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Headlines 

• Tawa Sluice Gate inaugurated in Thanatpin Township
• Yangon Division USDA holds extempore talks contest

International Relations

• Secretary-1 receives UN AIDS Executive Director
• Minister for Health receives UN Official

Region

• Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects prevention of land erosion, construction of bridges in Ayeyawady Division
• Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than attends opening ceremony of Digital Electronic Auto Exchange in Pyapon
• Minister inspects social welfare tasks, departmental works in Rakhine Stat
• Basic management course No 2/2002 on tourism opens
• Golden Jubilee of CSO opened
• On-job training course for Law Officers opened
• Myanmar and English dailies to come out in new form and essence
• Work Committee for Organizing Armed Forces Day commemorative Poem & Art Competition meets
• Library Science Course concludes
• Nine armed group members exchange arms for peace
• National races study group of Shan State toured YangonCash and kind donated for sinking tube-wells

Relition

• ITBMU to hold diploma course entrance exam

Education

• Basic Education Level TV Quiz held
• Linlay village of Shan State gets new school building
• Exhibition on School Family Day continues for fourth day
• School Text Book Publishing and Distribution Committee meets

Sport

• MGF President's trophy golf tournament to be held

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Headlines 

Farmers now enjoying benefits after the Government's construction of dams and sluice gates nationwide
Tawa Sluice Gate inaugurated in Thanatpin Township

Yangon, 31 Dec - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, left here this morning by Tatmadaw aircraft and arrived at Tawa Sluice Gate in Thanatpin Township, Bago Division.

The opening ceremony of Tawa Sluice Gate which was constructed and undertaken by the Construction-6 of the Irrigation Department, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, was held at the pandal near the sluice gate at 8.45 am today. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt addressed the opening ceremony.

Secretary-1 delivered a speech. Firstly, on behalf of the government, he said he was pleased to see that local farmers enjoyed the benefits practically for the government had built the sluice gates in the important regions in order to upgrade the farmland in wetlands on both sides of Bago-Sittaung canal to valuable ones. According to the project to turn wetlands near Bago-Sittaung canal into farmlands, Shankaing sluice gate in Waw Township was inaugurated in 2001 and Paingkyone sluice gate in Kawa Township in February 2002.

By opening of Tawa sluice gate in Thanatpin Township, the government brought about the interest of farmers in Bago Division with genuine goodwill. In reality the farmers have now enjoyed the benefits one after another.

He said efforts were made to enable the Union of Myanmar to keep abreast with the nations of the world and to become stronger national economic life relying on own national force and on self-reliance basis for development of the nation and its people. As a result, social life of the people gradually improved. At this time it is necessary to establish independent national economic life free from influence of other nations. Only when strong economic life can be established utilizing own land and marine resources and own national force, will the country be free from influence of other nations. That is why the government is implementing the objective to become an agro-based national economic life relying on own land and marine resources and own national force, he said. Upgrading the agriculture sector is a nation-building task that brings about not only food sufficiency and development of national economic life but also raising the socio-economic life of farmers, the majority of the citizens.

Therefore, the government has laid down the systematic plans and is implementing them in all sectors for raising the development momentum in the agriculture sector. He spoke on reclamation of cultivable farmlands, cultivation of crops all the year round and provision of high quality crops, modern cultivation techniques and agricultural equipment and fulfillment of local requirements. The government has been implementing irrigating networks, river water pumping projects and underground water tapping projects nationwide and it is also building sluice gates in wetlands and low-lying areas where there is an inflow of salty water in accord with the local requirements.

Under the present government, altogether 141 dams and facilities including the Tawa sluice gate have been built at a cost of K 58,389.38 million and they had irrigated 2.02 million acres of farmland. In Bago Division, 33 dams including the present sluice gate were built at a cost of K 19,093 million and they benefited over 500,000 acres of farmlands. Altogether 11 dams including Zwebat sluice gate in Waw Township and Shwehlay sluice gate in Kawa Township are under construction in Bago Division. Shankaing sluice gate in Waw Township benefits 25,000 acres of farmland, Paingkyone sluice gate in Kawa Township 30,000 acres of farmland and Tawa sluice gate 32,000 acres of farmland totalling 87,000 acres of farmland. Zwebat and Shwehlay sluice gates can benefit 25,000 acres and 30,000 acres of farmlands respectively. On completion of all the sluice gates, 142,000 acres of land will become valuable farmland in Bago-Sittaung canal region. These are practical measures for farmers and rural people.

