“The New Light of Myanmar” 15 October 2003
Headlines
·
Mass
rally held in support of Prime Minister's clarification on seven-point roadmap
·
11th
Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions open
·
Prime
Minister inspects cultural sites, industries in Magway,
Mandalay Divisions
Region
·
Minister
inspects training school for development of national races in Kengtung
·
Minister
inspects Nyaungdon oil and natural gas field
·
Diplomats
visit Mid-year Myanma Gems Emporium
·
Press
conference on holding of 2003 Mid-Year Myanma Gems
Emporium held
Religion
·
Nyaungshwe Kangyi Pariyatti Sarthintaik Abbot Sayadaw passes away
International Relations
·
Meeting
of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) held
Culture
·
11th
Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions commence
Sport
·
C-in-C
(Air)'s Volleyball Championship opened
Headlines
Mass rally held in support of Prime Minister's
clarification on seven-point roadmap
YANGON, 14 Oct - A mass rally, organized by
Union Solidarity and Development Association, was held in support of the Prime
Minister's clarification on seven policies and programmes
of the State (roadmap) in Kengtung, Shan State (East)
on 12 October.
Present on the occasion were Central
Executive Committee members of USDA, executives of Shan State East USDA, members
of district and township USDAs in Shan State (East),
Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Working Committee for Women's Affairs,
War Veterans Organization, Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade,
faculties and students of Kengtung Degree College, Kengtung Government Technological College, Kengtung Government Computer College, trainees of Kengtung nursing school, departmental staff, workers and
local people totalling 10,500.
Before the mass rally, Bayintnaung
column comprising over 3,500 people led by Column Leader Head of state
Immigration and Population Department U Kyaw Kyaw
marched into the Myoma Sports Ground from
Similarly, Alaungphaya
Column comprising over 3,500 local people led by Column Leader Executive of
Shan State (East) USDA U Myint Naing
marched into the Myoma Sports Ground from the
junction of No 2 Basic Education High School and
Likewise, Hsinbyushin
Column comprising over 3,500 people led by Head of Kengtung
District General Administration Department U Maung Maung
marched into the Myoma Sports Ground from No 5 BEMS
and took their designated places.
At the rally, Principal of Kengtung Degree College U Aung Nyunt presided over the mass
rally together with Arkha national U Ma Tiya, Executive of Kengtung
Township MCWA Daw Nan Kein Kham,
Lahu national U Lu Ka La and Shan State USDA
Secretary Dr Sai Saykaw as
members. Executive of Kengtung Township USDA Daw Nan
Yu Yu Swe and Kengtung
District USDA Daw Nan San Hwom acted as masters of
ceremonies.
First, the master of ceremonies announced the
commencement of the mass rally.
Afterwards, Chairman of the mass rally
Principal U Aung Nyunt of
In the Prime Minister's speech, development
in social, economic and political sectors and the measures to be taken by the
public are clarified. The first part of the Prime Minister's speech, full of
reliable statistics, dealt with all-round development of the nation. The second
part of the speech touched on political developments in brief. The third part
of the speech emphasized the seven steps of the political process to develop a
modern and developed democracy in the future in accordance with the historical
background of the nation, the customs and traditions of the people and the
prevailing political, economic and social conditions.
There was no administrative mechanism and
anarchy reigned the whole country and socio-economy
was in the worst situation when the Tatmadaw government took over the
responsibilities of the State. It had been able to re-establish the
administrative machinery in accordance with the law in a short period. In
addition, the momentum achieved in development of the State's socio-economy
exceeded the expectations.
The government has laid
down and implemented the border areas development project with momentum to
promote the socio-economic life of national people since 1989. In so doing, it
has spent over K 45,762 million plus US$ 506 million. As a result, some
villages in border areas have developed like cities and national
reconsolidation and Union Spirit have flourished there as all-round development
has achieved in the border areas. Moreover, our national brethren have enjoyed
the peace and tranquility which they have never experienced before.
For example, the remarkable development of Laukkai in Kokang region, Namtit, Mongmao and Pansan in Wa region and Mongla in Shan Sate (East) may be cited. As regards the
development of the State, Head of State Senior General Than Shwe said at the
58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day parade on 27 March 2003 that with the aim of
achieving development in each and every gion, 24
Special Development Regions have been set up to promote the economic, education
and health conditions and the advancement of highly-qualified human resources.
In addition, to ensure that there is no development gap, five rural development
tasks are being vigorously implemented. As a result of these
endeavours, economic and social indicators for the Union of Myanmar today show
that the designated targets have been greatly surpassed. So
all are urged to maintain the momentum in development of socio-economic life.
The Prime Minister also said that violent
demonstration and terrible anarchy erupted in the country in 1988. The country
was on the verge of disintegration and there was encroachment on the
sovereignty of the State. That was why the Tatmadaw took over the
responsibilities of the State unavoidably. It has systematically implemented
national policies for the State to be a peaceful, modern and developed one.
Emphasis has been placed on national reconsolidation, tranquility of the State
and the development of socio-economic infrastructures.
Furthermore, based on mutual respect,
understanding, belief and honesty among national races, the national unity and
reconsolidation have been built up. As a result, altogether 17 national race
armed groups have returned to the legal fold. As peace prevails in the nation,
preparations for holding of the National Convention, that was held to shape the
country to be a democratic one, started in 1992. Head of State Senior General Than Shwe highlighted that whatever system the nation is practising, a firm constitution, that serves the interests
of all the national races, is required.
The National Convention which is essential
for the State was convened in 1993 attended by political parties,
representatives -elect, representatives of national races from states and
divisions, national race leaders who have entered the legal fold, intellectuals
and intelligentsia and service personnel and people of all strata of life. At a
time when the National Convention had been able to coordinate and formulate
necessary principles for very important constitution, it was temporarily
suspended on
In the third part of the speech, the Prime
Minister clarified the roadmap of
(1) Reconvening of the National Convention
that has been adjourned since 1996. (2) After the successful holding of the
National Convention, step by step implementation of the process necessary for
the emergence of a genuine and discipline-flourishing democratic system. (3)
Drafting of a new constitution in accordance with basic principles and detailed
basic principles laid down by the National Convention.
(4) Adoption of the constitution through national referendum. (5) Holding of
free and fair elections for Pyithu Hluttaws (Legislative bodies) according to
the new constitution. (6) Convening of Hluttaws attended by Hluttaw members in
accordance with the new constitution. (7) Building a modern, developed and democratic
nation by the state leaders elected by the Hluttaw; and the government and
other central organs formed by the Hluttaw.
As the seven-point future
policies and programmes of the State are our own
roadmap that have been laid down in the interests of the State and the national
people by the State Peace and Development Council, we warmly welcome them. Representatives-elect as well as all the entire
national people are to take part in the important procedures for successful
holding of the National Convention and the emergence of a firm Constitution.
In conclusion, I would like to urge the
people in Shan State (East) to actively and unitedly
take part in the endeavours for successful implementation of the seven-point
future policies and programmes included in the Prime
Minister's speech step by step with true sense of Union Spirit.
