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Senior General Than Shwe visits Manaungmyin Pyidawbyan Buddha Image, pays reverence to the remains of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khamavudha in Ayayawady Division
Yangon, 18 Oct - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe, left here by car and arrived at Bo Myat Tun Bridge in Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyawady Division, at 9.10 am yesterday.The Senior General and party offered water, flowers and fruits, and paid homage to the image. They also offered gold foils, incensed sticks and lights to the image. After that, the Senior General signed in the visitors' book. Next, the Senior General presented cash donations to the funds of the image through the members of the pagoda board of trustees, who then presented a picture of the image to him.
Then, the Senior General and party inspected renovation of Gandhakutitaik of the image and the stairway. Later, Senior General Than Shwe and party went to Hinthada.
They were welcomed there by Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Deputy Commander of South-West Command Brig-Gen Tint Swe and officials.
They visited Ledi Kyaungtaik in Hinthada and paid homage to the remains of Dhammanu Dhamma Maha Dwara Nikaya 12th Sasanabaing the fifth Presiding Nayaka of the Kyaungtaik Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotika Bhaddanta Khamavudha, aged 92 and Vasa 72. The Sayadaw passed away at 6.31 pm on 28 September 2002 (Saturday).
The Senior General and party paid respects to the nine Ovadacariya Sayadaws organizing the final rites of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khamavudha, led by Dhammanu Dhamma Maha Dwara Nikaya Sasanabaing Presiding Nayaka of Mahitayon Kyaungtaik in Hinthada Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Sangha Nayaka Committee (Maha Dwara) Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Indriyasabha. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indriyasabha administered the Five Precepts. The Senior General presented provisions and offertories to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indriyasabha.
Then, the members of the State Peace and Development Council and the ministers presented offertories to the Sayadaws. Afterwards, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indriyasabha delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained. The Senior General and party paid reverence again to the remains of Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khamavudha. In the afternoon, the Senior General and party went to Wakema Bridge Construction Project in Wakema Township, where they were welcomed by Deputy Minister for Construction Brig-Gen Myint Thein and departmental officials. They proceeded to Lanthamaing Bridge Construction Project on Wakema-Kyonmange Road. Deputy Superintending Engineer of the Bridge Construction Project Special Group (7) of Public Works U Khin Maung Hse reported on progress of work.
Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun gave a supplementary report on the project. The Senior General gave instructions on timely completion of the project. The 220 feet long and 18 feet wide concrete bridge is on Yangon-Pantanaw-Shwelaung-Wakema-Kyonmange Road. Its clearance area is 24 feet high and 29 feet wide. It can withstand 20-ton loads. They headed for Wakema Bridge Construction Project and inspected progress in construction of the bridge in Wakema River. They then inspected progress in construction of the approach bridge on Htawkanut Ward side and the main bridge.
Minister Maj-Gen Saw Tun and officials reported on progress in construction of the approach bridge on Ywale Ward side. The Senior General gave necessary guidance. At the briefing hall, the minister reported on the project, location of the bridge, tasks being carried out and work progress.
After giving necessary guidance to the officials, the Senior General inspected the scale model of the bridge, and the map showing the roads and bridges in Ayeyawady Division. The main bridge is 600 feet long bailey type suspension one. The upper structure of the approach bridge is built of iron frames. The total length of the bridge is 3,020 feet. It has a 24 feet wide motorway and two four feet wide pedestrian lanes. It can withstand 60-ton loads. On Yangon-Pantanaw-Shwelaung-Wakema-Kyonmange Road, the Shwelaung Bridge has been constructed and the Wakema and Lanthamaing Bridges are under construction. It takes 24 hours to travel between Yangon and Wakema. On completion of the three bridges, it will take only a short time.
The Senior General and party arrived back here in the evening. Senior General Than Shwe inspected the bridge construction projects being implemented for smooth transport in Ayeyawady Division endowed with rivers and creeks. On his tour of Ayeyawady Division, the Senior General inspected cultivation of paddy which is thriving in Nyaungdon, Zalun, Hinthada and Wakema Townships and gave instructions to the officials, saying that such roads and bridges were being built in the division and the transportation becomes smooth.
As a result, it will contribute towards speedy transport of the agricultural produce to the markets easily. In conclusion, he called for doing researches in order to cultivate two-month crops as both farmers and consumers can gain benefits if cultivation of such short-term crops is successful.
Ministries urged to cooperate with MNWCWA to successfully fulfil requirements of women's sector Exhibition on the Endeavours of Myanmar Women to be held to help refute slanderous accusations
Yangon, 18 Oct - Patron of Myanmar National Committee for Women's Affairs Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt addressed the meeting to discuss holding of the Exhibition on Endeavours of Myanmar Women at Zeya Thiri Beikman here this evening.
The report on the finds and achievements of the team which made field tours of Mon and Kayin States were also explained at the meeting. Presenting the report, member of the MNCWA and the Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe said the team led by her visited the states from 4 to 8 September 2002, meeting locals and explaining the endeavours to develop the women's sector and to prevent young women from working in the other country.
The team met members of Mon State Working Committee for Women's Affairs in Mawlamyine, Mon State, on 4 September morning, and in the afternoon, it met with local authorities, departmental personnel, members of Myanmar War Veterans Organization, officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross, national race leaders, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Township Women's Affairs Working Committee, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross, Auxiliary Fire brigade, nurses, faculty members and students of Education University, Mon, Kayin and Pa-O national races totaling over 1,200. Over 300 persons attended the work coordination meeting held in Thanbyu-zayat the next day. The team met members of the Women's Affairs Committees and Maternal and Child Welfare Association, towns elders and others totaling 500 from 23 villages in Mudon Township.
