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- General Khin Nyunt hoists Hgnetmyetnadaw, Seinbudaw and Htidaw atop Pyay Shwesandaw Pagoda
- Provisions donated to Pyay Taungdan Tawya monasteries in Pyay, Bago Division
- General Khin Nyunt hoists Hgnetmyetnadaw, Seinbudaw and Htidaw atop Pyay Shwesandaw Pagoda
- Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann attends final rites of 12th Dhammanu Dhamma Maha Dwara Nikaya SasanabaingPresiding Nayaka of Ledi Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khamavudha in Hinthada
- Abhidhamma Day observed at famous pagodas in Yangon
- Abhidhamma Propagation Association observes 54th Abhidhamma Day
- Abhidhamma Day observed in Kaba Aye
- U Than Tun appointed as Ambassador to Maldives concurrently
- Chinese pilgrims donate offertories
- Lt-Gen Maung Bo meets oil palm entrepreneurs in Taninthayi Division
- Energy Minister inspects oil and natural gas fields
- Commander inspects hostels of performing arts contestants
- Minister attends 50th Anniversary of BEHS in Mahline
- Heroin seized in Phakant
SPOTLIGHT
General Khin Nyunt hoists Hgnetmyetnadaw, Seinbudaw and Htidaw atop Pyay Shwesandaw Pagoda
Yangon, 21 Oct - The ceremony to hoist Hgnetmyetnadaw, Seinbudaw and Htidaw atop the Layzudatpyaw Shwesandaw Pagoda in Pyay, Bago Division, was held at Kyarpyan Ma Kauk prayer hall on the pagoda platform at 7.30 am today.
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and hoisted the Htidaw atop the pagoda. At the ceremony, Staff Officer of the Ministry of Religious Affairs U San Thin Hlaing acted as the MC. The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, Ovadacariya of Shwesandaw Pagoda Chairman of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Rewata administered the Nine Precepts.
After accepting Paritta flowers donated by the disciples, members of the Sangha recited Parittas. The Paritta flowers and water were scattered and sprinkled on the Pagoda platform. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt then supplicated on religious matters. He said four sacred hair relics of Gotama Buddha as well as Dugokdaw, Enthakaikdaw and Thingandaw (sacred robes) and hair relics of the previous Buddhas were enshrined in the Pyay Shwesandaw Pagoda.
The pagoda was called Lay-zudatpyaw Shwesandaw as the four kinds of sacred relics of the Buddhas were enshrined in it. In Maha Year 103, under the leadership of Azika and Balika, town merchant brothers, the 10.5 feet high Shwesandaw pagoda was built at the top of the Sudathana Mountain. In Sasana Year 126, King Doottabaung rebuilt the pagoda to be 99 feet high. In Bagan era, King Kyansittha again rebuilt the pagoda to be 126 feet high which is the present height of the pagoda. In 1277 ME (1915 AD), the present Htidaw was hoisted. As it is 87 years old, it has weaknesses.
The existing Htidaw is of ordinary iron type and would not last very long. Findings of the engineers revealed that a new Htidaw was necessary to be offered. The new Htidaw is of stainless steel type and will not become rusty and it will last for more than a century. Moreover, in making a new Htidaw which is similar to the Htidaw of the Shwedagon Pagoda, offering of gold has been done not in a traditional way. Gold sheets were placed on the bronze sheets with gold pins for durability for over a century. In offering gold sheets, about 15 viss of gold was used.
The Seinbudaw and Hgnetmyetnadaw were slightly renovated for durability and offered. About K 400 million was spent on offering the new Htidaw. Wellwishers donated enough cash for the pagoda in a short time. It is amazing to know the generosity of the Myanmar citizens. Under the leadership of the State Peace and Development Council, well-wishers have not only renovated ancient historical pagodas and monasteries all over the country but also built pagodas at home and in foreign countries where there are no pagodas. Due to these good deeds, we'd like to attain the nirvana and before attaining the nirvana, we'd like to be the persons who can propagate the Sasana.