Tabling a motion calling for the active
participation of the entire people by doing their every bid in implementing the
seven-stage future policy and programme of the State with true sense of Union
Spirit, U Sai Shan, Joint Secretary of Tachilek District USDA, said that as said by the presiding
chairman, Prime Minister of the State General Khin Nyunt delivered an address
crucial for the State on 30 August.
In the first part of the Prime Minister's
speech, explanations were made with full data concerning the accelerating
progress of the political, economic and social sectors during the period from
the time of the assumption of the State's responsibility to this day. It is
encouraging to note those achievements.
The Prime Minister in his speech made it
clear that marching towards a peaceful, modern and developed nation is the
national goal.
Prevalence of stability and tranquillity in the nation is based on the emergence of
national consolidation, just as the national economic development on the calm
and peaceful environment. A glance at the economic condition of the country
during the period from 1986 to 1988 will reveal that GDP then stood at its
lowest stage. Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Tatmadaw Government since
its assumption of the State's duties, there had been gradual progress from the
year 1990. The 2002-03 fiscal year has seen 11.1
percent increase while the per capita income exceeds K 100,000. In accordance
with "Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of
other sectors of economy as well", one of the four economic objectives of
the State, the annual paddy output in 1988 was 654 million baskets. It is
however heartening to see the target of annual paddy output reaching up to 1000
million baskets from the 2000-01 fiscal year.
The Government has spent over 63 billion
kyats on construction of 150 irrigation facilities in a bid to produce more paddy like this. At present, 39 irrigation projects are under
construction and another 84 under planning stage.
The fish and meat sector also plays a
critical role in the economic sector of
At the time of the State Peace and
Development Council, the efficiency of State-owned factories is being promoted
for the emergence of economic life based on modern industrial enterprises,
while 18 industrial zones were established all over the divisions and states
and other industrial extended to develop industrial sectors regionwise
and create more job opportunities.
At present, 257 State-owned factories and
over 24,000 private factories were extended for the mass production of
import-substitute goods. There have now been a total of 52,000 factories. The number of factories have been nearly doubled when compared
with over 27,000 factories in 1988.
When it comes to the smooth and secured
transport sector, a network of roads and bridges, the basic infrastructure of
the transport sector, have emerged across the country more quickly than
expected.
In 1988, there were a total of 461 roads with
13,600 miles in length. But, there have now been constructed 55 new roads with
some 2,000 miles in length. For bridges, there only existed the Ayeyawady river crossing
The Prime Minister explained the efforts made
by the Government phase by phase for political progress. The Tatmadaw
Government convened the national convention starting from January 1993 to draw
up a constitution to be practised in shaping the future State as democracy.
Political parties, representative-elects, representatives of national races
from states and divisions, leaders of national races returning to the legal
fold, intellectuals and intelligentsia, government employees and
representatives from all walks of life participated in the National Convention.
Political parties and politicians were also granted rights for open discussions
and revelation of frank desire.
However, the ongoing convention has fallen
into abeyance since 1996 owing to one group bent on placing their interest
before the national cause.
It is only in the National Convention where
the constitution can be drawn up. Therefore, the entire mass of people are very
delighted to hear that the national convention will resume in accord with the
seven-stage future policy and programme of the State as mentioned in the Prime
Minister's speech.
In the bid to establish a peaceful,
developed, modern, democratic nation by reviewing the bitter hardship suffered
half a century ago, the emergence of the discipline-flourishing democratic
system is of vital importance. Therefore, to have drawn up the firm
constitution in conformity with the national policy of the State is the
national concern crucial for the public as equally as lifeblood. the emergence of the discipline-flourishing democratic
system is of vital importance. Therefore, to have drawn up the firm
constitution in conformity with the national policy of the State is the
national concern crucial for the public as equally as lifeblood.
In order to build a modern, developed, new
democracy, I would like to table a motion earnestly for the active
participation of the entire mass of national people by doing their every bit
with the full sense of Union Spirit in the successful implementation of the
seven-stage future policy and programme of the State as described by the Prime
Minister.
Member of Mongkhat
Township Women's Affairs Committee Daw Nan Phaung
seconded the motion calling on the entire national people to actively participate
in any sectors for the successful implementation of the seven-stage future
policy of the State with full sense of Union Spirit.
She said benefits of all-round development of
the State in the economic, social and political sectors achieved during the
time of the Tatmadaw Government can be perceived in the first part of the
speech of the Prime Minister. Especially in our border regions, it can be seen
that hospitals, dispensaries, schools and markets that could not be constructed
because of the lack of tranquillity have emerged
overnight together with opium free zones and poppy-substitute crop fields, Due
to the stability and tranquillity, human settlements
have become thick and developed, overwhelming the region, where darkness and
sounds of gunfire and explosions existed, with electric lights and traditional
song, music and dances. These are the essence of stability and tranquillity.
Being able to cooperate with the national
races armed groups is the historic achievements in the efforts for the stability
and tranquillity of the State. A total of seventeen
armed groups of the national races, returning to the legal fold, are earnestly
participating in the nation-building endeavours of the State hand in hand with
the Tatmadaw Government. In common sense, it can be perceived that return of
the national races armed groups to the legal fold is a difficult process of
transformation. As efforts were exerted with mutual respect, confidence,
understanding and relations based on honesty, achievement could be made out of
the disunity of 40 years ago. As the Government was able to build national
unity successive governments could not do, national people cannot stop thanking
the government for its farsightedness. After restoring stability and tranquillity, the Government systematically laid down
development projects for equitable development of the State. It implemented,
first of all, border area development projects for the national races, followed
by 24 development zones project for harmonious development of the
Thanks to relentless efforts of responsible
personnel and cooperation of the national people, a total of 151 irrigation
facilities and 265 river water pumping projects, expanding 2 million acres of
paddy fields and increasing the yearly paddy production of the country from 654
million baskets to over 1000 million baskets. In the industrial sector, the
number of factories surprisingly increased from over 27,000 to over 51,000.
In the education sector, number of basic
education schools, which stood at over 33,000 in the past, reached over 40,000.
The number of universities and colleges increased from 32 to 154 and literacy
rate of the country rises from 78 percent to 92.2 percent. For the further
development of the State, it is required to nurture the highly qualified human
resource. The number of basic education students now exceeds 7.5 million, up
from 5.2 million in 1988. Likewise, the number of university students now
increases to over 890,000, up from more than 130,000 in 1988. And there were
9,474 masters degree holders and 206 doctorate degree
holders during the period from 2001 to 2002.
For the health sector, there were 617
hospitals in 1988 and the number has now risen to 757. Similarly, the number of
medical universities increased to 14, up from 4 in 1988. The development
of social and economic infrastructures are vital for the development of
the State.
As the Government spent some 2,000 million
kyats on the border area development undertakings in
The national convention is something in which
the institution is drawn up to shape the future democratic nation. However, as
one group of representatives walked out the national convention without
considering the future of the State, the national convention had to be
adjourned temporarily. Moreover, some powers can now be seen interfering in the
internal affairs of our country without having any consideration for the
interest of over 52 million national people. Under these circumstances, the
State Peace and Development Council Government firmly laid down the seven-stage
future policy and programme of the State without deviating from the original
political goal.