The team leader explained the crime of trafficking in young women and children and measures to curb the crime. Members of the nine working groups also met with the local people. Nearly 540 persons attended the meeting held in Mudon. The team met members of Kayin State Working Committee for Women's Affairs in Hpa-an, Kayin State, on 6 September morning, and in the afternoon, it met with local authorities, departmental personnel, members of Myanmar War Veterans Organization, officials of the International Committee of the Red Cross, national race leaders, members of Union Solidarity and Development Association, Township Women's Affairs Working Committee, Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Red Cross, Auxiliary Fire brigade, nurses and national races totaling about 750.
Over 300 persons attended the work coordination meeting held in Indu village. The next day, the team met members of the Kawkareik Women's Affairs Committee, towns elders and local people totaling 560. At the meeting with village women's affairs committees in the surrounding areas of Kyondoe, the team held discussions with over 400 people. The team also held a meeting in Nyeinchanye Ywathit (Phayagon) with the participation of over 200. In Mon State, 429 persons were consulted and sent back to their homes during the period from 2000 to August 2002.
The majority of them were from Mon State with others from Yangon, Magway, Mandalay and Sagaing Divisions and Kayin State. Twenty-two human trafficking brokers were arrested and 13-punished during the period from 2000 to August 2002. The courts are hearing the cases of the remaining ones.
In Kayin State, 8,456 men and 8,100 women were consulted and sent back to their homes during the period from 2000 to August 2002. Forty-six human trafficking brokers were arrested and 27 punished during the period from 2000 to August 2002. The courts are hearing the cases of the remaining ones. Training of Service Providers for Trafficking in Women and Children were conducted in the two states. Economic zones have been set up to prevent youths from going to work abroad. Educative campaigns have been launched by the women's affairs committees at different levels on a wider scale. Information on the poor young women and the activities of the brokers have been under constant watch. Educative talks have been held sector-wise.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt said the destructive elements opposing Myanmar are launching slanderous accusations against the country. The destructive groups formed with fugitives, and the insurgent groups taking refuge in the neighboring countries are creating fabrications to tarnish the reputation of the nation and the people. The internal destructive elements and the external destructive elements are launching slanders in a harmonious way. Although the accusations were made by mentioning the names of the alleged victims and places, peoples with such names have never existed in the places. But the slanders can mislead the persons who did not know about Myanmar well. These persons might think that bad situations were occurring in Myanmar. In addition to applying the diplomatic means and the media means, the NGOs will have to take part to refute the accusations. Cases such as oppression or discrimination of women have never occurred in Myanmar.
Myanmar women have fully enjoyed their rights since time immemorial. The aim of the exhibition is to show that women enjoy equal rights with men, the outstanding accomplishments of women, harmonious efforts being made to develop the women's sector. Thus, the exhibition will have to be held to realize the aim and to refute the slanderous accusations. The ministries are urged to cooperate with the MNWCWA to successfully fulfil the requirements of the women's sector the team had found during the tour. Officials should make harmonious efforts to refute the accusations through the diplomatic means, the media and the social organizations and to hold the exhibition on a grand scale.
Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa and other participants also took part in the discussions.
The Secretary-1 inspected the arrangements to hold the exhibition and gave instructions.
Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions commence
Thanks to Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, majority of youths today are cherishing and studying Myanmar culture but some youth sections are seen to be hankering after wanton, licentious alien ways and attires that are not neat, decent or grand but revealing, in a wrong wayYangon, 18 Oct - The 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions were held at the National Theatre on Myoma Kyaung Street in Dagon Township here this morning, with an address by Patron for Organizing the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt.
First, the opening ceremony was held in front of the National Theatre at 7 am. Patron for Organizing the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and members of Panel of Patrons, the Chairman of Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions and the Leading Committee members, members of the Organizing Committee, the Chairmen of the Sub-Committees and members, guests, the managers of teams from states and divisions and contestants, the contestant girls in national costumes from states and divisions, and the contestant girls in competing dresses from the states and divisions took the designated positions.
U Hla Win, Daw Tin Tin Mya and Daw Thida Swe of Myanma Radio and Television acted as masters of ceremonies and read the agendas of the ceremony in Myanmar and English. Then, Member of Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Chairman of Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Maj-Gen Myint Swe reported on arrangements for the Competition.
He said that the Government has been holding the Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions yearly without fail and it reached 10th time this year. The 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions which will be held from 18 October to 4 November 2002 are to be held with six objectives and six levels, he noted. Altogether 2504 contestants will take part in the six levels of the competitions this year and handsome prizes will be given, he stressed. The guitar contest was added in this year's competitions. Arrangements have been made to enable the contestants who adored and preserved Myanma traditional cultural arts to take part in the competitions with peace of mind in accord with the noble objectives, he pointed out and urged the contestants to participate in the competitions with peace of mind as the people are waiting for the competitions with great joy.
Then, Member of Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Chairman of Leading Committee for Organizing the Competition Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung formally opened the Competitions. Next, the opening ceremony was held at the National Theatre. Patron for Organizing the 10th Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt delivered an address. In his address, he said: "I present my greetings to the dignitaries of the Government, departmental heads, diplomats, specially invited guests, judge artistes and participating artistes, with good wishes. May you be joyous in mind and at heart, and May you be ones capable of cherishing, preserving and uplifting their own national culture and endeavouring to raise their own nation and nationality in grandeur. For a country and a people to build a high level of national culture distinctively and firmly in the long history, it is a national prestige that they should be proud of.