Fields in the north of Bago-Sittaung canal are flooded every year. Therefore the government dug the main canal and built the main sluice gates at suitable places. Feasible study is under way for construction of Winkadat sluice gate in Waw Township, Kokko and Kanpyo sluice gates in Thanatpin Township.

The sluice gate projects of the State are emerging one after another and once wetlands have become cultivable valuable farmlands. The sluice gates preventing salty water and silt from flowing to the region. Farmers will have a lot of benefits, for they can store fresh water. At a time when the State is systematically fulfilling the requirements of the respective regions for development of agriculture sector, local farmers are to effectively utilize these opportunities created by the State, to strive for development of agricultural works with might and main and to cooperate with the government harmoniously after accepting its correct leadership. The State is giving encouragement to development of agriculture sector which is the main economy of rural areas, livestock breeding sector and other production.

In line with the guidance of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe, the five rural area development tasks have been carried out. In addition to the development tasks for rural agriculture, livestock breeding and economic sectors, arrangements are being made for ensuring smooth transportation in rural areas, supplying of safe drinking water and water for agricultural use, and uplift of health, fitness and education standards of rural people, he elaborated. So, it is necessary for the people living in rural areas to unitedly take part in the rural development tasks being implemented by the State. With the encouragement of the State, the systematic supervision of local authorities and active participation of the local people, it is sure that all rural areas will develop soon, and the new, modern and developed nation will emerge soon as desired by the public, he pointed out.

At present, although the State has been making endeavours for uplift of socio-economic life of the people and the development of human resources, some pessimists are downplaying these efforts. So, all are to be aware of and keep away from those with negative views. Under the correct guidance of the government, all national people are to preserve the good tradition of cooperating hand in hand with the Government and to keep on striving for development of the State, the national people with Union Spirit. In conclusion, he urged all to collectively participate in working for the development of agriculture sector and the region, and to uplift the socio-economic life of local people more and more. by using the farmlands reclaimed by the Tawa sluice gate.

Then, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin made a speech. He said it is known to all that the agriculture sector is vital for development of the country and it is being carried out all over the country including the delta region, highlands and coastal region. So, with a view to boosting the production of crops as well as development of economic and social sectors, agricultural infrastructures suitable for weather and soil have been provided and projects on sluice gates and reservoirs and river water pumping projects are being implemented all over the country.

Head of State Senior General Than Shwe himself has made inspection tours to every nook and corner of the country and made arrangements for implementation of development infrastructures. The State has spent over K 58,000 million on agriculture to facilitate over 2 million acres of land sector in a short period. In this regard, already completed 33 irrigation facilities in Bago Division are contributing to the growing of multiple-cropping on over 530,000 acres of land, he said. In the country, water supply tasks are vital for development of socio-economy of the people in the dry zone, and measures for preventing the flood are necessary for the lower parts of the country. In this region, fields along Bago-Sittaung canal were flooded due to poor drainage system. So, to solve the problem, the Tawa sluice gate is built. The sluice gate with 33 6 ft x12 ft outlets has been built at the lower part of the canal.

The sluice gate can prevent sea water from flowing and store fresh water. So, local farmers can grow monsoon paddy as well as seasonal crops in the cold season and summer and they will have opportunities to boost production Bago Division is a reliable one in agriculture sector in lower Myanmar. Farmers can grow paddy, beans and pulses, oil crops, industrial raw materials such as cotton, sugarcane and jute as well as other crops. So, careful observations have been made to implement dams, diversion weirs and sluice gate projects. He then spoke words of thanks to officials in Bago Division and staff of the Irrigation Department for their energetic participation in building the sluice gate in a period of a year. He wished local people to be prosperous, maintaining the Tawa sluice gate for long-term use.