Keeping in the fore Our Three Main National
Causes - Non-disintegration of the Union; Non-disintegration of National
Solidarity; and Perpetuation of sovereignty, Shan State (East) has been
determined to brave any kind of hardship encountered in any circumstances and
continues to march hand in hand with the Government towards the goal without
fail in building a peaceful, modern, developed democratic nation.
To sum up,
Akha national U Ah Pha
of Kengtung seconded the motion calling on the entire
mass of people to participate in any sector for the successful implementation
of the seven-point future policies and programmes of
the state with full sense of Union Spirit, saying that
As it is the hill region there is poor
transportation. Although it took days to use Kengtung-Tachilek
Road in the past, now it has been upgraded into the tarred one which can be
reached in three hours in any season. Kengtung-Mongla
Road was also upgraded and can be reached in two hours. So, the region is
accessible to the neighbouring countries. With the
emergence of Nantmwe Bridge which was opened on 15
September, communications between Tarlay and Kyainglat are better. He said that due to the upgrading of
already-existing roads and construction of new ones, the roads which once could
be used only in the open season can be travelled in all
seasons now, and every township is accessible.
With the progress of transportation sector,
other sectors also harmoniously have developed, with the result that the region
is now enjoying fruits of stability and development. All the national people of
the region are happy to see the extended construction of Kengtung
and Tachilek airports, where even jets can land, and
extension of communications links.
In communications sector, there are 20
telegraphic offices compared to two in the past and 26 post offices compared to
11 in the past. Two satellite communications stations and 11 microwave
communications stations have been opened, and the rural telephone system has
been launched.
In education sector, new 224 basic education
schools have been built in the region and national race youth students are
pursuing education at 579 schools. Some of the schools have been equipped with
18 multi-media classrooms and 11 e-libraries. As Kengtung
Degree College and Computer College have been opened, students can learn higher
education in their own region. With regard to the health sector, a new 200-bed
general hospital was built in Kengtung. In Shan State
(East) there are now three 50-bed hospitals, six 25-bed hospitals, eight 16-bed
hospitals, six border area hospitals, two border area dispensaries, six rural
health care centres, 72 rural health care centres (branch), nine maternal and child health care centres one school health care centre, one traditional
medicine clinic and one nursing and midwifery training school.
As for the agriculture sector, the shifting
cultivation method, which can harm the natural environment, has been changed
into highland cultivation method. And there have emerged crops plantations and
chicken and pig breeding farms in parallel with the peace and tranquillity of the region.
These are the fruitful results of endeavours
made by all the national people with full national force under the correct
leadership of the present government in order to stable and develop the region.
We have to keep on this development momentum. Although our State is made up of
over 100 national races who had been living in unity and amity for years
countable by the thousand, we all had witnessed the loss of our independence
due to the aggression of colonialists and outdated national defence method. So
we should draw the lessons from these. In endeavouring
to regain independence lives, blood and sweat of our national brethren had to
be sacrificed. In the present period also we all are required to crush any
internal and external destructive acts, he added.
He quoted Head of State Senior General Than
Shwe as saying in his message of the 46th anniversary of Union Day Ceremony,
"Like a saying, which goes, "100 fruits from the common stem"
however traditions and cultures, languages and social systems seem to be
different from each other in form, in essence, the ethnic races living in
Myanmar are the descendants of a single family, having the courage and Union
Spirit. Therefore, based on historical experiences and lessons, we have to build
national unity and national reconsolidation without fail.
After the assumption of the State's duties,
the Tatmadaw government is implementing political programmes
step by step to transform it into a true multi-party democratic system. Our
national objective is emergence of a peaceful modern developed nation. This
objective must be implemented in conformity with the firm constitution.
Due to the weaknesses of the State's
constitution drafted in 1947 the Union had been on the verge of disintegration.
The 1974 constitution was also not in accord with the times which had been
changing. As it was needed to draft a firm constitution, the National
Convention was convened in 1993 and arrangements were made for drafting the
constitution. But it had to be adjourned since then in that some persons with
dogmatic views neglected the national cause and opposed the National
Convention.
All the people of the country have now
welcomed the seven future policies and programmes
laid down by the Prime Minister. It is incumbent upon all the national people
with the Union Spirit to build a peaceful modern developed democratic nation,
and priority is to be given to successfull
implementation of the national political programmes.
That is why Patron of USDA Senior General Than Shwe said at the conclusion ceremony of the course of
the Union Solidarity and Development Association held on 4 August in 2000 that
perpetuation of the Union today is due to the strength of the nation. If the
Union broke up, the strength of the State would die down. So, it is required to
organize the people to be equipped with Union Spirit. If the people love the
country and have patriotic spirit, Union Spirit will also develop.
All in all, he said endeavours are to be made
to reach the national goal without diminishing the prevalence of peace and tranquillity, unity and development of the State which were
achieved by the national people hand in hand with the government. He
enthusiastically supported the motion calling on the entire mass of people to
participate in any sector for the successful implementation of the seven-point
future policies and programmes of the state with full
sense of Union Spirit.
Afterwards, the chairman sought the approval
of the mass rally concerning the motion for active participation of the entire
national people by doing their bit for the successful implementation of the
seven future policies and programmes tabled by U Sai Shan. The master of ceremonies announced the
resolutions of the mass rally for active participation of the entire national
people by doing their bit for the successful implementation of the seven
policies and programmes. The mass rally concluded by
chanting the slogans.
11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural
Performing Arts Competitions open
YANGON, 14 Oct - The opening ceremony of the
11th Myanmar Traditional CulturalPerforming Arts Competitions
was held at the National Theatre this morning, with an address by Patron of the
Committee for holding of the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts
Competitions Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt.
Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts
Competitions are held with the six objectives- to vitalize patriotism and
nationalism in all citizens, to preserve and safeguard Myanmar cultural
heritage, to perpetuate genuine Myanmar music, dance and traditional fine arts,
to preserve Myanmar national character, to nurture spiritual development of the
youths and to prevent of alien culture.
Present on the occasion were Dr Daw Khin Win
Shwe, wife of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Secretary-1 of the State Peace
and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw
Than Than Nwe, Secretary-2
Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife
Daw Khin Khin Win, members of the panel of Patron of
the Committee for holding of the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing
Arts Competitions, Chairman of Leading Committee for holding of the
competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council
Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and wife, the ministers and their wives, the
chief justice, the attorney-general, senior military officers, the deputy ministers,
members of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, members of Leading
Committee for holding of the competitions, Chairmen and members of Work
Committee and Sub-Committees, Ambassadors, Charge d' Affairs ai of the embassies, military attaches, resident
representatives and officials of the UN Agencies, officials of the State Peace
and Development Council Office, heads of departments, panel of judges, managers
and contestants of states and divisions, students of the University of Culture
and guests.
The first session of the opening ceremony was
held at the facade of the National Theatre. Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Soe Win, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Thein
Sein, members of the Panel of Patrons, Chairman of
Leading Committee and members, members of Committee for holding of the
competitions, Chairmen and members of Committee and Sub-Committees, guests,
managers and contestants of states and divisions, contestant women in
traditional costumes and contestants of 16 dance troupes took their designated
places.