Moreover, the fact that they have been preserving their cultural heritage without marring the original characteristics is indicative of national quality that shows the nation and the people's high tradition, and grand pride of national identity and integrity. Today, in a situation where the nations of the world come to be seen as one at a stretch due to advancements in communication techniques, the big nations that can make more effective use of communication techniques are having more opportunities for interference and domination into others' affairs, but for developing countries, they are having to face the dangers of penetration and domination politically, economically, socially and culturally. Even now, some developing, weakly by developing countries are having to face the danger of obliteration of their national characteristics, as could be seen by all.
So, for a developing country like Myanmar, today, it is prerequisite, a dire necessity to safeguard national character and values and patriotic immune systems, so that they will not be drawn into the mire of the tactics of globalization of powerful countries. Emphatically, I would like to ask every citizen not to be lax in national consciousness, but to view all with a national view without fail in appraising all in various fields to avoid falling into the tactics of globalization. So, it must be taken by every citizen that the task of uplifting and preserving the highly cultured national essence and national cultural characteristics is directly linked to the task of perpetuating national sovereignty and not becoming one under the influence of others.
A country having gained independence but having to live a life of inability to fully exercise its sovereignty for being one under the influence of others would be the same as losing its independence. Similarly, a country that has Independence and sovereignty but has lost its culture will get devoured by the culture of others and finally become a country that has lost its Independence. So, I would like to say, just as it is necessary to keep up and raise national consciousness for uplift of national culture, the life and soul that must always be kept alive forever, so also it is necessary to safeguard one's own national culture from being penetrated and overwhelmed by alien ways. It is also necessary for the responsible personnel to bring youths of the country to realize through organization and education that it is an extraordinary quality to have a high national culture of one's own distinctively and grandly and that it is of a high value of safeguard culture through ages in history.
It is also for youths today to know the difference between modernization and development and direct aping of alien cultural ways. Responsible personnel are to take care that they do not in no way make the youths accept rude manners and deceptive thinking of the aliens instead of organizing them to love the lineage and uphold and preserve the traditional culture. Thanks to the Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, the majority of youths today are cherishing and studying Myanmar Culture but some youth sections are seen to be hankering after wanton, licentious alien ways and attires that are not neat, decent or grand but revealing, in a wrong way. Myanmar's preservation of the lineage is made evident by attire that is well known as of Myanmar and also by the Myanmar features distinctly, and Myanmar's poise to keep their own traditional culture.
In the light of the grand national cultural sphere and in the manner of preserving Myanmar lineage throughout the long ages of history, we cannot forget the gratitude that is due to our forefathers, patriots and mentors, and we must also keep up the good traditions. That is why the Cultural Performing Arts Competitions have been held annually by the Government, with a demand for greater quality each year, so that Myanmar youths would come to understand the quality of Myanmar cultural heritage and they become much enthused about Myanmar performing arts, I would like to say. In Myanmar cultural sphere, the arts of singing, dancing, composing and instrument playing have their own distinct styles but in a way, there are interrelation between dancing and playing, playing and singing, singing and composing, exerting control and support for one another. As an example, artistic power of Myanmar dance will depend on the melody of the song, the time beat done artistically, and the style of dancing supported by the style of play.
The dancer has to move in accord with the tune created by the player with dance styles that is artistically attuned to the song by tradition, trying to see the dance patterns with an artistic eye. In other words, dancing is styled after instrument playing, and the instrument player has to choose his tunes in accord with the dance style by means of time beats, major beats and other supporting stances harmoniously. In order that dancing and instrument playing will go harmoniously personalities and artistes will endeavour to bring out real Myanmar music and dances in earnest. As there are singing, dancing, composing and instrument playing in the field of performing arts, there are the theatre and the marionette theatre of high class as well in the field, as it will be seen.
In order that these two genres of marionette theatre and the theatre can be shown vividly, the Thuwunnashan Jataka played in the fifth competition in 1997 in dramatic theatre category will be played again this year in the marionette theatre. Just a dramatic artistes had so well portrayed the value of the truth in the jataka in the competition, the marionette theatre artistes, I believe, will portray the value of truth, Myanmar loyalty and love for truth in this year's competition. In dramatic theatre, Yamayana has always been and still is a story of exemplary conduct for Myanmar people and it will win the hearts of all Myanmar viewers. Yamayana is thriving in various South East Asian nations but Myanmar Yamayana is distinctly and of high class its own, with Myanmar culture embellishments and it is proudly taken as truly Myanmar.
Yamayana has been with Myanmar people since its early Bagan period and is filled with art, sculpture, Pantaw, Pantamaw, Panyun, Shwechido, literature and poetry and it is also borne in drama form as truly Myanmar dramatic story so much so that it has stood for years by the thousand, and its characters like Yama, Lekkhana and Thida Dewi have become examples to live by with specialty. For this year, Yama Pyiazattawgyi written by Nemyo Nataka Kyaw Gaung that is most complete in story, screen play, professional dialogues, and musical renditions have been prescribed with extensive displays, and so it is hoped that the groups in competition will be able to play it most artistically. Of all the figures in Yamayana, the character that has the greatest attraction is the deer. It is not very prominent in other Yamayana stories of South East Asia but it is so prominent in Myanmar, it is learnt from Myanmar maestro.
Especially, the deer dance while sitting is said to be most extraordinary. Myanmar's deer is natural, active and merry, it is most pleasing to look at and that is why it draws the attraction of all. So, it has been decided to grant a prize for the deer this year. A special feature in prize distribution is to give incentive to the States and Divisions with not many competitors is to grant them special prizes if deserving, though not the regular prizes. Other than that, the outstanding feature this year is the introduction of Myanmar guitar in the instrument playing category. In the singing competitions, old songs and religious songs have been inserted from the start and together with them had come the popularity of mandolin, the guitar and the banjo. In pre-War days of pre-Independence in Myanmar at a time when the national spirit of Myanmars was at its highest.