In conclusion, the Secretary-1 prayed that due to the good deeds, the modern developed nation, which all citizens have longed for, will emerge as soon as possible and all Myanmar citizens will enjoy peace throughout their lives. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe offered the Seinbudaw and the Hgnetmyetnadaw to the pagoda through Sayadaws.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min offered Hsatthwabudaw and offertories to the Sayadaws. The ministers, the deputy ministers and wellwishers also offered bells and other religious objects to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kundalajoti delivered a sermon and the Secretary-1 and wellwishers shared the merits gained. Then the ceremony to offer the golden Htidaw to the pagoda was held.
General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, members and wellwishers conveyed the Seinbudaw, the Hgnetmyetnadaw and the Htidaw around the pagoda in clockwise direction three times. The Secretary-1 and members and wellwishers conveyed the Seinbudaw, the Hgnetmyetnadaw and the Htidaw to Rahtapyan Mingala Mandat. The sacred objects were placed in Rahtapyan and were sprinkled with scented water.
Then, the sacred objects were hoisted atop the pagoda. On behalf of the wellwishers, the Secretary-1 tied the gems and jewellery to the Seinbudaw and the Hgnetmyetnadaw. The General and party climbed up the scaffoldings to offered the Seinbudaw and the Hgnetmyetnadaw atop the pagoda. After the General had sprinkled scented water on the sacred objects, merits gained were shared.
Then, the ceremony came to a close with three-time recitations of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu. To mark the successful completion of the ceremony, the General performed silver and golden rituals and planted a mango tree at the south-east of the pagoda in the pagoda precinct.
Provisions donated to Pyay Taungdan Tawya monasteries in Pyay, Bago Division
Yangon, 21 Oct - The 21st ceremony to donate provisions to Pyay Taungdan Tawya monasteries sponsored by Rice Donation Association for Pyay Taungdan Tawya monasteries was held at Thirikhitta Thirindhara Sasana Beikman in Pyay, Bago Division, at 1 pm today.
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and presented offertories to members of the Sangha. The ceremony was opened with the three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, Ovadacariya of the Rice Donation Association State Ovadacariya Presiding Sayadaw of Sagartaung Kyaungtaik Abhidhaja Agga Maha Sadhammajotika Bhad-danta Vilasacara invested the congregation with the Five Precepts.
Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt supplicated the religious matters. He said that it was a great pleasure to have the opportunity of paying respects to members of the Sangha led by State Ovadacariya Sayadaws who were at the provision donation ceremony of families of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), the ministries, wellwishers and Rice Donation Association for Pyay Taungdan Tawya monasteries. The provision donation ceremony to members of Sangha, Samaneras and nuns who reside and have been practising meditation at Tawya monasteries along Pyay Mountain ranges was the 21st one, he said and adding that the donors have been remembering those pious deeds time and again.
The State Peace and Development Council has been making pious deeds for ensuring propagation and perpetuation of the Sasana by renovation of old pagodas and setups, religious edifices, by building new pagodas and stupas and religious edifices, by donating the four requisites to monks and Samaneras and nuns who are engaged in Pariyatti and Patipatti and by exhorting the people to make donations to members of the Sangha for perpetuation of the Sasana. As a result, members of the Sangha and nuns could discharge the religious duties without worry and anxiety, he pionted out.
In accord with the teachings of Buddha, the Government has laid down the 13 district greening project in Upper Myanmar and have been growing trees and plants that are suitable to the region. Now there is an decrease in temperature in the region with the growth of plants and trees and the rainfall has increased. In addition, with an increase in the number of trees and plants, the wildlife as well as human being could take refuges with peace of mind and have abundant food. According to senior Sayadaws, growing of plants, trees and flowers and construction of roads, bridges and dams is Sukhadhana that led to joyfulness and prosperity.
Thus, the Government enlisting the strength of the entire national people has been constructing roads, bridges and dams as well as growing of trees and plants the length and breadth of the nation with might and main with a view to ensuring the peaceful life of animals and human being. With the might of the merits, the entire national people in Myanmar have been enjoying the fruits of healthy and prosperity with peace of mind. At the same time, they can keep Precepts on Sabbath days and are holding ordination and no vitiation ceremonies across the nation.
