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Headlines

• Chairman of State Peace and Development Council  Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing leaves for goodwill visit to Bangladesh  
• Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe tour Kutkai, Muse Townships

Region

• Upgrading and beautifying of Yangon City coordinated
• Signboard of USDA (Kyidaw village) in Padaung Township unveiled
• Third Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference concludes
• Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition continues
• Rules of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day painting, sculpture competitions announced
• Mandalay GEC Computer Centre opened
• Minister inspects Kanbawzathadi palace
• Minister inspects Shwele Hydel Power Plant project
• Prizes presented to crime reporters (Upper Myanmar)
• Meeting on targeted cultivation of summer paddy in Yangon Division held
• Commander inspects farming in Myeik Township
• Commander inspects regional development in Shan State (East)
• Industry-1 Deputy Minister inspects factories

Religion

• Buddha Pujaniya of Botahtaung Pagoda begins
• Robes and certificates presented to nuns in Pathein

Education

• Ministers attend ceremony to unveil stone inscription bearing Myanma Educational Goal  held in Htonbo, Padaung Township

Sport

• Inter-school sports competitions held in Shan State
• Tatmadaw shooting contest ends
• NID ceremony, December sports activities held in Sagaing
• Sports diploma course opened
• Victorious athletes honoured

• News
  

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Headlines

Chairman of State Peace and Development Council Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing leaves for goodwill visit to Bangladesh

Yangon, 17 Dec - Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar Prime Minister Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing left here for Dhaka, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, on a goodwill visit by special flight at 9.30 am today.

Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing were accompanied by Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin, Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Pyi Sone, Minister for Foreign Affairs U Win Aung and wife, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win, Deputy Minister for Health Professor Dr Kyaw Myint, Deputy Minister for Immigration and Population U Maung Aung, Director-General at the State Peace and Development Council Office Lt-Col Pe Nyein and departmental heads.

Lt-Gen Soe Win, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe tour Kutkai, Muse Townships

Yangon, 17 Dec - Members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe of the Ministry of Defence arrived in Lashio on 13 December.

Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, accompanied by Commander Brig-Gen Myint Hlaing, went to Kutkai where they were welcomed by Tractical Operations Commander, departmental officials and members of USDA at the hall of Kutkai Township Development Affairs Committee.

Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe met departmental officials, members of USDA, those of Myanmar War Veterans Organization, those of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Women's Affairs Work Committee, Red Cross and Fire Brigade and townselders. The chairman of Kutkai Township Peace and Development Council reported to them on measures being undertaken for regional development.

Lt-Gen Soe Win spoke on the occasion. He said the local people are witnessing and enjoying the unprecedented economic, transport, health and education developments of the region. The developments have been achieved resulting from the collective efforts of the departmental personnel, social organizations and the people under the guidance of the Head of State. The government is making endeavours for ensuring development in every sector and field of border areas and rural areas. Development task can be undertaken in the region thanks to the peace and stability that is prevailing in the area. He spoke of the need for local people to make continued efforts for peace and tranquillity and development in the region and to raise the already-achieved development momentum based on Union Spirit.

Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe arrived in Muse in the evening. Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe met departmental officials, members of USDA, those of Myanmar War Veterans Organization, those of Maternal and Child Welfare Association, Women's Affairs Work Committee, Red Cross and Fire Brigade and townselders.

The chairman of Muse District Peace and Development Council reported on data of the region, measures undertaken for regional development and eradication of narcotic drugs.

Lt-Gen Soe Win said with the restoration of peace and stability, the region has developed. The government spent K 26,000 million on development of border areas. Altogether 722 miles of tar roads including Mandalay-Lashio-Kutkai-Muse-Namhkam road, 430 miles of gravel road, 768 miles of earth road totalling 1,830 miles were built under the Tatmadaw government. As a result, the flow of commodities became speedy and economic, education, health conditions and living standard of local people had improved. Due to prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the region, such progress had been made. Lt-Gen Soe Win urged local people to participate in regional development tasks in unity in cooperation with USDA members, social organizations and departmental officials without being misled by destructive elements. Lt-Gen Soe Win and Lt-Gen Aung Htwe cordially met with local people and departmental officials. They then arrived at Shwela Yadana Yeiktha.