Myanmar musicians had composed songs that portrayed patriotism, Myanmar ways and religious songs that appeal most to Myanmars, in hordes. It was found that old time songs we call today were songs of current times then with novel methods of producing gramophone records played with the mandolin, guitar, banjo and concertina, and they had spread far and wide among the people right to the outskirt of the country. All these instruments like the mandolin, guitar, banjo and concertina had nearly gone into extinction but they were revived as background music in the singing competitions of this Cultural Performing Arts Show. Taking opportunity of this, the mandolin was introduced as a playing instrument last year and there came forth a good number of mandolin players vying for the best awards.
This is the success that prompted the authorities to introduce another new instrument namely the guitar in the playing instruments category. Just as the competitions are gaining in momentum from year to year, so also their qualities have been rising from year to year. Likewise, the good results of the competitions have permeated into the youths of the new generation and admirers of Myanmar culture too are growing from day to day, it may be seen with great pride. So I would like to urged all departmental officials, maestros of arts and culture, judge artists and participating artists to make a success of the competitions for further heightening the successful momentum of the competitions, together with all art and culture lovers in unity.
In closing, I would like to urge the authorities and the maestros
-to strive by means of their qualities with their own culture, art, and national characters to keep Myanmar proudly and grandly within the comity of world nations
-to strive by means of their qualities to raise the national pride of Myanmars while cherishing and upholding Myanmar traditional culture that has been in vogue for years countable by the thousand
-to strive by means of their qualities to fill youths of today with national immune system so as to ward off infiltration of alien ways and strive for perpetuation of national characters.The artistes of the Fine Arts Department presented dances with the accompaniment of songs by members of Panel of Judges vocalists, which brought the ceremony to a close.
After the ceremony, the Secretary-1 and party viewed the dance competition of professional level girls at the National Theatre.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt enjoys the competitions
Tenth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions beginYangon, 18 Oct - The tenth Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, that makes the Union of Myanmar stand proud and firm among the world nations and vitalize the own culture, own arts and own national characteristics of Myanmar nationals, were held at designated places in Yangon 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; the song-composing contest at the Pantra School on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road; the mandolin music contest at the Kambawza Theatre on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road; and the do bat music contest at the Padonma Theatre on Bagaya Road.
Among those who enjoyed the contests were Patron for Organizing the 10th Myanma Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, members of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein and Quartermaster-General Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, member of the Panel of Patrons for Organizing the Competitions Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers, the chief justice, the attorney-general, the auditor-general, the Yangon mayor, deputy ministers, the vice-chief justice, members of the Civil Service Selection Board, members of the Leading Committee for the Competitions, work committees and subcommittees, and enthusiasts.
The song contest started at 9 am today at the National Museum on Pyay Road in Yangon. The Dhamma song contest at basic education level for girls at the 15-20 age group were held in the morning; and the classical song contest for boys at the 10-15 age group, in the afternoon.
Chairperson of the Panel of judges Daw Tin Tin Mya of Myanmar Radio and Television and Secretary Daw May Pyone Khaing and members made judgments on the performances. Ma Thawda Chan Myeh of Mandalay Division, Ma Htet Htet Aung of Yangon Division, Ma Saung Thazin of Kayin State, Ma Leh Leh Win of Kachin State, Ma Khaing Ni Lin of Taninthayi Division, Ma Khin Mya Thet Hnin of Yangon Division, Ma Nway Nway Thiri Aung of Shan State, Ma Soe Soe Khaing of Mon State, Ma Wa Wa Nwe of Mandalay Division, Ma Nwe Nwe Oo of Magway Division, Ma Thazin Soe of Chin State, Ma May Sanda Win of Sagaing Division, Ma Chawsu San of Ayeyawady Division, Ma Hnya Sein Khaing of Rakhine State and Ma Hay Man Soe Moe of Bago Division, totalling 15 took part with "Myat Thingan" song in the Dhamma song contest.
In the afternoon, Maung Aung Kyi Phyoe of Kachin State, Maung Paing Phyoe Ko of Rakhine State, Maung Than Myat Soe of Sagaing Division, Maung Pyayh Phyoe Pwint of Magway Division, Maung Aung Soe Lwin Lwin of Kayah State, Maung Pyayh Phyoe Kyaw of Kayin State, Maung Chan Nyein of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Yan Lin Paing of Yangon Division, Maung Di Ye Lin of Taninthayi Division, Maung Yan Min Aung of Mon State, Maung Myat Ko Ko of Mandalay, Maung Tun Min Oo of Shan State, Maung Myo Nyi Nyi Naw of Chin State, Maung Thiha Lin of Bago Division, Maung Thit Te of Mandalay Division and Maung Hein Htoo Zaw of Yangon Division competed in the classical song contest with the "Phoke-thwin-ya-hta" song.
Tomorrow morning, the Maha Gita song contest at professional level for man will be held at the same venue and the Maha Gita song contest at basic education level for girls at the 15-20 age group in the afternoon. The dance contest started at 8.15 am today at the National Theatre in Dagon Township. U Sein Aung Min took the chairmanship of the panel of judges for the dance contest and Secretary of judges panel Daw Mu Mu Khin acted as the presenter. Daw San San Htwe of Mandalay Division, Daw Ei Shwe Zin of Yangon Division, Daw Zin Mar Aung of Sagaing Division, Mi Nan Naing Naing Shwe Si of Mon State, Daw Myit Zu Thin of Magway Division, Daw Hay Man Oo of Mandalay Division and Daw Aye Aye Maw of Yangon Division competed in the women's dance contest at professional level. Then, the morning session of the contest went into recess.