Daw Tin Tin Mya and Daw Thida Swe of Myanma Radio and Television acted as masters of ceremonies.
Chairman of Leading Committee Maj-Gen Myint Swe explained about the arrangements for the
competitions.
He said the Myanmar Traditional Cultural
Performing Arts Competitions have been held for 11 times since 1993. The
competitions will be held from 14 to 31 October. The categories of the
competitions are professional level, amateur level, higher education level,
basic education level (15-20 age group) level, basic education level (10-15 age
group), and basic education level (5-10 age group).
He said altogether 2,445 contestants will
participate in the competitions and handsome prizes will also be given to
winners.
Next, member of Panel of Patron of the
competitions Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung
formally opened the
Afterwards, the second session of the opening
was held in the National Theatre.
U Hla Win and Daw Thida Swe acted as masters of ceremonies. Patron of the
Committee for holding of the 11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts
Competitions Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt delivered an opening address. (reported separately.)
Next, artistes sang a song composed by Gitalulin U Ko
Ko in honour of the 11th
Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions. Prime Minister
General Khin Nyunt and guests watched dance contest (professional level).
Prime Minister inspects cultural sites, industries in Magway,
Mandalay Divisions
YANGON, 14 Oct - Prime Minister General Khin
Nyunt and party on 12 October morning arrived at the construction site of King Anawrahta's Bagan Palace in NyaungU. At the briefing hall, he heard the report on
construction tasks presented by U Thaw Ka, an archaeologist.
The Prime Minister urged the officials to
carry out construction tasks systematically for existence of the palace for
many years.
Next, he inspected the scale model of the
palace and pressed the button to drive the pile of Myaynan
Pyathad building. Afterwards, the Prime Minister saw
over excavation site of King Kyansittha's palace.
Deputy Director-General of Fine Arts Department (Upper Myanmar) U Aung Kyaing reported to the prime minister.
Later, General Khin Nyunt and party went to Pakokku Textile Mill project site of Myanmar Textile
Industry under the Ministry of Industry-1 where Industry-1 Deputy Minister Brig-Gen
Thein Tun welcomed them.
At the briefing hall, Minister for Industry-1
U Aung Thaung reported to the Prime Minister. In his
report, he said the factory is constructed to fulfil
the domestic needs, to substitute the imports, to upgrade the social standard
of local people, to create jobs and to upgrade the technical methods by
installing modern machinery at the factory. Moreover, he also reported on
location of the factory, investment, domestic consumption and the production of
textile by the factories in the country, requirements of raw materials, tasks
being undertaken for cultivating 155,000 acres of cotton and production
capacity of the factory.
Next, Managing Director of the Myanma Textile Industries U Oo Thein
Maung also reported on progress of construction, installation of machinery and
arrangements for electricity and water. Next, the Prime Minister urged the
officials to make arrangements systematically for cotton cultivation for
continuous supply of raw materials as well as to coordinate with the ministry
concerned for supply of fuel.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister presented
fruit baskets to Chinese technicians and inspected construction site where an
official concerned reported to him on installation of machines.
Now, over 56 percent of construction work has
been carried out. The construction tasks, are targeted to complete by
September, 2004, and installation of machinery by May 2005 and the factory will
come into operate on October 2005.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party
arrived at Government Technical College (Pakokku).
At the meeting hall, Principal Daw Aye Myint reported on location of the college, courses being
conducted there, buildings, faculties, staff and administrations. Deputy
Minister for Science and Technology U Nyi Hla Nge also gave a supplementary
report.
Next, the Prime Minister attended to the
needs. Afterwards, the Prime Minister and party proceeded to Government
Computer College (Pakokku) where Principal Daw Moe Ma
Ma Tin and faculties welcomed them. After hearing
reports on the college, courses being opened at the college and administrative
affairs of it presented by the principal and U Nyi Hla Nge, the Prime Minister
fulfilled the requirements. Next, they inspected learning of the students using
teaching aids equipment.
The Prime Minister and party arrived at
Education College (Pakokku) where Minister for
Education U Than Aung reported on installation of
Internet and V-Sat at the universities and colleges. Afterwards, they left for Myingyan, Mandalay Division, by helicopter and arrived at
construction site of Degree College (Myingyan). At
the briefing hall, Director-General of Higher Education Department (Upper
Myanmar) Dr Thein Myint
reported on progress of main building number of students, subjects taught,
number of rooms and installation at IT centre rooms. Education Minister U Than Aung also gave a supplementary report.
Managing Director of Eden Group Co Ltd U Chit
Khaing also reported on construction of two-storey
building and three-storey main building to the Prime Minister. The General gave
instructions on tasks to be carried out under the supervision of respective
officials for meeting the set standard and timely completion of the project.
The General also inspected construction of
the main building and left instructions on meeting the standard set.
The Prime Minister and party proceeded to the
Government Technical Institute (Myingyan)
Construction Project being undertaken by Eden Group Co Ltd. Deputy Minister for
Science and Technology U Nyi Hla
Nge reported on courses conducted in the institute
and requirements; Managing Director of the company U Chit Khaing,
on progress in constructing the two-storey lecture hall and the three-storey
main building. The Prime Minister gave necessary instructions and inspected
construction of the main building.
Next, the Prime Minister and party arrived at
Popa region in Kyaukpadaung
Township. They inspected the tasks for greening of the region and left
instructions. The Prime Minister inspected extended construction of the runway
of NyaungU Airport and tasks carried out for greening
the region.
They also inspected Win Thuzar
Shop under the Ministry of Industry-1 in Bagan-NyaungU
region and Bagan Golf Course. Officials reported on
maintenance of the golf course. Commander Maj-Gen Ye Myint gave a supplementary report. The Prime Minister
inspected the tasks for upgrading of the golf and maintenance work and gave
instructions.
Yesterday morning, they headed for NyaungU District People's Hospital (100-bed), where they
were welcomed by Head of District Health Department U Myo Swe and medical
staff. They inspected TV X-ray room, dental unit, paediatric
ward, obstetric and gynaecological ward, X-ray room,
operation theatre, men's ward, women's ward and intensive care unit.
Director-General of the Health Department Dr Wan Maung and officials conducted
the General round the hospital. The Prime Minister gave instructions, saying
that hospitals and clinics are to carry out community health services with
goodwill, and measures are to be taken for greening and beautifying the
hospital and its environs. Sanitation work is to be carried out daily for
ensuring inside and outside of the hospital and wards free from bad smell as a
matter of routine, he added.
The Prime Minister and party left NyaungU by air and arrived back here in the morning of 13
October. The Prime Minister inspected the tasks for extension of Yangon
International Airport, where he was welcomed by Yangon Division Peace and
Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen
Myint Swe, and officials of Asia World Co Ltd.
Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla
Myint Swe reported to the General on the airport
extension project; Managing Director of the company U Tun
Myint Naing, on schedules
of the project.
Afterwards, the Prime Minister inspected the
construction tasks with the use of heavy machinery and left necessary
instructions.