Region

Upgrading and beautifying of Yangon City coordinated

Yangon, 17 Dec - Work coordination meeting on upgrading and beautifying Yangon City was held at the City Hall here this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Joint-Secretary U Kyi Win of YCDC acted as master of ceremonies. The commander said it was incumbent on the ministries and local authorities to help YCDC in beautifying and upgrading Yangon City. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Hla Myint Swe also explained modernization work being carried out at Yangon International Airport as well as at Yangon Port. Deputy Minister for Transport U Pe Than then gave an account on formation of committees to upgrade Yangon Port and to keep the environs of the port pleasant.

Mayor U Ko Lay then explained YCDC's daily activities for modernizing Yangon City, growing pleasant and shady trees, and upgrading the roads and junctions in the city. Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa later gave an account on extension of roundabouts, roads and junctions; repairs of pedestrian lanes, drains and sewers.

Next, the military region commanders, directors-general, managing directors and those present at the meeting also took part in the discussions. Maj-Gen Myint Swe then coordinated matters related to setting up of work committees to carry out modernization works of Yangon. The meeting came to an end with concluding remarks of Maj-Gen Myint Swe.

Signboard of USDA (Kyidaw village) in Padaung Township unveiled

Yangon, 17 Dec - Secretary-General of the Union Solidarity and Development Association U Than Aung, CEC members Col Tin Hlaing, Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, Chairman of Bago Division (West) Peace and Development Council Col Tin Maung Win, Director-General of No 1 Basic Education Department U Tin Nyo and division, district and township level departmental officials attended the ceremony to unveil the signboard of UDSA (Kyidaw Village) in Padaung Township on 16 December.

First, UDSA member outstanding students formally unveiled the signboard. Then, Secretary-General U Than Aung, CEC members Col Tin Hlaing and Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin made speeches. Next, the ministers and party proceeded to Kyidaw Village Affiliated Basic Education Middle School and viewed round the classrooms, the pre-primary school and the library. Afterwards, the cash donation ceremony was held at the school.

Minister for Education U Than Aung presented a computer set, and Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing-Daw Khin Hla Hla and family, the Division Peace and Development Council, Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, and the Secretary and Executive U Min Han of Division USDA presented cash donations. The headmaster, the chairman of Village Peace and Development Council and officials accepted the donations. Then, the ministers and party viewed round the village.

Third Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners Conference concludes

Yangon, 17 Dec - The fourth-day paper reading session of the Third Myanmar Traditional Medicine Practitioners' Conference was held this morning at Pyidaungsu Hall in Kyaikkasan Grounds. Resource persons submitted 14 papers on the development of Myanma traditional medicine today and the conference successfully concluded in the evening. It was attended by Director-General of the Traditional Medicine Department Prof Dr Thein Swe.

Deputy Director-General of the Health Department Dr Hla Pe presided over the morning session together with members of the Traditional Medicine Council traditional medicine practitioners U Maung Nyan and U Htay Myint. Assistant Director Daw Thida Swe of the Traditional Medicine Department acted as master of ceremonies. Dr Hla Pe made a speech.

Then, traditional medicine practitioners U Win Myint of Magway, U Mya Maung of Moekaung, U Than Nyunt of Kyaukpadaung, U Kyaw Soe of Mawlamyine, U Myo Aung of Minglaldon, U Aung Swe Oo of Nyaungdon and Daw Tin Tin Wai of Taunggyi submitted papers on lung diseases, malaria and chronic asthma. Then, resource persons concerned replied to the queries raised.

In the afternoon session, Deputy Director-General Dr Soe Thein of the Medical Research Department (Lower Myanmar) chaired the meeting together with traditional medicine practitioners U Kyaw Sein and U Wa Tun. Staff Officer U Win Htein Kyaw of the Traditional Medicine Department acted as emcee.

Dr Myint Swe of Meiktila, U June Larain of Myitkyina, U Soe Hlaing of Phyu, U Tun Pwa of Pakokku, U Sein Lin Aung of ChaungU, Daw Ya Min Kalya of Yangon and U Thein of Institute of Medicine-2 (Yangon) submitted papers on herbal plants peculiar to Kachin State, review of mental illness with traditional medicine, malaria, orthopedics, leprosy and Myanma Acupressure. Then, resource persons concerned replied to the queries raised. A total of 22 papers were reviewed at the conference, which concluded successfully in the evening.