In the afternoon, Maung Saing Ye Htet Win of Shan State, Maung Thant Zin Tun of Yangon Division, Maung Aung Chan Win of Mandalay Division, Maung Aung Thu Tun of Sagaing Division, Maung Sithu Ko Ko Win of Magway Division, Maung Saw Kyaw Khaung Kha Lein of Kayin State, Maung Min Paing Soe of Taninthayi Division, Maung Saing Nyi Nyi Shein of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Nay Win Htut of Bago Division, Maung Phone Myint Zaw of Yangon Division, Maung Pyi Phyoe Aung of Kachin State, Maung Aung Min Tun of Mon State, Maung No Lyan Htan of Chin State, Maung Myo Thiha of Mandalay Division, Maung Phyo Zaw Lin of Rakhine State and Maung Thura Oo of Kayah State participated in the dance contest at basic education level for boys at the 10-15 age group.
The men's dance contest at advanced education level and the women's dance contest at basic education level at the 15-20 age group will continue tomorrow at the same venue. The song-composing contest at basic education level at the 5-10 and 10-15 age groups took place at the Pantra School of the Fine Arts Department in Bahan Township this morning.
Maung Htet Aung Lin of Kachin State, Nan Thet Hmu Kywe of Kayah State, Maung Kaung Htet Kyaw of Rakhine State, Ma Hnin Yu Yu Aung of Bago Division, Ma May Theint Kyaw of Magway Division, Ma Nanda Wut Yee of Mandalay Division, Ma Zar Ni Khine of Mandalay Division, Ma Hay Thi Myat Noe of Yangon Division, Ma Ei Myat Mon of Yangon Division and Maung Kyaw Khaing Htet of Ayeyawady Division competed in the song-composing contest at the 5-10 age group.
Ma May Thu Sein Win of Kachin State, Maung Khun Zani Tin Kywe of Kayah State, Maung Myat Min of Kayin State, Maung Pyaye Sone Ko of Chin State, Lu Lu Hlaing Win of Rakhine State, Ma Thint Myat Aung of Sagaing Division, Ma Myat Theingi Win of Taninthayi Division, Ma Shwe Mi Mi Aung of Bago Division, Maung Wai Yan Oo of Magway Division, Ma Phyu Thi Han of Mandalay Division, Maung Zin Min Oo of Mandalay Division, Ma Hsuyee Ko Ko of Yangon Division, Ma Phu Phu Thant of Yangon Division and Ma Phyoe Thinza Khin of Ayeyawady Division competed in the song-composing contest at the 10-15 age group.
The song-composing contest at basic education level at the 15-20 age group and at the advanced education level will continue at the same venue tomorrow. The music contest was held at the Padonma Theatre in Sangyoung Township today. U Saw Tun and troupe of Mandalay Division, Maung Zaw Min Tun and troupe of Bago Division, U Htay Lwin and troupe of Sagaing Division, Maung Tun Tun Win and troupe of Yangon Division, U Lu Maw and troupe of Mandalay Division, U Myint Wai and troupe of Ayeyawady Division and Maung Thein Win Tun and troupe of Yangon Division competed in the dobat music contest at amateur level.
Later, the morning session of the competition went into recess. In the afternoon, Maung Yan Kyaw and troupe of Mandalay Division, Maung Min Thein Kha and troupe of Sagaing Division, Maung Kaung Zaw and troupe of Yangon Division, Maung Bo Bo and troupe of Ayeyawady Division, Maung Kaung Myat Thu and troupe of Yangon Division and Maung Phyoe Min Soe and troupe of Mandalay Division competed in the dobat music contest at basic education level at the 5-10 age group. The panel of judges led by U Sein Ba Maw made judgments at the dobat music contest.
The men's group orchestra music contests will be held tomorrow at the same venue. The mandolin music contest took place at the Kambawza Theatre in Bahan Township this morning. U Kyi Shwe of Yangon Division, U Aye Yi of Ayeyawady Division, U Kyaw Win of Bago Division, Guitar Aung Shein of Yangon Division and U Myo Myint Than of Sagaing Division competed in the men's mandolin music contest.
Later, the morning session of the contest went into recess. In the afternoon, Kyaw San Min of Sagaing Division, Han Win Aung of Yangon Division, Win Lwin Oo of Ayeyawady Division, Myo Swe Thant of Yangon Division and Thu Naing Win of Bago Division competed in the men's mandolin music contest at basic education level at the 15-20 age group. The guitar music contests at professional level and at basic education level at the 15-20 age group will be held tomorrow at the same venue.
Leading Committee for Organizing 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day meets
Yangon, 18 Oct - The Leading Committee for Organizing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day held its first coordination meeting at the meeting hall of Yangon Command this afternoon.
Chairman of the committee Member of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Armed Forces Training Lt-Gen Kyaw Win delivered a speech on the occasion. Then, Secretary of the Leading Committee Col Khin Soe read out the resolutions passed at the meeting for Organizing the 57th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Next, Chairman of the Management Committee Maj-Gen Myint Swe reported on tasks carried out by the Management Committee.
Afterwards, chairmen of the respective committees and the work committee and officials reported on tasks to be carried out committee-wise, followed by a general round of discussions. The meeting ended with concluding remarks by the chairman of the Leading Committee.
Rules for 58th Armed Forces Day Poetry Competition announced
Yangon, 18 Oct - Honouring of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on March 27, 2003, a poetry competition to be held by the Observance Committee for Poems and Arts Competitions chaired by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htilar Sitthu) was announced today.
Rules are as follows: Competitors are to reflect the objectives of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and fine traditions of the Tatmadaw historical events that featured national characteristics of the Konbaung Era (AD 1824), the Independence Era (from 1948 to 1988) and the State Peace and Development Council Era , religious undertakings, nation-building endeavours, efforts to ensure peace and the drug elimination activities of the State Peace and Development Council. The poem contest is divided into two categories professional one and novice one.