Then, Commander Maj-Gen Aung Min made a speech. He said: the Bago Division plays a greater role in national economy. Out of 14 states and divisions, the division is the second greatest in terms of paddy production and the third greatest in terms of pulses and beans production. The areas of the division is over 9.7 million acres and 3.1 million acres of land is used as cultivable land. Efforts are being made to increase more and more cultivable land in the division. The newly-opened Tawa sluice gate will prevent 32,000 acres of farmland from being inundated. It will also prevent sea water and retain fresh water, thus further contributing to growing more paddy and other crops. At the same time, there will be an increase in income and living standard of farmers will also improve.

The commander, on behalf of the farmers and local people, thanked the Head of State and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for successful implementation of the sluice gate which will contribute much towards the agricultural sector.

The commander also spoke of the need for local people and farmers to systematically maintain the sluice gate which is constructed with a huge sum of the State's funds and make efforts for durability. He urged officials of Bago District Peace and Development Council, Thanatpin Township Peace and Development Council, the respective village and village-tract Peace and Development Councils and farmers to maintain and safeguard the already-constructed irrigation facilities with the sense of duty. In conclusion, the commander pledged that all the local people in Bago Division will safeguard and maintain the sluice gate for its durability and for greening the environment. Next, on behalf of the local people, Secretary of Thanatpin Township USDA U Pho Zaw thanked the Government for construction of the agricultural facility.

Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt presented gifts for those who had been engaged in the project through Director U Khin Maung Myint of Construction Group-6 and Assistant Director U Hla Myint. Afterwards, the opening of the sluice gate was held at the pandal in front of the sluice gate and Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt unveiled the stone inscription of the sluice gate.

Then, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Commander Maj-Gen Aung Min formally opened the sluice gate by cutting a ribbon. After opening the ceremony, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party had a group photo taken together with local people.

Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party inspected the sluice gate and greeted those present at the ceremony. Then, the Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of the canal and bridge. Afterwards, they proceeded to the briefing hall of the construction site. At the briefing hall, Minister Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin reported on the already-constructed Shankaing Sluice Gate, Paingkyon Sluice Gate and Tawa Sluice Gate and Zwebat Sluice Gate and Shwehlay Sluice Gate under construction for agricultural purpose.

Then, Director-General of ID U Kyaw San Win reported on the salient points of Tawa Sluice Gate, construction matters, and the irrigated farmland of the sluice gate.

Then, member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and Commander Maj-Gen Aung Min reported on the fruitful results enjoyed by local people for building Shankaing Sluice Gate in Waw Township and Paingkyon Sluice Gate in Kawa Township and construction of streets linking towns and villages.

Then, Minister for Progress of Border Areas and National Races and Development Affairs Col Thein Nyunt reported on construction of Kyaikpadaing-Tawa-Paingkyon-Phale laterite road and Waw-Thanatpin bypass.

The Secretary-1 gave instructions on regional development. Tawa Sluice Gate is built at the fork of Bago River and Bago-Sittaung Canal near Tawa Village on the eastern bank of Bago River. The concrete sluice gate has 33 6-ft by 12-ft outlets. The sluice gate can benefit 32,000 acres of land. The sluice gate was built with the aim of preventing flooding water in the rainy season and summer. In addition, the sluice gate can prevent salty water and silt of Bago River in the summer. Likewise, it can contribute towards storage of fresh water for cultivating summer season crops and availability of drinking water.

Then, the Secretary-1 and party arrived at the construction site of Shwehlay sluice gate near the confluence of Hsema Creek and Bago River in Kawa Township. Deputy Director-General U Khin Zaw of Irrigation Department, local authorities and people welcomed them.

At the briefing hall, Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Nyunt Tin and Deputy Director-General U Khin Zaw reported on the purpose of building Shwehlay sluice gate, facts about the sluice gate, drawing of the design by local technicians, progress of work, arrangements for traveling of water craft and benefited areas. Then, Minister for Livestock and Fisheries Brig-Gen Maung Maung Thein reported on fish breeding tasks.