The annex of the airport is 492 feet long and
200 feet wide. It can accommodate four Jumbo Jets and can provide services to
1,800 passengers at the same time with the use of modern facilities.
YANGON, 14 Oct - The following is the address
deliverd by General Khin Nyunt, Prime Minister of the
Union of Myanmar, at the opening ceremony of the 11th Myanmar Traditional
Cultural Performing Arts Competitions held at the National Theatre on 14th
October 2003:
To all personages of State responsibilities,
departmental heads, diplomats, special guests, maestros on judges committees and
competing artistes who have come to attend this 11th Myanmar Traditional
Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, I would like to extend my greetings with
the best wishes "May you have freshness and peacefulness in mind and
body", and "May you be the ones capable of cherishing, respecting and
uplifting one's own national culture and safeguarding and promoting one's
national pride and integrity to new levels of grandeur and resplendence."
It has now been a year after a decade that
the Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions have been held
successfully with the participation of the entire nation on a grand and
resplendent scale. As a result of that, it may be seen, there has been a
greater upsurge in youths of the nation, that means those of the coming
generations, of a great tradition of the history of Myanmar and a high culture
it has come to have, and also the vital spiritual base of nationalism that
serves to raise the urge to value and safeguard the motherland as well as
national culture.
Today is the time of the entire nation
joining hands and striving for development of a modern developed democratic
State in the Union of Myanmar with a united and fair Myanmar society based on
strong and profound Myanmar history, deep and delicate Myanmar cultural
traditions and customs, firm Myanmar civics and human values, and most
extensive Myanmar ways of thinking.
At such a time as the present, the most
powerful national might for emergence of a nation most suited to our national
cultural heritage and national characteristics par excellence is the high level
of clarity and dynamism of national spirit and national way of thinking of the
citizenry.
Today, as all nations of the world are
becoming linked as one in a global expanse due to development of communications
in the international scene, some major nations with superiority in wealth and
technology are taking advantage of the situation; and the Union of Myanmar is
having to face coercive pressures to Western-style, social systems and human
values in utter disregard of differences in cultural traits and historical
traditions and with one-sided interferences and dominations in political,
economic, social and cultural spheres. At a time when our citizens are having to staunchly withstand such oppressions and
coercions from some nations of higher physical powers, to build by our own
selves a nation based on the already rich cultural traditional, national values
and national characteristics, the need to have strong patriotic immune
efficiency is the vital lifeline for the nation of Myanmar.
Accordingly, every citizen is duty-bound to
raise the patriotic efficiency of the people, especially the youths of the
future generations. And that is why the Government of the State has been
undertaking management and endeavours to promote Myanmar cultural mores and
cultural fine arts that reflect Myanmar norms, values and characteristics for
revival and further promotion of Myanmar ways that had been evolved through
interaction among the indigenous races of Myanmar.
In other words, I would like to say, the
Government has been annually holding these competitions so as to build national
self-defence powers while reviving the grandeur of Myanmar history, high level
of Myanmar culture, deep and profound nature of Myanmar fine arts and such fine
qualities.
It is indeed a matter of pride for every
Myanmar that Myanmar's traditional cultural performing arts had developed for
years by the thousand with no blemish on its national character but staunchly
in its national style and today it stands as purely Myanmar culture in the
world.
Myanmar music and dances, classical music,
the grand dramatic performances and the marionette theatre that is also called
the high theatre that are being reflected in the Myanmar traditional cultural
performing arts are in fact repositories of the rich experiences, advanced and
profound Myanmar ways of thinking, literature, poetry and songs Myanmar have
had in the past history countable by the thousand.
Moreover, Myanmar maestros are found to be
expanding on this treasure house of culture to the point of being inexhaustible
in various ways and means.
Accordingly, it is a distinct quality of
Myanmar culture and fine arts that it is so broad and profound so much so that
the more you study the more you have to explore its deep and profound nature.
The State, with the participation of the
maestros of Myanmar traditional cultural fine arts, has been holding the
competitions to bring out the essence and proliferate them; it has been doing
better each year, and it can be seen with satisfaction that the success of
these competitions has been growing all the more.
This year, the significant point is that the
story of Saddan, the king of elephants, once
prescribed for the marionette theatre, has been prescribed for the great
dramatic theatre; and vice-versa, the story of Maha Zanekka, once prescribed for the great dramatic theatre,
has now been prescribed for the marionette theatre.
I would like to say it is believed that the
viewers will be able to discern well the differences between the great theatre
and the marionette theatre even as the arts of singing, crying and speaking
with one another in a way linked to one another. It will be seen with delight
that Myanmar traditional cultural fine arts inclusive of the great theatre and
the marionette theatre are not just limited to pure entertainment but are
imbued with powers to educate and organize the viewers to be fully qualified
physically as well as mentally, with due respect for subtle, delicate and
cultured sense of justice and fairness, involving one and all with the Myanmar
sense of traditional ways of behaving and thinking towards all as taught by
Myanmar Theravada Buddhist practices, national values and social ethics and
civics and most subtle and noble courtly ways.
So, viewers of the dramatic performances will
see the object lesson given by the story of Saddan
the king of elephants-namely as to how Queen Sula Thubadda made the wrongful wish because of her egocentrism,
her great haunghtiness and her grudge, and how she
suffered in the end because of the consequence of her own anger, haughtiness
and her grudge.
It is believed that there will be no
conclusion other than the fact that viewers will feel a great regret about the
Hunter Thawnotto who erred in doing wrong to an
innocent one of nobility because of the fires of greed burnt by the wrong, the
rudeness, and the cruelty of the king of Bayanathi
who was duped senseless by the guiles of Queen Sula Thubadda in great anger.
Likewise it is expected that performing of
the Maha Zanekka story in
the marionette theatre will certainly bring out the principle that good results
will be brought about by the interests of perseverance based on truth and
justice coupled with righteousness on the basis of noble integrity.
As regards introduction of new instruments in
playing music in the competitions, this year's instrument is the Donmin, which as in the cases of the Mandolin and the
Myanmar guitar in the previous years, will serve to bring out how Myanmar
maestros will illustrate their sense of patriotism and their wonderful artistic
abilities, like their predecessors.
It is also believed that, as the donmin is an instrument full of all diverse notations on
the scale, like the western piano and Myanmar saing waing, it will add a great variety to the musical
performances.
Throughout the ages, Myanmar artistes have
been able to bring out the best of Myanmar performing arts as that even today
we are proud to belong to these culture and customs of national character,
national way of thinking and a high level of culture, going from one generation
to the next.
Such endeavours in an immensely rich cultural
heritage, national way of thinking have enabled the people to repulse the
dangers of infiltration of alien cultural ways and have contributed a great
deal to safeguarding of our own cultures, and efforts for further promotion of
our own traditional customs.
So, I would like to urge all the maestros on
judges committees and competitors in various genres to keep up the work of
further heightening the degree of success of the competitions with full
consciousness of their national spirit.
I would like to urge all, in accordance with
the noble objectives of the competitions, to strive for a strong stand of our
performing arts, to keep flowering from them without any blemish on its
national character and to further promote Myanmar traditional cultural
performing arts with greater purity.
