung Myanmar Brand bicycles
and plans are under way to produce trishaws.

---------

Maj-Gen Aung Htwe attends ordination ceremony in
Kengtung

Yangon, 19 April - Under the leadership of Shan State
(East) Peace and development Council and Triangle
Region Command, the collective ordination, novitiation
and nuns initiation ceremony was held at Sasana
Beikman in Kengtung, Shan State (East) on 17 April
morning, attended by members of the Sangha led by
Presiding Sayadaw of Dhammawdaya Sarthintaik of
Kengtung Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddnata Arjeya, member of
the State Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Aung
Htwe of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Commander of
Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Myint Swe and senior
military officers and their wives, members of
state/district/township Peace and Development
Councils, officers and other ranks of battalions and
units in Kengtung Station, officials and local people.

Altogether 201 boys were novitiated with the
sponsorship of Lecturer Sayadaw of Dhammawdaya
Sarthintaik Bhaddanta Eindaka. Then, the congregation
received the Eight Precepts from Bhaddanta Arjeya.
Next, members of the Sangha recited parittas.

Afterwards, Maj-Gen Aung Htwe and officials presented
offertories to members of the Sangha.

Maj-Gen Aung Htwe supplicated on the purpose of the
ceremony. Then, Bhaddanta Arjeya delivered a sermon,
followed by sharing of merits gained. After the
ceremony, 'soon' was offered to members of the Sangha.
A total of 275 men were ordained, 201 boys novitiated
and 54 girls initiated into nuns at the ceremony.

___________________________

( 6 ) Minister inspects railroads

Yangon, 19 April - Minister for Rail Transportation U
Pan Aung, accompanied by officials, inspected
railroads from Magyibot railway station on Hsinbyushin
bridge to YeU railway station and gave instructions on
extension of earthwork under the railroads on 14
April.

On arrival at Mu river bridge, the minister gave
necessary instructions on maintenance of the bridge
and requirements of KhinU railway station and
proceeded to bridge No 159 on Htantabin-Nyaungzin
railroad.

On 15 and 16 April, the minister inspected maintenance
of railroads, bridges and stations on
Bonchaung-Namhkam and Shan State (North) railroads and
fulfilled the requirements.

___________________________

( 7 ) MWSF wins IOC Women and Sport Trophy

Yangon, 19 April - International Olympic Committee has
been presenting IOC Women and Sport Trophy to persons
and organizations of the countries that have actively
carried out women's sports activities. This year,
Myanmar Women Sports Federation was chosen for IOC
Women and Sport Trophy 2002 for its strenuous
endeavours for women sports activities in Asia.

The trophy will be presented at the IOC Work Committee
Meeting to be held at the headquarters in Lausanne,
Switzerland on 26 April 2002. Vice-Chairperson Daw Nu
Nu Yi and executive Daw Kyu Kyu will leave here for
Switzerland to receive the trophy on 21 April 2002.

___________________________

( 8 ) Stimulant tablets seized in Lashio

Yangon, 19 April - A combined team comprising members
of local intelligence unit and Lashio Special
Anti-Drug Squad, acting on information, searched
Lawrin Kwe who arrived at a house in Ward 12, Lashio
on 3 April, and arrested him together with 100,000
stimulant tablets weighing 10 kilos.

Action was taken against Lawrin Kwe, 27, son of U Law
Win, of Nanphatswan Village, Mongyaung Village-tract
in Lashio, and Aiksan (a) Aikkyaing, 34, son of U
Maung Khan, of Tawinya Kyaung Street, Ward 9, Lashio
under Section 15/19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and
Psychotropic Substances Law by No 1 Lashio Police
Station in connection with the seizure of the drugs.

---------

Two drug dealers sentenced

Yangon, 19 April - A combined team comprising members
of local intelligence unit and Bago Special Anti-Drug
Squad, acting on information, searched a vehicle (4
Kha 5481) which was on its way from Toungoo at the
Toll Gate at the entrance to Bago on 12 December and
arrested Soe Aung (a) Nay Lin and Ma Hla Myint
together with 4.75 kilos of marijuana.

Action was taken against Soe Aung (a) Nay Lin, 34, son
of U Min Aung, of Chinbo Village, Hinthada Township
and Ma Hla Myint, 32, daughter of U Shwe of
Nyaungbintha Village, Pyu Township under Section
15/19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic
Substances Law by Bago No 1 Police Station.

The two were sentenced to three years in prison under
Section 15 and 12 years under Section 19 (A) to serve
separately by Bago District Court on 26 March 2002.

___________________________

( 9 ) Prize winners of invitational article
competition announced

Yangon, 19 April - The prize winners of the
invitational article competition to mark the 11th
Founding Anniversary of the Myanmar Maternal and Child
Welfare Association were announced today. U Kyi Tun (
Social Welfare), Aye Myat Myat and U Than Soe (Dr Than
Soe) won first, second and third prizes respectively.
Consolation prizes went to Dr Nwe Ni Ohn, U Tin Aung
Ngwe (Naygyi-Magway), Ma Mu Mu Khaing (Ma Pwint Wai),
Daw Nwe Nwe Kyi (Nwe Nwe Kyi-MNA), Daw Soe Yin Pyone
(Thabyay Nu), Dr Hla Pe (Mandalay), Daw Tin Yi (Phyu
Mar Thant), Ma Le Le Cho, Daw Khin Su (Ma
Kyeetan-Myanmarsar) and Capt Khin Thida.

The prize winners are to contact the Multipurpose
Building of MMCWA, Ph 571123, 571758 not later than 26
April and the prizes will be presented to the winners
at the dinner to mark the 12th annual conference of
MMCWA at the Karaweik Palace here at 6.30 pm on 28
April.


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