Prize-winners of the Armed Forces Commemorative Day Poem Competitions and the National Motto and Poem Competitions, the Sarpay Beikman Manuscript Award winners and the prize-winners (poem) of Pakokku U Ohn Pe Literary Award and the National Literary Award winners are to take part in the professional level competitions and those who have never won these prizes and awards are to participate in the novice one. But those who have ever won these prizes and awards, on their own accord, may take part in the professional level. It is needed to send the entry, systematically composed and clearly written on one side of the page and two copies also needed to be sent.
The entry must be own creation of the contestants. Name, pen name, parents' names, educational qualifications, occupation and address are to be sent together with two postcard-size colour photos to Lt-Col Ohn Maung (Retd) (Myinmu Maung Naing Moe), Chief Editor of Naing-Ngan Gonyi Publishing House, No 529/531, Merchant Road, Sarpay Beikman Building, Yangon, not later than 31 January 2003.
State Lottery prizes to be drawn on 1 Nov
Yangon, 18 Oct - The prizes of the 166th State Lottery will be drawn at the hall of Aungbalay Lottery Branch at No 384, corner of Mahabandoola and 37th Streets, Kyauktada Township, from 9 am to 4 pm in one day on 1 November. The prizes include one K 30 million prize, 28 K 5 million prizes, 11 K 2.5 million prizes, 665 K 600,000 prizes, 3 K 500,000 prizes, 6 K 400,000 prizes, 22 K 200,000 prizes, 171 K 100,000 Prizes, 34 K 80,000 prizes, 1,710 K 50,000 prizes, 66 K 40,000 prizes, 493 K 20,000 prizes and 17,100 K 10,000 prizes totalling 20,310 prizes which can be withdrawn beginning 6 November.
Myanmar disabled athletes honoured
Yangon, 18 Oct - The Myanmar disabled athletes, who are going to participate in the competition in Busan, the Republic of Korea, were honoured at Central Hotel this evening.
Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Thein Sein made a speech on the occasion. Then, Vice Adjutant-General Brig-Gen Maung Nyo accepted US$ 200 donated by MD U Aye Okkar Myo of Win First Co Ltd; K 100,000 each by MD U Khin Maung Aye of Network Marketing Ltd and MD U Kyaw Naing of American Vision; K 50,000 each by Haji U Maung Maung Gyi of Shwebontha Co, Haji U Myint Naing of Ngapali Travels & Tours and Haji U Tin Win of Yangon Macca Travels & Tours and US$ 837 by Social Welfare Department. Then, Director Brig-Gen Aung Thein spoke words of thanks.
Later, the dinner was hosted in honour of the selected Myanmar disabled athletes and this reception was organized by Network Co Ltd.
Key tourism role for airline exec
MAJOR Selvakumar, the chief operating officer of Air Mandalay, is the new chairman of one of the nation’s most significant marketing bodies charged with increasing the country’s tourism image. By a show of hands the Myanmar Marketing Committee (MMC) of the Myanmar Tourism Promotion Board elected a new nine-member executive committee chaired by Mr Selvakumar, a Malaysian national, when it met at the Traders Hotel last Thursday. According to the press statement released by MMC, the purpose of the meeting was to elect a new committee for one year and adopt a constitution, which would govern the day to day running of MMC in a transparent and equitable manner. "The first meeting of new executive members will be on October 16 to formulate a plan to promote and market Myanmar," said Mr Selvakumar. The new constitution would provide guidelines for the committee to manage the MMC, and is a clear signal that the marketing committee is finally serious on being expertly organised. Mr Selvakumar’s task comes at crucial time with the Minister of Tourism is stating publicly that it was time for earnest work in a bid to capture one million visitors annually. In his first public statement, Mr Selvakumar’s said his role was to ensure greater awareness about Myanmar’s tourist attractions. Promoting year-round travel, even during the monsoon period, was one of the challenges facing the tourism sector. Referring to the appointment of three Myanmar travel agents to the executive committee, Mr Selva-kumar said: "We want everybody to be involved in the committee, we want all people who have experience or expertise in tourism". Mr Brett Melzer from Balloons Over Bagan was elected as vice chairman, Ms Elly Darley from Inle Princess Resort was elected as secretary and Daw Rita Myint of Taw Win Travel was elected as treasurer. The other executive committee members included Inya Lake hotel’s Mr Suki Singh, Mr Jehan. Wickremesooriya from Kadawgyi Palace Hotel, U Aung Myat Kyaw from Orchestra Travel, U Min Din from Columbus travels and tours, and Traders’ hotel’s Mr Raymond Bragg. The executive members were elected to serve on the committee until the end of 2003, the press statement said. An MMC member, Mr Franz Fisher, the country manager at Diethelm Travel Company welcomed the adoption of a new constitution. "Our company would give the maximum support not only for the MMC but also for UMTA (Union of Myanmar Travel Association)," said Mr Fischer. "But the annual membership fees of US$400 is too high for most small local companies. In my opinion, it should be considerably reduced in order to attract more members," he said. Myanmar Marketing Committee has 30 members from all sections of the tourism industry, including the members of UMTA.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Tour operators, ecologists agree on need to conserve mangrove forests
TOUR operators and ecologists rarely find themselves sitting on the same side of the fence. But as Myanmar prepares for the tourist high season – which accounts for most the 200,000 foreigners who visit each year – ecologists are happy to discover that the tourism sector is among their most vocal supporters, at least on the issue of conserving mangrove forests. Mangrove forests are among the world’s most important ecosystems. They provide a habitat for a diverse range of creatures, act as a filter which helps to keep the sea clean and protect coastal areas from the effects of bad weather. They are also important for the survival of offshore coral reefs. Mangroves are under threat throughout the world and more than half of the forests have been depleted. Myanmar is fortunate to have vast mangrove forests but they are being rapidly thinned. For example, more than 82 per cent of the mangrove forests in Ayeyarwaddy Division were depleted between 1924 and 1999, according to figures from the highly-regarded non-government organisa-tion, the Forest Resource Environment Development and Conservation Association, FREDA. Even in areas where they receive government protection, mangrove forests are being destroyed. As a recent report by FREDA noted: "Forest law (can) not over-rule the social and economic needs of the people." Mangrove trees are cut down for fuel and to produce charcoal. Mangroves forests are cleared to make way for paddy fields and, increasingly, shrimp farms. The growth of the shrimp farming industry is a concern for ecologists. They cite Fisheries Department figures which show that the value of shrimp exports for the five months to August 31 rose from almost US$40 million in 2001 to $42.5 million this year. Tourism experts are more worried about the effect of deforestation on the natural beauty and wildlife diversity of coastal areas. Fewer mangrove forests mean fewer dolphins, fewer crocodiles, and fewer birds. Fewer animals means fewer ecotourists. Dr Thomas Bauer, assistant professor at the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, stressed the importance of protecting mangroves during a telephone interview withMyanmar Times last week. "In a world where nature is being pushed back more and more to make way for development and ‘progress’, mangroves, together with their associated ecosystems such as rainforests, must be protected," Dr Bauer said.