In conclusion, I would like to urge all
maestros and competitors - to strive artistically to further Myanmar pride,
integrity staunchly with Myanmar's own arts and national character till the end
of the world - to strive artistically to keep up the strength of Myanmar
history, grandeur of her image, and high level of culture, and - to strive
artistically to further strengthen patriotic immune efficiency of national
spirit of the people including the youths of the new generation, so as to
prevent infiltration of alien cultural ways, decadent culture and indecorous
dress and for everlasting protection of national characters.
Region
Minister inspects training school for development of
national races in Kengtung
YANGON, 14 Oct - Minister for Progress of
Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein
Nyunt, accompanied by officials, inspected the training school for development
of border areas and national races under Education and Training Department of
the ministry in Kengtung Township, Shan State on 11
October morning. The minister met with officials at the hall of the school and
gave necessary instructions.
Next, the minister proceeded to the women's
vocational training school in Kengtung where he met
with officials and fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the minister
inspected garments tailored by the trainees of the school and gave
instructions.
Minister inspects Nyaungdon oil and natural gas field
YANGON, 14 Oct - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen
Lun Thi, accompanied by
officials, inspected Nyaungdon oil and natural gas
field in Ayeyawady Division this morning. At the
briefing hall, officials reported on digging of Nyaungdon
oil well No 18 and production of oil and natural gas. The minister gave
necessary instructions to them and fulfilled the needs.
The minister presented cash awards to the
staff and inspected the oil well. The oil well produces 5.6 millon
cubic feet of natural gas and 120 barrels of condensate per day. About 78.5
million cubic feet of natural gas and 1205 barrels of condensate are being
produce per day at 14 wells of Nyaungdon oil and
natural gas field.
Diplomats visit Mid-year Myanma
Gems Emporium
YANGON, 14 Oct - The ambassadors of foreign
embassies in Yangon, diplomats, military attaches' and those of UN agencies
visited the Mid-year Myanma Gems Emporium, organized
by Myanma Gems Emporium Central Committee, held at
Myanmar Gems Mart on Kaba Aye Pagoda this afternoon.
Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
and Myanma Gems Enterprise of the Ministry of Mines
welcomed and conducted round the emporium.
Press conference on holding of 2003 Mid-Year Myanma
Gems Emporium held
YANGON, 14 Oct - A press conference on the
2003 Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium was held at the Myanma Gems Mart here today.
Present were members of Public Relations and
Information Committee of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy
Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein,
Director-General of Myanma Radio and Television U
Khin Maung Htay, Director-General of Information and
Public Relations Department U Chit Naing, Managing
Director of News and Periodicals Enterprise U Tin Kha,
Director (News) of NPE U Hla Tun,
U Sein Win of Kyodo News, Patron of Myanmar Foreign
Correspondents Club U Hla Htwe,
President U Sao Kai Hpa and member correspondents,
officials of the respective dailies and others.
At the press conference, Deputy Minister for
Mines U Myint Thein made a
speech. He said that a number of high quality jade, gems and pearl lots are to
be sold at the 2003 Mid-Year Myanma Gems Emporium,
adding altogether 500 gems companies of 27 countries had been invited to attend
the emporium and a total of 160 gems merchants from 60 companies of five
countries have now arrived in addition to 140 local gems merchants numbering
300, he added.
In the previous gems emporia, the gems
merchants, especially those from the People's Republic of China, used to arrive
without replying the invitations. Over 400 gems merchants are expected to
attend the emporium, he noted.
Altogether 1,397 lots of jade, gems and pearl
with the floor price of Euro Currency 24.1 million will be sold through competitive
biding/tender system, he stressed.
Afterwards, Deputy Minister for Information
Brig-Gen Aung Thein made a speech.
Deputy Minister for Mines U Myint Thein, Managing Director U
Khin Oo replied to queries raised by the local and foreign journalists and the
press conference ended. Jade lots will be sold from 17 to 19 October, gems lots
on 20 and 21 October and pearl lots on 22 October through tender
system/competitive bidding.
Religion
Thai Vice Sangha Raja Sayadaw attends Naga Hna Kaung
Monastery's Kathina-robe -offering ceremony in Tachilek
YANGON, 14 Oct - The Naga
Hna Kaung Monastery in Tachilek held a Maha Kathina-robe-offering ceremony on a grand scale at the Dhammayon of the monastery in Hsanhsaing
(Ka) Ward, Tachilek, on 12 October morning.
Vice Sangha Raja Sayadaw of the Saragace Monastery
in Bangkok, Thailand, Bhaddanta Upasena
together with members of the Sangha of Thailand and
laity arrived at Tachilek-Maesai Friendship Bridge on
Myanmar side at 9.20 am by car. Chairman of the Myanmar-Thailand Cultural and
Economic Cooperation Association Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Rtd)
and executives, Thai Chairman of the Thailand-Myanmar CECA General Sanan Kajornklam (Rtd) and officials, local authorities, and local populace
paid respects to the Sayadaw and party and invited
them to the Dhammayon. The ceremony started at 10 am
and the congregation received the Five Precepts from State Ovadacariya
Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha
Saddhamma-jotikadhaja Naga Hna Kaung Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammasiri. Next, officials offered Kathina
robes and provisions to Sayadaw Bhaddanta
Upasena and Sayadaw Bhaddanta Dhammasiri donated by
Prime Minister of the State General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe
and family to the Thai Sayadaw.
Later, Lt-Gen Kyaw Than (Rtd)
and General Sanan Kajornklam
(Rtd) and officials, Thai Princess' Per-sonal Secretary Khunying Araya Pibolnakarintr, Chaingrai
District Governor Mr Narin Panichkit and officials offered Kathina
robes and provisions to the Sayadaws and members of
the Sangha. The ceremony ended with the sharing of
merits gained. "Soon" was also offered to the Sayadaws
and members of the Sangha, and the congregation was
also served with lunch.
The Thai Sayadaw
also visited the Shwedagon Pagoda in Tachilek, made a donation of cash to the pagoda and signed
in the visitors' book. Afterwards, the Thai Sayadaw
and members of the Sangha and laity left Tachilek at 1.30 pm.
Nyaungshwe Kangyi Pariyatti
Sarthintaik Abbot Sayadaw
passes away
YANGON, 14 Oct - The Department of Religious
Affairs announced that State Ovadacariya Shwe Kyin Nikaya Sasanabaing
Shan State (South) Nyaungshwe Kangyi
Pariyatti Sarthintaik
Presiding Nayaka Sayadaw Abhidaja Maha Ratha
Guru Abhidaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Vimala Bhivamsa (age 93, vasa 73) has passed away yesterday (3rd Wanning
of Thadingyunt 1365 ME) at 9.02 pm.