Next, the Secretary-1 gave necessary instructions. He said that the land on either side of Bago-Sittaung Canal in Thanatpin Township were wetlands and low-lying areas in the past. Due to entering of salty water, the large acres of precious land went to no purpose for many years.

Nowadays, Shankaing sluice gate in Waw Township, Paingkyon sluice gate in Kawa Township and Tawa sluice gate in Thanatpin Township have been built under the wetland reclamation project. About 90,000 acres of land have been turned into the farmland. As Zwebat sluice gate and Shwehlay sluice gate are being built, tens of thousands of acres of farmland will emerge soon. The Government is implementing the projects for benefiting not only local people but also their next generations. The local people are to use the good opportunities and energetic efforts are to be made for development of the region and improvement of living standard of local people.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party inspected construction of Shwehlay sluice gate.

Afterwards, they arrived at Shwehlay model village in Kayan Township, Yangon Division, where they were welcomed by local authorities and people. The Secretary-1 cordially met with the local people.

At Shwehlay model village BEPS, the Secretary-1 met local authorities, departmental personnel and village elders. Officials reported on agriculture tasks, road construction, education, health, communication and regional development tasks.

Minister Col Thein Nyunt reported on sinking of tube-well for availability of drinking water and construction of Shwehlay-Paukpin-Ayeywa-Maunggwe road. The Secretary-1 gave instructions on rural roads, education, health, agriculture and livestock breeding tasks, availability of drinking water, social welfare tasks and establishment of the model village.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party paid homage to Sayadaw Bhaddanta Tejavamta of Dhamma-thukha Monastery in Shwehlay model village. The Secretary-1 presented cash donations for the monastery.

Then, the Secretary-1 presented medicines for the rural health care units of Shwehlay model village and Maungma village. They then inspected construction of the rural health unit of Shwehlay model village.

Next, the Secretary-1 and party arrived back here in the afternoon.

Yangon Division USDA holds extempore talks contest

Yangon, 30 Dec - The Yangon Division Union Solidarity and Development Association held the extempore talks contest to mark the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day at Yangon Division USDA Office in Bahan Township at 9 am today.

First, USDA member students of South Okkalapa Basic Education High School No 2 sang the song "Eternal Union" at the opening cere-mony. Yangon Division USDA Patron Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe gave a speech. Then, leader of the panel of judges Staff Officer U Thet Naing of No 3 Basic Education Department explained the rules of the contest.

Next, the extempore talks contest followed.

After the contest, USDA CEC member Col Tin Hlaing presented first and second prizes to Maung Aung Khin Zaw of Yangon East District and Maung Kyaw Maung Maung Sein of Yangon South District; CEC member U Thein Sein, the third prize and the special prize to Ma Hsu Wady Nwe of Yangon West District and Ma Sanda Moe of Yangon West District.

Later, CEC member Col Maung Pa gave away gifts to members of the panel of judges and those who sang the song at the opening ceremony.

International Relations

  

Secretary-1 receives UN AIDS Executive Director

Yangon, 30 Dec - Chairman of National Health Committee Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt received UN AIDS Executive Director Dr Peter Piot at Zeyathiri Beikman on Konmyinttha this afternoon.

Minister for Health receives UN Official

Yangon, 30 Dec - Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein received Executive Director Dr Peter Piot of UNAIDS of Geneva, Switzerland, and Director Dr Werasit Sittarai of Programme Development and Coordination Director at his office this afternoon.

Region

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspects prevention of land erosion, construction of bridges in Ayeyawady Division

Yangon, 30 Dec - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence, left Yangon by car on 28 December afternoon and arrived at Anyasu ferry in Htantabin Township at 1.30 pm.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected a land erosion of Anyasu-Katwe canal at the ferry in Anyasu Village. Deputy Minister U Pe Than reported on arrangements for prevention of the landslide. The canal, 3,200 feet long, was dug to link Tamalo and Yayle villages. Afterwards, they proceeded to Pandaing Village at the border of Yangon and Ayeyawady divisions where they were welcomed by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Htay Oo and officials.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party, together with the commander and party, inspected a land erosion between 11th and 12th streets in Ward 4 of Nyaungdon. Deputy Minister U Pe Than reported on dredging for prevention of the landslide on the bank of Yankin Sanya Village. The commander gave a supplementary report. Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected development of Nyaungdon by car.