He referred to one of Hong Kong’s most successful ecotourism sites, the Mai Po Nature Reserve, where the "migratory birds that make the reserve famous in turn feed on the marine life" sustained by its mangrove forests. Mr Oliver Soe Thet believes that there is enormous potential for developing ecotourism sites along the coast of Rakhine State, an area with which he is familiar through his involvement in the tourism sector. Now with the Treasure Hotel at Ngwe Saung beach, Mr Soe That has also worked at the Bayview Hotel at Ngapoli Beach, further to the west. He said other hotel owners at Ngwe Saung had told him that they had been asked by the government to conserve as many mangrove and coconut trees as possible when developing their projects. "This is an excellent step from the Myanmar government [in terms of] fostering ecotourism of an international standard," he said. Mr Edwin Briels, the marketing and incentive manager at the Exotissimo tour company’s Yangon office, eschews the term ‘ecotourism’. Mr Briels says he prefers the term ‘sustainable tourism’, which he defines as tourism that supports both the environment and traditional ways of life and is the tourist experience that Exotissimo strives to provide. All three echo the advice of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Myanmar Program, which has achieved remarkable success in cooperation with the government in efforts to conserve the forests in the north of the country. The program’s motto is: ‘Protect first and develop later.’ It is a sound principle for ecologists and the tourism industry alike.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Strong Myanmar presence for ‘first ever’ ASEAN trade fair
By Aung Kyaw Tha
AN unprecedented Asean Trade Fair in Bangkok this week will be a first for Myanmar, a Thai embassy official said last week. "This is the first such fair to involve all 10 Asean nations, the first to be hosted by Thailand and the first to include participation by Myanmar," the commercial counsellor at the Thai embassy, Mr Matyawongse Amatyakul, toldMyanmar Times. Nearly 30 Myanmar companies have exhibits at the week-long Asean Trade Fair 2002, which opened on October 14 at the Impact Exhibition Centre at the Muang Thong Thani housing estate in Bangkok’s northern suburbs Most of the companies are involved in the gems, jewellery, furniture and home decoration businesses, Mr Matyawongse said. The aims of the event include promoting Asean products and services on the world market and providing a platform for partnerships among industries in the 10 countries, he said. As well as business exhibits, each Asean country will be represented by a national pavilion, with Myanmar’s featuring a model of a traditional palace. Mr Matyawongse said nearly 800 booths would be featured at the fair, which is being organised by the Thai Commerce Ministry with assistance from the counterpart ministries in the other Asean countries. The fair – a biennual event – will be opened by the Thai Prime Minister, Mr Thaksin Shina-watra, at a ceremony to be attended by Asean commerce ministers. The Myanmar companies taking part in the event include the Ayawaddy (Mandalay), Khine Mingalar, Thurine Ne and Shwe Ingyin gems and jewellery cooperatives, the Than Swe wooden ware and furniture cooperative and the Sun Myanmar (Elephant House) handicrafts company. U Tun Hla Aung from Ayawaddy (Mandalay) Gems and Jewellery cooperative toldMyanmar Timesin telephone interview that 80 Myanmar nationals from the government and private sector would be in Bangkok for the trade fair.
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
Conserving the nation’s resources WASTE not, want not: This was a lesson that was instilled in me as a child by my mother and as teenager by my monk and mentor at the monastery when I was preparing to enter the monkhood as a novice, which all Myanmar boys of the Buddhist faith are required to do on coming of age. As a child my five siblings and I the eldest, had our meals together on a small round low lacquer table known as adaung-lan which also served as a large dish. Each child had his own portion of food and I remember how as a child we would dig into it boisterously. It was also a strict household rule that the one who finished last was responsible for cleaning up, washing and drying the dish-cum-table. I was the oldest but also the slowest eater, and every time, it fell upon me to wash up. My mother seeing this used to be very irritated and knock me on the head saying I was always the last because "I was wasting time unnecessarily".