  
Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition continues

Yangon, 17 Dec - The Third Traditional Medicine and Medical Equipment Exhibition, organized by Traditional Medicine Department of the Ministry of Health, continued for the second day at the Tatmadaw Convention Hall here today.

Booths of private traditional medicine producers, entrepreneurs, medical houses including U Aung Myint Lu Pyandaw Padanmya Abhayathukha, Great Wall, Shwe Mann Taung, Tun Shwe Wa, Nann Win Padanmya, Sandi Brother Trading Co Ltd, Kaythipan medicine production, Hmancho and Dewa Yakkha are on display at the exhibition. Similarly, Myanma traditional herbal plants were shown on the booths of Ministry of Forestry and Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation.

Ministry of Industry-1 also presented the production process of Myinkhwa (Hydrocotyle asiatical) essence and other Myanma medicinal herbs. The exhibition will be kept open from 9 am to 6 pm daily for the public free of charge till 26 December.

Rules of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day painting, sculpture competitions announced

Yangon, 17 Dec - As a gesture of hailing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day, which falls on 27 March 2003, the subcommittee for the holding of painting and sculpture competition and exhibition of the work committee for the organizing of poem and arts competition led by Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt (Htila Sitthu) as chairman announced that the painting and sculpture competition will be held with the following rules.

The painting competition will be divided into six categories the first for pre-primary school level, the second for junior primary school level (kindergarten to second grade), the third for senior primary school level (third grade and fourth grade), the fourth for middle school level (fifth grade to eighth grade), the fifth for high school level (ninth grade to technological and agricultural high schools) and the sixth for professional level. There will be only one category in the sculpture competition, the wood sculpture and the plaster sculpture at professional level. Anyone may take part in both.

In the painting competition from kindergarten to high school levels, the size of the entry must be 15" x 20", and 20" x 30" for professional level. Name, NRC No, class, school, township, date of birth, father's name, address must be expressed on the back of the painting, with three 1.5" x 2"-size photos attached. For students, the endorsement of the schoolhead is needed.

For the sculpture competition, the height of the entry must not be over 36" and its circumference not longer than 24". At the foot of the sculpture, name, NRC No, date of birth, father's name, address must be shown, with three 1.5" x 2"-size photos attached and send the entry right to Tatmadaw Convention Centre, U Wisaya Road, between 1 and 3 March 2003.

All the entries, painting or sculpture, must reflect the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw.

Entries of both professional levels should be sent to Secretary, Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon (Central), Pabedan Township, Yangon, not later than 1 March 2003 or to Secretary, Subcommittee for the Holding of Painting and Sculpture Competition and Exhibition, U Wisaya Road, Tatmadaw Convention Centre, Yangon, between 1 and 3 March 2003. Entries of students all over Myanmar should be sent to Development Division, Education Planning and Training Department, Natmauk Street, Bahan Township, Yangon, not later than 15th February 2003.

Apart from the entries for both competition, other paintings and sculptures may be sent to be displayed at the exhibition to be opened in honour of the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day. Those paintings and sculptures must also featured the twelve objectives of the State, the objectives of 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day and the twelve fine traditions of the Tatmadaw and should be sent directly to Tatmadaw Convention Centre, U Wisaya Road, between 1 and 5 March 2003.

Mandalay GEC Computer Centre opened

Yangon, 17 Dec - Minister for Cooperatives Lt-Gen Tin Ngwe yesterday attended the opening ceremony of Computer Training, Sale, Service & Software Centre of Mandalay Division GEC Cooperative Society at the GEC computer cerntre of Mandalay Zaygyo Market in Aungmyay Thazan Township.

First, the minister and the commander formally opened the computer centre by cutting the ribbon. Then the commander and the minister inspected round the centre and GEC shops and gave necessary instructions. Next, the minister and party inspected Padamya Ngamauk Motel of Mogok township Padamya Ngamauk General Business Cooperative Society Ltd in Mandalay. The staff officer of Mogok township Cooperative Department reported on tasks being carried out. After giving a supplementary report by Mandalaly Division Cooperative Department Director U Aung Phyu, the minister gave necessary instructions.

The motel is a three-storey building and has 63 double rooms attached with bath rooms and toilets running hot and cold water system. Then, the minister also inspected lathe machine workshop cooperative society and the weaving school of the Cottage Industries Department in Meiktila township.