Similarly, with the might of pious morals of members of the Sangha and nuns and merits of the people, the Union of Myanmar has been far away from the dangers posed to nations of the world and is enjoying the prosperity and joyfulness. With the merits gained from the good deeds, he wished the entire national people be engaged in construction of roads, bridges and dams, cultivation of crops and plants and setting up industries for national development and be engaged in the tasks for ensuring promotion and propagation of the Sasana. Afterwards, Pyay Rice Donation Association Chairman U Pau Shwe reported on the tasks of the association.
Then, the Secretary-1 and wife, and members of the association presented offertories and rice to the members of the Sangha. Then, Ovadacariya of the association Joint Secretary of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Sayadaw of Pyay Jotikayon Pali Tekkatho Monastery Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Konnalajoti delivered a sermon and the secretary-1 and party, and wellwishers shared merits gained. The ceremony concluded after three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciran Titthatu.
Next, the secretary-1 and party performed golden and silver showers. At the ceremony, the State Peace and Development Council donated 410 bags of rice; families of the officials and other ranks of the Defence Services (Army, Navy and Air) 410 bags of rice; Yangon City Development Council 630 bags of rice, and the Commands and light Infantry Divisions, district and township peace and development councils in Bago Division, the ministries, the departments and enterprises under the ministry, the factories, companies and entrepreneurs, and private wellwishers 3,596 bags of rice and K 4,846,905.
General Khin Nyunt hoists Hgnetmyetnadaw, Seinbudaw and Htidaw atop Pyay Shwesandaw Pagoda
Yangon, 21 Oct - The ceremony to hoist Hgnetmyetnadaw, Seinbudaw and Htidaw atop the Layzudatpyaw Shwesandaw Pagoda in Pyay, Bago Division, was held at Kyarpyan Ma Kauk prayer hall on the pagoda platform at 7.30 am today.
Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt attended the ceremony and hoisted the Htidaw atop the pagoda. At the ceremony, Staff Officer of the Ministry of Religious Affairs U San Thin Hlaing acted as the MC. The ceremony was opened with three-time recitation of Namo Tassa. Then, Ovadacariya of Shwesandaw Pagoda Chairman of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Rewata administered the Nine Precepts.
After accepting Paritta flowers donated by the disciples, members of the Sangha recited Parittas. The Paritta flowers and water were scattered and sprinkled on the Pagoda platform. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt then supplicated on religious matters. He said four sacred hair relics of Gotama Buddha as well as Dugokdaw, Enthakaikdaw and Thingandaw (sacred robes) and hair relics of the previous Buddhas were enshrined in the Pyay Shwesandaw Pagoda.
The pagoda was called Lay-zudatpyaw Shwesandaw as the four kinds of sacred relics of the Buddhas were enshrined in it. In Maha Year 103, under the leadership of Azika and Balika, town merchant brothers, the 10.5 feet high Shwesandaw pagoda was built at the top of the Sudathana Mountain. In Sasana Year 126, King Doottabaung rebuilt the pagoda to be 99 feet high. In Bagan era, King Kyansittha again rebuilt the pagoda to be 126 feet high which is the present height of the pagoda. In 1277 ME (1915 AD), the present Htidaw was hoisted. As it is 87 years old, it has weaknesses.
The existing Htidaw is of ordinary iron type and would not last very long. Findings of the engineers revealed that a new Htidaw was necessary to be offered. The new Htidaw is of stainless steel type and will not become rusty and it will last for more than a century. Moreover, in making a new Htidaw which is similar to the Htidaw of the Shwedagon Pagoda, offering of gold has been done not in a traditional way. Gold sheets were placed on the bronze sheets with gold pins for durability for over a century. In offering gold sheets, about 15 viss of gold was used.
The Seinbudaw and Hgnetmyetnadaw were slightly renovated for durability and offered. About K 400 million was spent on offering the new Htidaw. Wellwishers donated enough cash for the pagoda in a short time. It is amazing to know the generosity of the Myanmar citizens. Under the leadership of the State Peace and Development Council, well-wishers have not only renovated ancient historical pagodas and monasteries all over the country but also built pagodas at home and in foreign countries where there are no pagodas. Due to these good deeds, we'd like to attain the nirvana and before attaining the nirvana, we'd like to be the persons who can propagate the Sasana.
In conclusion, the Secretary-1 prayed that due to the good deeds, the modern developed nation, which all citizens have longed for, will emerge as soon as possible and all Myanmar citizens will enjoy peace throughout their lives. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe offered the Seinbudaw and the Hgnetmyetnadaw to the pagoda through Sayadaws.