International Relations
Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters
(ASOD) held
YANGON, 14 Oct - A ceremony to open the 24th
Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) was held at the
Grand Plaza Parkroyal Hotel on Alanpya
Pagoda Road here this morning, attended by Chairman of Central Committee for
Drug Abuse Control Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing,
Secretary of CCDAC Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Brig-Gen Khin Yi,
senior military officers, ambassadors of the ASEAN countries to Myanmar,
charges d' afaires, Deputy General-Secretary of ASEAN
Secretariat in Jakarta Mr Wilfrido
V Villacorta, Resident Representative of UNODC
regional office in Bangkok Mr Sandro
Calvani, the representatives of NGOs and others.
First, CCDAC Chairman Minister for Home
Affairs Col Tin Hlaing made a speech. He said this
meeting of Senior Officials on Drug Matters (ASOD) is part and parcel of the
whole ASEAN structure and accordingly, an important one. It is important
because it is an immediate response to the 1976 Declaration and a forum for
ASEAN cooperation in drugs and narcotics control. It is also important because
the ASOD meeting also formulated strategies to enhance mutual cooperation for
the implementation of the ASEAN Declaration of Principles to combat drugs and
drug problems in the region.
Long before we became an ASEAN member,
Myanmar participated at these meetings as an observer and only in 1997, after
becoming a full fledge member we were able to participate fully.
Hence, I would first like to express
Myanmar's delight and pride for having a turn to host this important meeting
within the region after becoming an ASEAN member State.
Drug Free ASEAN 2015 is a very significant
objective and I would like to reiterate our earnest pride - as a member State -
to be able to participate steadfastly in exemplifying this laudable objective.
Being a country that stands out within ASEAN's midst for its illicit production
of narcotic drugs ,allow me to take this opportunity
to explain briefly Myanmar's endeavours in eradicating drugs.
As a matter of fact, Myanmar adopted a
15-years drug eradication program with an objective to be totally freed from
drugs by the year 2014 and this precedes Drug Free ASEAN 2015 campaign. Since
1999, we have launched the program in three 5-year phases and we are now in the
last year of its first 5-year phase.
Myanmar's main problem in the field of
narcotic drugs is the illicit cultivation of poppy that eventually led to
production and trafficking of opium and heroin. To end this undesirable chain,
we included crop substitution programs and integrated regional development
schemes of the border areas within our 15-year eradication program. This indeed
resulted in annual decline in poppy cultivation and opium production.
To enhance this 15-year core program, we
launched the New Destiny Project in April 2002 as a pilot project and soon
after, poppy growers have been surrendering their poppy seeds voluntarily.
Consequently, more than 167 tons of poppy seeds have been burnt and destroyed
through 11 different occasions. This prevented poppy cultivation of more than
one hundred thousand acres. In other words, it prevented 45 tons of heroin reaching the international market. We have now
embarked on a full scale program of the New Destiny Project, subsidizing
farmers who have stopped poppy cultivation with rice and other basic needs.
The CCDAC and UNODC initiated the Illicit
Crop Monitoring Program as a pilot project in 2001. The survey estimated that a
total of 105,000 hectares of cultivation and an average production of 1,097
metric tons of opium. Surveys of this year estimated 62,200 hectares of
cultivation with a potential production of 810 metric tons of opium. This
report indicated a 41% reduction in cultivation and a 26% reduction in opium
production within a 3-year span.
There is no question on the fact that these
two surveys undertaken independently but in conjunction with international
organizations clearly indicates a significant and definite decreasing trend and
should no doubt be the answer to the problem.
The declines in both cultivation and
production of drugs emanate from Myanmar's Initiatives where own resources have
to be utilized in the absence of assistance from outside.
However, we are confident that, had Myanmar
receive assistance from the international community our drug eradication
program would surely meet its objective earlier than the targeted year 2014.
Though there are declines in poppy
cultivation on one end, production and trafficking of amphetamine type
stimulants (ATS), which never existed in Myanmar before, is found to be on the
rise here from 1996 up till 2001. Joint efforts among neighbouring
countries with emphasis on this problem led to a decrease in 2002-2003
according to seizure figures.
I am happy to state also, there are close
cooperation among neighbouring countries like India,
China, Laos and Thailand to control precursor chemicals and essential chemicals
for production of narcotic and psychotropic substances. Likewise, countries
within the Greater Mekong Sub region are also working towards this end.
Here, I would like to take this opportunity
to dwell on the Ministerial meeting held in Thailand last August where
Ministers from India, China, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand met to discuss ways and
means to control ephedrine and other essential precursor chemicals used in the
production of amphetamine type stimulants. Agreements to collectively control
chemicals used for producing narcotic and psychotropic substances were reached
during this meeting. Since Myanmar does not produce ephedrine and other
precursor chemicals, we consider this to be one of the most important
agreements reached for collaborative efforts as these chemicals are being
constantly smuggled in from neighbouring countries.
Additionally, a three-nation meeting on
control of precursor chemicals was held in Yangon last January where
representatives from Myanmar, India and China participated. As a result, the
respective countries agreed to effectively control these chemicals in
accordance with its own national laws, by-laws and other corresponding decrees
and this is a clear reflection of Myanmar's efforts to operate.
After this meeting of ASEAN Senior Officials
on Drug Matters, we will continue to host the meeting on ASEAN and China
Cooperative Operations in Response to Dangerous Drugs (ACCORD - Task Force III)
and it is my understanding that most of the representatives here and China,
will continue to participate.
I am happy to inform you that at the end of
this ACCORD Task Force 3 meeting, we have organized a 3-day field trip to the
border areas of Myanmar and China where participants will have the opportunity
to see for themselves the situation, meet leaders of the Special Region 1 and 2
and reflect Myanmar's efforts in eradicating drugs, crops substitution programs
and cross-border cooperation with China, in addition to the peace and tranquillity that prevailed there. Last, but not the least,
please take the opportunity and see for yourself as
the saying goes "seeing is believing", he said and the ceremony
ended.
Culture
11th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts
Competitions commence
YANGON, 15 Oct - The Eleventh Myanmar
Traditional Performing Arts Competitions were held at designated places here
this morning.
The song contest was held at the National
Museum on Pyay Road, the dance contest at the
National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung
Street and the song-composing contest at Pantra
School on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road, the xylophone contest
at Kanbawza Theatre on Kaba
Aye Pagoda Road, and the Dobat contest at Padonma Theatre on Bagaya Street
in Sangyoung Township.
The ceremony was attended by Dr Daw Khin Win
Shwe, wife of Prime Minister General Khin Nyunt, Daw Than Than
Nwe, wife of Secretary-1 of the State Peace and
Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win, Daw Khin Thet Htay, wife of Yangon
Division PDC Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, member of Panel of Patrons for observance of the
competitions Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe, Minister for
Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, Vice-Chairman of the
leading committee for observance of the competitions Deputy Minister for
Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, wives of senior
military officers of the Ministry of Defence, Deputy Commander of Yangon
Command Col Wai Lwin,
members of leading committee, work committees, sub-committees and fans.