Minister inspects Kanbawzathadi palace

Yangon, 17 Dec - Minister for Culture Maj-Gen Kyi Aung, inspected the beautifying tasks being implemented at the Kanbawzathadi palace of King Bayint Naung in Bago this morning, Assistant Director U Myat Swe of the Archaeology Department and Superintending Engineer U Kyi Tun of Public Works reported on arrangements for construction of roads and buildings and greening tasks.

The minister gave necessary instructions. Then, the minister inspected round the palace and gave instructions on timely completion of construction tasks and cultivation of flowering plants in the palace.

Minister inspects Shwele Hydel Power Plant project

Yangon, 17 Dec - Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut on 14 December met with Mr Lin Zai of YMEC, Yunnan Province, China, and party at Shwele Hydel Power Plant project in Namhkam Township, Shan State (North) and discussed the construction tasks of Shwele Hydel Power Project. Later, the minister and party inspected construction of approaches to the project site.

At the briefing hall of the construction site, officials concerned reported to the minister on progress of construction tasks which are jointly being implemented by YMEC, construction of approach roads, and construction plan of Shwele-Mandalay cable lines. Afterwards, the minister and party saw over the sites chosen for the dam and diversion tunnel. The minister left instructions on implementation of the project as soon as possible.

Prizes presented to crime reporters (Upper Myanmar)

Yangon, 17 Dec - A prize presentation ceremony 2002 for crime reporters of Hmukhin Shudaunt Journal of the Crime Reduction and Education and Information Committee was held at the branch office in Pyay on 15 December evening, with an address by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing. On behalf of the Chief Editor, Executive Editor U Nyein Thu explained the purpose of holding the ceremony.

Then, Col Tin Hlaing presented prizes to five reporters who managed to report the news about smuggling valuable timber out of the country; wife of the minister Daw Khin Hla Hla to reporters who contributed the news reports most; Vice-Chairperson of Women's Affairs and Women Entrepreneurs Association Daw Thet Yee to the regular contributors; Commander of Bago Division (West) People's Police Force Police Col Hla Min gave away the special prizes; Commissioner of Bago Division (West) General Administration Department U Hla Soe certificates of honour and cash awards.

On behalf of the prize winners, in-charge of reporters of the branch office U Min Lwin expressed thanks.

Meeting on targeted cultivation of summer paddy in Yangon Division held

Yangon, 16 Dec - A work coordination meeting on cultivation of summer paddy in Yangon Division for the year 2002-2003, took place at the meeting hall of the Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Office at 10.30 pm today. Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe attended the meeting and delivered an address on the occasion.

The commander, in his speech, said that it is targeted to grow summer paddy on 250,000 acres of land in Yangon Division; that division/district/township level officials are to fulfil the requirements of local farmers to exceed the target; that the Government is spending huge sums of money on building dams, river water pumping projects and sluice gates to ensure the successful cultivation of summer paddy in Yangon Division; and that officials should supply quality strains of summer paddy, fertilizers, and give lectures on cultivation techniques.

Deputy General Manager of Yangon Division Myanma Agriculture Service U Aung San reported to the commander on arrangements made for successful cultivation of summer paddy, and agricultural method assistance being rendered.

Then, Deputy Director U Myo Lwin of Yangon Division Irrigation Department also reported on arrangements for supply of water for summer paddy; and Division Staff Officer U Myint Soe of Yangon Division Water Resources Utilization Department on tasks being carried out for supply of water to summer paddy fields from river water pumping projects and the lending of pumps to farmers. Next, local authorities also reported on arrangements being made by respective districts and townships. Later, Lt-Col Kyaw Tint gave an account of matters related to assistance being rendered by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council for cultivation of summer paddy.

The commander gave instructions on effective utilization of water from dams and river water pumping projects and then the meeting came to an end.

Commander inspects farming in Myeik Township

Yangon, 17 Dec - Chairman of Taninthayi Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Coastal Region Command Brig-Gen Tha Aye, inspected the livestock breeding zone in Myeik on 10 December. Officials of the zone reported on work being carried out and future tasks.

Then, the commander proceeded to Palm Oil Research Centre of Myanma Perennial Crops Enterprise under the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in Shewdu Village in Myeik Township. Head of the centre U Kyi Soe reported on the objective of the centre, future tasks and mix cropping to the commander. The commander gave instructions on cultivation of paddy, pulses and beans and niger and organizing and education of local farmers. Then, the commander inspected the respective sections of the centre and fulfilled the requirements.