Afterwards, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Commander Brig-Gen Aung Min offered Hsatthwabudaw and offertories to the Sayadaws. The ministers, the deputy ministers and wellwishers also offered bells and other religious objects to the Sayadaws. Sayadaw Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kundalajoti delivered a sermon and the Secretary-1 and wellwishers shared the merits gained. Then the ceremony to offer the golden Htidaw to the pagoda was held.
General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, members and wellwishers conveyed the Seinbudaw, the Hgnetmyetnadaw and the Htidaw around the pagoda in clockwise direction three times. The Secretary-1 and members and wellwishers conveyed the Seinbudaw, the Hgnetmyetnadaw and the Htidaw to Rahtapyan Mingala Mandat. The sacred objects were placed in Rahtapyan and were sprinkled with scented water.
Then, the sacred objects were hoisted atop the pagoda. On behalf of the wellwishers, the Secretary-1 tied the gems and jewellery to the Seinbudaw and the Hgnetmyetnadaw. The General and party climbed up the scaffoldings to offered the Seinbudaw and the Hgnetmyetnadaw atop the pagoda. After the General had sprinkled scented water on the sacred objects, merits gained were shared.
Then, the ceremony came to a close with three-time recitations of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu. To mark the successful completion of the ceremony, the General performed silver and golden rituals and planted a mango tree at the south-east of the pagoda in the pagoda precinct.
Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann attends final rites of 12th Dhammanu Dhamma Maha Dwara Nikaya Sasanabaing Presiding Nayaka of Ledi Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khamavudha in Hinthada
Yangon, 21 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence, left here by car at 7 am on 20 October and arrived at Bo Myat Tun Bridge in Nyaungdon Township, Ayeyawady Division at 8 am.
Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party, together with Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo, went to the monsoon paddy harvesting ceremony for 2002-2003 in Thabyu Village, Danubyu Township and inspected the harvest with the use of machines. After meeting with local farmers, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann gave instructions on efforts to be made for minimizing loss and wastage in harvesting summer and monsoon paddy.
The farmers of Thabyu Village cultivated Manawthukha paddy strain in 2002-2003 monsoon season. On arrival at Manaungmyin Pyidawbyan Buddha image in Zalun, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party were welcomed by local authorities and members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees.
Then, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and party paid homage to the Buddha image with offering flowers, water and fruits. They also donated gold foils to the image. Next, they proceeded to Ledi Monastery in Hinthada and paid homage to the remains of 12th Dhammanu Dhamma Maha Dwara Nikaya Sasanabaing Fifth Presiding Nayaka of Ledi Monastery Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khamavudha. They then paid homage to member Sayadaws of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and Ovadacariya Sayadaws and offered "soon" to the Sayadaws.
In the afternoon, they went to Mahitayon Monastery in Kanaungsu Ward, Hinthada and paid homage and offered provisions to 13th Maha Dwara Nikaya Sasanabaing Mahitayon Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indriyasabha and Chairman of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee Mogoung Pariyatti Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sudhammacara in Takale Ward. The final rites ceremony of 12th Dhammanu Dhamma Maha Dwara Nikaya Sasanabaing Fifth Presiding Nayaka of Ledi Monastery Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Sayadaw Bhaddanta Khamavudha, aged 92 and vasa 73, who passed away at 6.31 pm on 28 September (Saturday), 7th waning of Tawthalin, 1364 Myanmar Era, was held at the monastery at 1 pm today, attended by Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence.
The congregation opened the ceremony reciting Namo Tassa three times and took the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Indriyasabha. Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo, Minister U Aung Khin and the ministers covered the remains in the velvet. Then, the Vice-Chairman Sayadaw and the Minister for Religious Affairs supplicated on the messages of condolence sent by the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Lecture Sayadaw Bhaddanta Suwunnita of Ledi Monastery read the biography of the Sayadaw; Laymyathna Parahita Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Ariyananda, Nigyawdayon Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta ‚akkavamsa, Adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs U Min Kyi and Staff Officer U Thura supplicated on the read the religious Gathas. Afterwards, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the commander and party donated provisions to the Sayadaws. The 13th Sasanabaing Sayadaw delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits. Yedaguntaung Sayadaw Bhaddanta Sudatta and the disciples recited Accaya Desana. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panavanta supplicated on the Gatha to convey the remains of the Sayadaw. The disciples conveyed the remains from Sankyaung.