When I had to live in the monastery to prepare for my novitiation ceremony, it was the same. All the other boys finished their meal first and here again I was left to wash all the dishes. I used to pile the dishes one on top of the other to take them to the tap for washing. On seeing this one day, my mentor, the monk U Dhamma gave me a good caning and I still remember his admonishment, "The bottom of the dishes have now been smeared with oil and food, so that means you have to use more soap and more water to clean them, and it takes longer which is therefore an unnecessary waste of soap and water". Later as an adult, I realised that in my native village in the dry, hot and water sparse Shwebo District, water and soap were precious items. But most precious of all to both my mother and my mentor was the waste of time. In addition to time, which is irretrievable, we should use wisely and not waste money, property wealth and of course our nations resources. Since the time of our parents and forefathers this lesson in thrift has been passed down to us but how many of us adhere to this maxim. If we did, it would benefit each person, each family and the whole nation as well.
As Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe has exhorted us, we are today in the midst of building and reconstructing a new, modernised and developed nation. So especially with regard to the use of electrical power and fuel he has instructed all heads of departments at all levels to economise in its use. Government departments should be the first to set a good example. To economise on the use of electrical power, we should use the natural light of which we have on inexhaustible supply in our country of sunshine and use artificial light only when necessary. In the production and services sector also we should try to use the absolute minimum. In this way we can then fully meet the needs of our industrial and economic zones. The increased supply and distribution would lead to increased production and this would mean open up job opportunities and also bring down cost of living for the people. More electricity generated would further lessen the need to use diesel oil to run machinery and engines.
Among the countries in Southeast Asia, Myanmar was the first to use hydroelectric power. We were able to build the Lawpita Hydroelectric Power Plant and I still remember how filled with joy and pride we were. Our slogan then was: "We shall build a paradise on earth with electrical power." Electrical energy plays a vital role in the State’s economy, especially in commodity production and the social sector. The expansion of production in the economic sector on the one hand and the rise of the standard of living with better health care and educational facilities on the other, all require a greater supply and distribution of electrical power. To meet these necessary demands, the Government, after 1988, has implemented 26 hydro electrical power projects, and 6 projects for the use of natural gas turbines and recycled waste energy.
So 32 new power plants are now supplying much needed electrical energy. Compared to former figure of the supply of electricity has increased three-fold. But, due to the progress made in industry with new factories and plants in the industrial zones, the expansion in the service sector and the population growth that has led to the setting up of new townships with residential buildings, the supply of electrical power cannot yet fully meet demand. The Government is at present implementing short-term plans for enhancing the economy and it is at work on its Third Five-Year Plan covering the period from 2001-2002 to 2005-2006. It is undertaking development of many aspects of the economy, in agriculture, industry, energy, livestock breeding and fisheries to education and health - right down to the rural areas. In an address made at the opening ceremony of a training and refresher course of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, held at the Pyidaungsu Hall of the People’s Public Relations Unit of Hmawbi, Senior General Than Shwe stated, "In order to meet the demands for electrical power of the various sectors, we have made plans for an additional generation of 2000 megawatts of electricity. This together with the electrical power that is being generated now will bring the total amount of electricity generated to 3000 megawatts."
In accordance with the guidance given by the Head of State, the Ministry of Electrical Power, beginning from 2001-2002 up to the present period of the Third Short-Term Plan, has been implementing medium and large electrical power projects in order to produce a further 2000 megawatts. The ministry is working on 21 projects including hydroelectric plants, natural gas turbines, recycled waste heat turbines, diesel turbines, steam and coal burning turbines. Of the many hydroelectric power plants, the Thahpanseik Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant, near the village of die same name in Kyunhla Township, Shwebo District in Sagaing Division was put into commission on 18th June 2002. It has a generating capacity of 30 megawatts. This protect was undertaken at a cost of 1155 million kyats and 20 million dollars approximately. It took four years to complete construction. There are also other hydroelectric power projects underway such as the Paunglaung (capacity 250 megawatts), Monchaung (75 megawatts), Ye Ywa (780 megawatts), Kyunchaung (60 megawatts), Shweli (400 megawatts), and the Sittaung valley hydroelectric power projects such as the Shwe Kyin, Ye Nwe, Hpyu and Khabaung.
Then a coal burning electrical power plant is being constructed with a capacity of 120 megawatts near Pyinthar village in the Teekyit region of Pinlaung Township in Southern Shall State. It is expected to begin operating about September 2003. The target year of completion of all these numerous projects is 2006, by which time over 3000 megawatts will be generated which will more than meet the electrical power needs of the entire country. The State has indeed invested a large amount of capital to fulfill our needs for electrical power. So it is up to us to use this valuable electrical power supply systematically and economically and this will reap the greatest benefit for people and the State. The cost of these projects come from the public treasury but we also owe a debt of gratitude to the government, which despite limited resources has given priority to the needs of the people. The onus is therefore on us to prevent wasteful use of electrical power not only in government offices and private offices but also in our homes. And if we, the public, see any such wastage, it is up to us to take action to stop it. We should also follow to the letter, the rules and regulations regarding the use of electrical power issued by the authorities concerned. Each citizen should therefore cultivate the habit of economizing on electrical power usage with full awareness that this is the right attitude that will benefit all. We should avoid the selfish attitude which maintains, "so long as we can pay our electrical utility bills why shouldn’t we use electrical power whenever we want" without thought for the greater good. Having said that, there is one other point to take note of.
Some of us are apt to go to the other extreme and misinterpret "systematic and thrifty use" to mean not to use electricity at all. If people are prevented from using electric lights for example, when it is already dark then it would surely have adverse effect on our work. And worst of all it would create misunderstanding and resentment among the people. "Economise on the use of electrical power where possible; let there not be wanton waste" is the motto. In this way each of us will be doing our duty and making valuable contributions to the development of a developed and modernised state.Translator: K.K.H
Myanmar Times ( Oct.14-20) , 2002-Vol.7, No. 137 )
For further information, inqueries may kindly be made to the nearest Myanmar Embassies or Consulates(or ) email tomission.myanmar@ties.itu.int
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