Commander inspects regional development in Shan State (East)

Yangon, 17 Dec - Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Brig-Gen Khin Zaw, arrived at Kengtung-Mongkhat-Mongyan road construction site on 11 December.

In-charge of the project U Ah Chan and officials reported on work being carried out to the commander who fulfilled the needs. At 4 pm, the commander arrived in Mongyan and met with local authorities and departmental officials and gave instructions on regional development and attended to the requirements.

On 12 December morning, the commander met with local authorities and departmental officials at the Town Hall in Mongkhat and gave instructions on regional development, farming and concerted and cooperative efforts in elimination of narcotic drugs. Then, officials reported on development of Mongkhat Township and work being carried out for regional development to the commander, who fulfilled the requirements. Afterwards, the commander inspected the Mongkhat Township Stadium, the Township Hospital, Mongkhat Basic Education High School and its multimedia classrooms and attended to the needs.

Industry-1 Deputy Minister inspects factories

Yangon, 17 Dec - Chairman of the Committee for Myanma Industrial Development Seminars and hailing the Industrial Exhibition Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, together with Chairman of the Subcommittee for holding the exhibition Deputy Minister for Industry-2 Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin, chairmen and secretaries of the industrial zones went to the site for holding the industrial exhibition in Hsinphyukan Grounds, Mandalay on 13 December. Officials reported on the construction of booths, shops, the central briefing hall and the archway. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Win and party then gave necessary instructions. They then inspected the factories of the Ministry of Industry-1 in Kyaukse.

On 15 December, Central Executive Committee member of the Union Solidarity and Development Association Brig-Gen Kyaw Win met with executives of district and township level USDAs at Taungoo District USDA office and discussed matters relating to cooperative tasks for regional development. The CEC member also met with USDA members of Bago Division at Bago District USDA office.

Deputy Minister for Industry-1 Brig-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by officials on 14 December inspected No 3 paper factory for newspapers in Paleik, gave necessary instructions to officials and fulfilled the needs. The deputy minister and party also inspected Win Thuza Shop of the ministry in Kyaukse, Myanma Pharmaceutical and soap factory project and printing and dyeing factory project of Myanma Textile Industries in Yamethin, and Yeni No 2 paper factory in Yedashe and gave necessary instructions to officials.

Religion

Buddha Pujaniya of Botahtaung Pagoda begins

Yangon, 17 Dec - Buddha Pujaniya of Botahtaung Kyaikdeup Pagoda was opened at NanOo Buddha Image hall of the pagoda at 5 pm today. The opening ceremony was attended by Bhaddanta Pandita of Mingun Tawya Monastery, Presiding Sayadaw of Yangon Division Sangha Maha Nayaka Bhaddanta Kosalla and members of the Sangha.

At the ceremony, the congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Pandita and presented offertories to the Sayadaws and members of the Sangha. Later, the deputy minister for Home Affairs, Brig-Gen Myo Myint and U Aung Su, member of Pagoda Board of Trustees formally opened the festival which will continue till 22 December. In the afternoon of 22 December, dry provisions will be offered to 180 Sayadaws and members of the Sangha.

Robes and certificates presented to nuns in Pathein

Yangon, 17 Dec - A ceremony to offer robes and present certificates to nuns of Kulavisesi Pariyatti Yeiktha in Pathein, Ayeyawady Division, was held at the Yeiktha on 15 December morning. It was attended by the chairman of Township Sangha Nayaka Committee, members of the Sangha, Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council South-West Command Commander Brig-Gen Htay Oo.

The commander and officials offered provisions to the members of the Sangha. The commander and officials then offered robes and presented certificates to the nuns. At the ceremony, robes were offered to a total of 78 nuns.

Education

Ministers attend ceremony to unveil stone inscription bearing Myanma Educational Goal held in Htonbo, Padaung Township

Yangon, 17 Dec - A ceremony to unveil stone inscription bearing Myanma Educational Goal was held in conjunction with the ceremony to unveil the motto "Building a modern and developed nation through education", the ceremony to open the multimedia classrooms and the ceremony to hand over the new school building at Basic Education High School in Htonbo, Padaung Township, Bago Division (West) on 16 December. It was attended by Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Minister for Education U Than Aung.