Again, Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, the commander, the ministers and officials carried it onboard Karaweik decorated carriage. Next, the remains was conveyed round Hinthada. In the afternoon, then the remains of the Sayadaw was incinerated after reciting Ania Vata Sankhara three times by the Sayadaws.
Abhidhamma Day observed at famous pagodas in Yangon
Yangon, 21 Oct - Today is the Fullmoon Day of Thadingyut (Abhidhamma Day).
The Buddha, after the attainment of enlightenment, preached Abhidhamma on the celestial abode of Tavatinsa for three months with the aim of repaying the gratitude to His deceased mother who was reborn as Santusita Deva.
he Buddhists traditionally observe the lighting festival on the Fullmoon Day of Thadingyut. It being the day on which the preaching of Abhidhamma ended, ceremonies to commemorate the Abhidhamma Day are held.
The Shwedagon Pagoda Board of Trustees held precepts receiving ceremony in conjunction with a ceremony to mark the success of alms offering at the ancient pagoda images prayer's hall near the southern archway of the pagoda this morning. Present on the occasion were State Ovadacariya Abhidhaja Maha Ratha Guru Shwehintha Tawya Thirimanta Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa and Ovadacariya Sayadaws of the pagoda, members of the Sangha, members of the Pagoda Board of Trustees, wellwishers and pilgrims. Sayadaw Bhaddanta Rajindabhivamsa invested the congregation with the Nine Precepts. Then, Sayadaws and members of the Sangha recited parittas. Wellwishers presented robes and offertories to the Sayadaws. Next, the Sayadaw delivered a sermon and the congregation shared the merits gained, which brought the ceremony to an end.
For the same reason, the Sule Pagoda Board of Trustees organized the observance of Abhidhamma Day at the auspicious hall of the pagoda. The pilgrims including monks and the people offered fruits, lights, flowers and water to the pagoda, and five-thousand lights at the platform at night.
Similarly, the Botahtaung Kyaik-day-up Pagoda in Botahtaung Township, Kyaik-kasan Pagoda in Thingan-gyun Township, Shwebon-pwint Pagoda in Pazundaung Township, Kaba Aye Pagoda in Mayangon Township, Melamu Pagoda in North Okkalapa Township, Sacred Buddha's Tooth Relic Pagoda in Mayangon Township, Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Hill, Okkalapa Pagoda in South Okkalapa Township were crowded with pilgrims doing meritorious deeds and the Abhidhamma Day was also observed there.
Abhidhamma Propagation Association observes 54th Abhidhamma Day
Yangon, 21 Oct - Yangon Abhidhamma Propagation Association observed the 54th Abhidhamma Day in conjunction with the 35th ceremony to present prizes to those who passed the Abhidhamma examination at the Abhidhamma Yadanaghara Dhamma Hall on Bahan Road in Bahan Township this afternoon.
The ceremony started after three-time recitation of Namo Tassa by member Sayadaws of the Sangha and the congregation. The chairman of the Association supplicated on matters related to the observance of the Abhidhamma Day. Then, Sayadaw Bhaddanta Nanis-sara gave an ovadakatha. Next, under the leadership of the Sayadaws of the Sangha, the congregation recited the excerpts from the seven Abhidhamma treatises. Later, wellwishers made donations to Sayadaws, members of the Sangha and invited senior nuns.
Later, the prize presentation ceremony followed. Minister for Religious Affairs U Aung Khin, Director-General of Religious Affairs Department Dr Myo Myint, Pro-Rector of International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University Dr Hla Pe, the chairman of the association and executives presented prizes to altogether 197 Abhidhamma exam successful candidates. Then, merits gained were shared and the ceremony came to an end.
Abhidhamma Day observed in Kaba Aye
Yangon, 21 Oct - The Abhidhamma Day was observed in the Maha Pasana cave on Thirimingala Kaba Aye Hill on Fullmoon Day of Thadingyut this morning.