The song contest was held at the National
Museum on Pyay Road here this morning. The religious
song contest for boys (aged 5-10) was held in the morning and the classical
song contest for girls (higher education level) in the afternoon. Chairperson
of Judges Assistant Director Daw Tin Tin Mya and Secretary Assistant Engineer Daw May Pyone Khaing of MRTV and members
made judgements on the performances. Contestants were
Maung Sithu Tun of Taninthayi Division, Maung Wunna
of Mon State, Maung Lwin Aung Phyo
of Kachin State, Saw Aung Kyaw Zin
of Kayin State, Maung Zin
Min Lat of Magway Division, Maung Han Lin Aung of
Mandalay Division, Maung Aung Phyo Kyaw of Yangon
Division, Maung Chan Phyo of Sagaing
Division, Maung Phone Myint of Rakhine
State, Maung Tin Ko Win of Mandalay Division, Maung
Lin Htet Kyaw of Bago
Division, Maung Aung Pyay Sone
of Shan State and Maung Sithu Htet
Aung of Yangon Division.
The song contest for girls (higher education
level) was held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in the afternoon. Contestants were Ma Nway Nway Thiri
Aung of Shan State, Ma Za Za
Tun of Kachin State, Mi
Chan Mya Nyein of Mon
State, Ma Chaw Su Win of Magway Division, Ma Tin Tin Nyo of Ayeyawady
Division, Ma Htet Htet Maw
of Yangon Division, Ma Sein Shwe Mya
of Sagaing Division, Ma Chaw Nu
Win of Mandalay Division, Ma Thida Moe of Rakhine State, Ma The Mo Mo San
of Mandalay Division, Ma Khin Thu Thu Win of Bago Division and Ma Mi Mi Swe of
Taninthayi Division.
Maha Gita song contest for girls
(higher education level) will be held tomorrow morning and Maha
Gita song contest for boys (aged 5-10) in the afternoon.
The dance contest was held at the National
Theatre on Myoma Kyaung
Street in Dagon Township this morning. Chairperson of Judges Wunna Kyaw Htin U Sein Aung Min, Secretary Daw Mu Mu Khin and members made judgements
on the performances. Contests to dance contest for girls (professional level)
were Daw Hayman Oo of Mandalay Division, Ma Bo Ma of
Yangon Division, Daw Sein Nwe
Yee of Ayeyawady Division, Ma Hnin
Hnin Wai of Sagaing Division, Daw Thanda Lin
of Yangon Division, Daw San San Htwe
(a) Hteik Tin Lin of Mandalay Division, Daw May Ki Ki Tun
of Mandalay Division and Ma Nway Nway
Kabya of Mon State.
Contestants to dance contest for men (aged
15-20) held in the afternoon were Satin Than Aye of Ayeyawady
Division, Maung Than Soe of Mandalay Division, Maung Zin Min Oo of Mon State, Maung Min Kyaw Thu of Taninthayi Division, Maung Kyaw Lin of Shan State, Saw Kyaw
Lin Soe (Myainggyingu) of Kayin State, Maung Nay Win Htut
of Bago Division, Maung Zin
Myo Win of Kayin State, Maung Hein Htet (a) Maung Than Hlaing and
Maung Chit Lu Lu of Yangon Division and Maung Aung
Chan Win of Mandalay Division.
On 15 October dance contest for men (amateur
level) will be held in the morning and dance contest for girls (aged 10-15) in
the afternoon. The song-composing contest was held at Kanbawza
Theatre on Kaba Aye pagoda Road this morning.
Contestants to basic education level (aged 10-15) contest were Maung Htet Aung Lin of Kachin State, Ma
Khin Nyein Chan Ko of Kayah State, Ma Lawun Thawda of Mon State, Maung Thein
Bo Bo of Sagaing Division,
Ma Aye Myat Myat Myo of Taninthayi Division, Ma Honey Ni Naing
of Bago Division, Ma Pwint Phyu of Mandalay Division, Ma Yee Yee
Pyone of Mandalay Division, Ma Su Ywet
Wai of Yangon Division, Maung Lu Lu
Hlaing Win of Yangon Division and Ma Phyo Thanda Khin of Ayeyawady Division.
At the music contest (amateur level),
contestants were Daw Mi Mi Aung of Kachin State, U Maung Win of Kayah
State, U Saw San Aye (Myainggyingu) of Kayin State, Maung Zaw Min Latt of Chin State, U Thaung Myint Tun of Rakhine
State, U Win Hlaing of Shan State.
At the song-composing contest, Bogalay Tint Aung members made judgements
on the performances.
On 15 October, basic education level (aged
15-20) music contest and professional level music contest will be held.
The xylophone contest was held at Kanbawza Theatre of the Fine Arts Department this morning.
Contestants to the xylophone contest for boys
(aged 5 - 10) were Maung Aung San Min (a) Hay Myanmar Sein
Kyet Tho of Yangon
Division, Maung Yan Paing
of Mandalay Division, Maung Kyaw Thura Win of
Mandalay Division, Maung Chit Ko Ko
Soe of Yangon Division, Maung Aung Zaw Min of Rakhine State, Maung Htoo Ko Lwin
of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Aung Ko
Ko of Magway Division,
Maung Zin Min Han of Chin State, Maung Win Ko Ko of Sagaing
Division, Maung Nan Oo Htet of Bago
Division and Khun Thet Naing Soe of Shan State.
In the afternoon, the xylophone contest for
girls (aged 5-10) was held. Contestants were Ma Hsu That Thazin
of Ayeyawady Division, Ma May Thu Win of Rakhine State, Ma Chit Su Wai
Satin of Yangon Division, Ma Shwe Yee Hsaung of Taninthayi Division, Ma Po Po Thiri Lwin of Mandalay Division,
Ma Kaytha Yu of Mandalay Division, Ma Khine Su Wai of Shan State, Ma Zarni Nan Lwin of Yangon Division,
Ma Aye Chan Moe of Sagaing Division, Ma Khin Bo Bo Han of Chin State, Ma Zinma Phyo of Bago Division, Ma Aye Mon
Thi of Kayah State and Ma Wathun Myet Chae
of Kachin State.
U Yay Nwe and members made judgements
on the performances.
On 15 October, the guitar contest for boys of
basic education level (aged 5-10), the guitar contest for girls of basic
education level (aged 5-10), the amateur level contest
will be held. The instrument playing contest was held at Padonma
Theatre on
At Dobat contest,
Maung Zaw Win and group of Mandalay Division, Maung Ayeya Aung and Maung Chit Soe Wai group of Ayeyawady Division,
Maung Kyaw Nyein Chan and group of Yangon Division,
Maung Aung Than Zaw and
group of Sagaing Division and Maung Aung Kyaw Khaing of Mandalay Division took part in the contest.
U Sein Ba Maw and members made judgements
on the performances.
In the afternoon, the basic education level Dabat contest (aged 15-20) was held. Contestants were Maung
Ye Win Htun and group of Sagaing
Division, Maung Aung Moe Oo and group of Mandalay Division, Maung Star Bo Htet and group of Yangon Division and Maung Pyay Phyo Zaw
of Mandalay Division.
U Sein Kala and members made judgements
on the performances.
Sport
C-in-C (Air)'s Volleyball Championship opened
Also present on the occasion were Commander of
Meiktila Station Brig-Gen Khin Maung Aye, Commander
of Ground Training Air Base Col Thura Khin Maung Win,
military officers and other ranks.