First, the outstanding students formally unveiled the stone inscription and the motto. Then, the ceremony to open the multimedia classrooms was held. Headmaster U Myo Nyunt and Chairman of the School Board of Trustees U Kyaw Kyaw formally opened the classrooms. Next, Minister Col Tin Hlaing unveiled the signboard of the multimedia classrooms. Afterwards, the ministers inspected the visual presenter, the video system, the language lab, the computer aided instruction, and the computer application rooms, the library, the arts room, the domestic room and music room. Then, Headmaster U Myo Nyunt reported on efforts for opening the multimedia classrooms.

After that, Minister Col Tin Hlaing, Minister U Than Aung and Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin presented the publications and CDs worth over K 2.7 million for matriculation exams and computer sets for BEHSs of 14 townships. Then, U Thein Win of Yangon and family presented K 500,000 for Htonpho BEHS. Next, Member of the School Board of Trustees U Aung Win presented the documents related to the K 18.4 million worth new school building to Director-General U Tin Nyo of No 1 Basic Education Department.

Then, Minister Col Tin Hlaing made a speech, which brought the ceremony to a close. Then, the ministers and party attended the ceremony to open signboard bearing "Building a modern and developed nation through education" held at Gyobingauk BEHS in Thayawady District. Then, the ministers presented exercise books for students of the school. Next, Headmistress Daw Than Aye spoke words of thanks and the ceremony ended.

Sport

Inter-school sports competitions held in Shan State

Yangon, 17 Dec - The Fifth Shan State Peace and Development Council Chairman's Shield Inter-School Sports Competitions was held at State Sports Grounds in Taunggyi on 11 December afternoon, attended by Shan State Peace and Development Council Chairman Eastern Command Commander Brig-Gen Khin Maung Myint.

At the soccer final match of basic education schools, Hsihseng Township team beat Taunggyi Township team 2-1. Then, prizes were presented to best player award winners of boy's and girl's soccer tournaments, winners of track and field tournaments and winning soccer teams by the commander and his wife and the officials.

On 12 December afternoon, the commander attended the opening ceremony of Shan State Women's Sport Committee Patron's Shield Women's Soccer Tournament at State Sports Grounds in Taunggyi. Altogether 18 women teams took part in the tournament.

Tatmadaw shooting contest ends

Yangon, 17 Dec - The 42nd Defence Services Commander-in-Chief's Shield Tatmadaw (Army, Navy, Air) Shooting Contest was held at the shooting range No 1 of local battalion in PyinOoLwin, attended by Central Command Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myin.

PyinOoLwin Station Commander Brig-Gen Ohn Myint and officials gave away prizes to winners. Then, Central Command Commander Brig-Gen Ye Myint, on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services, presented first, second and third prizes to the Yangon Command team, the North-East Command team and the Commander-in-Chief (Air)'s team respectively.

NID ceremony, December sports activities held in Sagaing

Yangon, 17 Dec - Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West Command Brig-Gen Soe Naing, attended the eighth year National Immunization Days ceremony held at Sagaing People's Hospital on 8 December. The commander and wife and officials gave oral polio vaccines to 419 children under 5.

On 14 December morning, the commander viewed and encouraged the mass walking activity, organized by Sagaing Division Sports and Physical Education Department to hail the December sports activities on Bogyoke Street in front of the City Hall. The activity was participated by Deputy Commander Brig-Gen Soe Myint, departmental officials and staff, Monywa township sports committee members, MCWA members, USDA members and locals totalling over 4000.

Sports diploma course opened

Yangon, 17 Dec - The opening ceremony of the Sports diploma course No 6 was held at the training hall of Kyaikkasan Grounds here at 3 pm yesterday. Myanmar Olympic Committee Chairman Minister for Sports Brig-Gen Thura Aye Myint attended it and delivered the opening address.

The 16-week course is being attended by 32 trainees - 13 male Township Sports and Physical Education Department and 19 female Township SPED officials.

Victorious athletes honoured

Yangon, 17 Dec - A ceremony to honour Kachin State women's team that won the championship shield in the 8th Inter-State and Division Women's Physical Fitness contest was held at the city hall in Myitkyina on 12 December evening. It was attended by Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern Command Brig-Gen Maung Maung Swe.

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