Over 500 trainees of the Basic Buddhist Culture Course led by Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panasami (Magadi-Thazi) paid homage to the Buddha image and offered water, flower and light to the image.
They then paid obeisance to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panasami (Magadi-Thazi). The trainees recited religious verses and Abhidhamma Pali verses. Later, they shared merits gained and the ceremony came to an end. Those who attended the ceremony were served with light refreshment donated by Dr Myat Htut-Daw Thida Shein and family (PK-7 Clinic, Shwebontha Street) of 22, Myintzu Street, Parami Avenue, Yankin Township.
U Than Tun appointed as Ambassador to Maldives concurrently
Yangon, 22 Oct - The Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar has appointed U Than Tun, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, concurrently as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Union of Myanmar to the Republic of Maldives.
Chinese pilgrims donate offertories
Yangon, 21 Oct - A ceremony to present offertories to 5,000 members of Sangha of Sarthintaiks in Yangon was held at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill at 7 am today.
The congregation received the Five Precepts from Vice-Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja Myintkyina Wuntho Monastery Sayadaw Bhaddanta Silavamsa. Next, members of the Sangha recited parittas and Minister U Aung Khin and officials and the congregation presented offertories to the members of the Sangha.
The minister accepted three million kyats donatedby Sindao Sayadaw U Kusala and Chinese Buddhist pilgrims. Sindao Sayadaw U Kusala explained the purpose of the donation. Afterwards, Vice-Chairman of State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Agga Maha Pandita Agga Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Bhaddanta Kesara delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits gained from good deeds and the ceremony came to a close with three-time recitation of Buddha Sasanam Ciram Titthatu.
After the ceremony, Chinese Buddhist pilgrims donated offertories to the members of the Sangha at each archway of Maha Pasana Cave.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo meets oil palm entrepreneurs in Taninthayi Division
Yangon, 21 Oct - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Maung Bo of the Ministry of Defence, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office and departmental officials, left here by air and arrived in Kawthoung at 7.45 am on 19 October.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party, together with Commander Brig-Gen Tha Aye met oil palm entrepreneurs at Bayintnaung Hall of Kawthoung Station Yeiktha. In his address, Lt-Gen Maung Bo said permits to grow oil palm were issued to the national oil palm entrepreneurs in 1995-96 with the objectives "Taninthayi Division must be an oil pot of the State and there must be sufficiency of edible oil". He spoke of the need for the national oil palm entrepreneurs to lay emphasis on boosting production of palm oil. They are to report on true situation and difficulties encountered. The government would provide assistance to the oil palm entrepreneurs, he added. He said the oil palm entrepreneurs are to extend cultivation acreage in the interests of the people and the State as well as their own.
He also urged them to make endeavors for boosting production of palm oil. The oil palm entrepreneurs reported on cultivation of oil palm, cultivation acreage, yield of crude palm oil, preparation for establishment of palm oil factory, targets for extended cultivation of oil palm and requirements. The commander, Minister Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein, Managing Director of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise U Myint Oo and officials reported on successful implementation of oil palm project in Taninthayi Division, benefits of establishment of palm oil factory and provisions. Lt-Gen Maung Bo fufilled the requirements.
In the afternoon, Lt-Gen Maung Bo met departmental officials from Kawthoung and Bokpyin Townships. Next, Kawthoung District Manager of Myanma Agriculture Service U Maung Ko reported on paddy production for rice sufficiency in the district, rice sufficiency in 2001-2002, targets for 2002-2003, reclamation of land for extended cultivation of monsoon paddy, targets for cultivation of monsoon and summer paddy and cold season crops and cultivation of pepper. District Head of Kawthoung District Livestock Breeding and Veterinary Department U Maung Maung Lwin reported on giving vaccine to animals to guard against infectious diseases, performance of vaccination on Newcastle disease and arrangements for increased poultry farming. District Head of Kawthoung District Fisheries Department U Aye Tin reported on preventive measures against depletion of fish and prawn stocks, cold storage for fish and prawn processing, sale of fish and prawn and collection of revenues.
Chairman of Kawthoung District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Kyaw Phyo reported on data of the district, monsoon paddy cultivation and rice sufficiency for 2002-2003, cultivation of cold season crops, summer paddy and oil palm, rubber and Thitseint (Bellaric Myrobalan), livestock breeding, construction of roads and bridges, rural development and health and education sectors. The commander reported on fulfillments for Kawthoung District and Taninthayi Division, arrangements for reclamation of lands and cultivation of new paddy strains and growing one oil palm by each person programme.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo said all service personnel and officials are to discharge duties of the State with goodwill. Necessary assistance will be provided to farmers and the oil palm entrepreneurs who grow beans and pulses, rubber, oil palm and perennial crops for regional development, local rice sufficiency and consumption. According to the need for efficient use of electricity and fuel, surplus electricity and fuel should be used in boosting production of commodity, he said. Departmental personnel are responsible for safeguarding territory of the State and the race and Sasana with patriotism and they are to organize the local people to participate in unity in those tasks.
Lt-Gen Maung Bo and party spent the night at Kawthoung Station Guest House.
Energy Minister inspects oil and natural gas fields
Yangon, 21Oct - Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, went to the filling station No 0977 in Pyay on 19 October and inspected the distribution of fuel.
The minister gave instructions on direct distribution of fuel to users. In the afternoon, the minister attended the work coordination meeting for the third quarter of 2002-2003 of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise held at the meeting hall of Mann oilfield. Managers reported on production of respective oilfields and the minister laid down future work programmes for boosting production of oil and gas. Also present at the meeting were Director-General of Energy Planning Department U Soe Myint, Managing Director of Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise U San Lwin, directors and general managers of the oilfields. The minister inspected the extension of Shwetabin plot in Minbu yesterday and gave necessary instructions to officials on maintenance of natural gas and crude oil pipelines.
Then, the minister saw over the repair work of Mann oil well No 39 which was stopped functioning in 1975. The well now produces 56 barrels of crude oil and and 1 million cubic feet of natural gas a day. In the afternoon, the minister went to Thagyitaung (Sabai) oil and gas field in Pauk Township, Pakokku District, Magway Division. At the briefing hall the general manager and officials reported to the minister on production of oil and gas at the field. The field can produce 1100 barrels of crude oil and seven million cubic feet of natural gas per day.
The minister later inspected the digging of Thagyitaung oil well No 15 and fulfilled the needs.
Commander inspects hostels of performing arts contestants
Yangon, 21 Oct - Chairman of the Leading Committee for Organizing the Tenth Myanmar Traditional Cultural Performing Arts Competitions Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe inspected the hostels of the contestants from states and divisions to the Competitions at No 1 Transit Centre here this evening.
Then, the commander and party viewed round the dinning hall and clinics and gave necessary instructions. The commander also inspected the shops being opened for the contestants by the Ministry of Industry-1 cooperatives and companies and gave necessary instructions. The commander and party left the centre at 4.30 pm.
Minister attends 50th Anniversary of BEHS in Mahline
Yangon, 21 Oct - A ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the Basic Education High School in Mahline was held at the school on 19 October.
It was attended by Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and wife Daw Aye Pyai Wai Khin.
First, Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and wife formally opened the ceremony. Then, Chairman of Meiktila District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Myo Myint and old student U Wai Lin formally opened the Golden Jubilee Library donated by old students of the school. Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and those present viewed round the library. Brig-Gen Pyi Sone extended greetings to the old teachers and students of the school. Responsible officials accepted the cash donation for the school and presented prizes to the outstanding students.
Afterwards, Brig-Gen Pyi Sone and those present viewed round the multimedia classrooms. Brig-Gen Pyi Sone inspected the construction of the Home for the Aged in the township, sinking tube-wells and the construction of USDA office and post-primary school in Konlai Model Village, and agriculture and rural development tasks yesterday.
Brig-Gen Pyi Sone fulfilled the requirements.
Yangon, 21 Oct - A combined team comprising members of the local intelligence unit and the local police force, acting on information, searched the house of Sani Tuja of Ward 5, Lonkhin Village, Phakant Township, on 19 September. Finding a total of 130.7 grams of heroin there, the authorities arrested Sani Tuja, 40, son of U Sanila. Further investigation then led to the arrest of Ma Maing Mai, 20, daughter of U Wa Baw La of Ward 2, Kule Village, Phakant Township. Action is being taken against them under Section 15/19(A)/21 of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law.
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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