Next, they went to the bank of Kyeinbin Dam, eastern part of Sakkaw Village in Nyaungdon Township and inspected the land erosion at pier No 16 of Bo Myat Tun Bridge. Deputy Minister U Pe Than and officials reported on preventive measures for the land erosion. Yesterday morning, they attended the opening ceremony of Pyapon Digital Electronic Auto-Exchange of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications. Then, they saw over development of Pyapon by car. Next, they arrived at the construction site of Pyapon Bridge.

Pyapon District Senior Engineer U Soe Myint of Public Works reported on the construction project. Pyapon Bridge across Pyapon River will be 2,385 feet long and will link Pyapon and Ohnbin Village in Dedaye Township. The bridge will have 28 feet wide motor way and six feet wide pedestrian lanes on either side. The bridge is being built of concrete bore piles and steel beams. The soil test has been completed. The Bridge Construction Special Group-7 of Public Works will build the bridge. On completion, people from Bogale and Kyaiklat can go Yangon city through Dedaye Bridge via Kungyangon and Kawhmu. Then, they met with local farmers of Ohnbin Village in Dedaye Township.

At Dedaye Bridge construction project, Deputy Superintending Engineer U Khin Maung Win reported on progress of works, preparations for opening ceremony and building of the stone plaque. Next, local authorities reported on development tasks of the Dedaye Township. Dedaye Bridge will be 4,088 feet long to link Dedaye of Ayeyawady Division and Kungyangon of Yangon Division and will have 28 feet long motor road and six feet wide pedestrian way on either side. The bridge is being built of reinforced concrete bole piles, RDC bole piles and reinforced concrete lower structure. The upper structure of the bridge is of steel frames. The bridge can withstand 60-ton loads. It has 350 feet wide and 36 feet clearance. Construction of the bridge has been completed 95 per cent. They then arrived at the microwave station in Ward 3 of Dedaye.

Minister Brig-Gen Thein Zaw reported on installation of the microwave and test-run works. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than and party inspected thriving of summer paddy on either side of the road from Dedaye to Kyaiklat. Next, he met with local farmers in Hleseik Village and Thayawe Village of Kyaiklat Township. They then inspected the paddy husk-powered water pumping tasks of Water Resource Utilization Department in Tahyawe Village, Kyaiklat Township. The paddy husk-powered generator used only paddy husk. The generator, using six baskets of paddy husk an hour, can pump water between 90,000 and 92,000 gallons. It can lift water from four to six feet and supply power for 1,000 four-feet fluorescence.

Then, Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than inspected thriving of summer paddy along Kyaiklat-Maubin road and Maubin-Hsamalauk road and arrived back in Yangon in the evening.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than attends opening ceremony of Digital Electronic Auto Exchange in Pyapon

Yangon, 30 Dec - Member of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than of the Ministry of Defence this morning attended the opening ceremony of Digital Electronic Auto Exchange of Myanma Posts and Telecommunications in Pyapon, Ayeyawady Division.

Maj-Gen Htay Oo and Brig-Gen Thein Zaw formally opened the auto exchange. Then, the responsible officials conducted Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than, Maj-Gen Htay Oo, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw and party round the new auto exchange. Then, the second session of the opening ceremony followed at the Anawa Hall in Pyapon. Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than spoke on the occasion.

He said the inauguration of digital electronic auto exchange in Pyapon was an auspicious occasion not only for the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs but also for the State. This new auto exchange would enable the people in Pyapon to communicate direct with other towns in the country as well as with foreign nations.

The development of communication sector is key to the realization of one of the economic objectives of the State  Development of agriculture as the base and all-round development of other sectors of the economy as well. In the globalization process, the digital divide widens the gap between the haves and haves not. Therefore, the ministry is extending telephone, telegraph and postal services in rural and remote areas.

Lt-Gen Khin Maung Than called on the ministry to effectively contribute, with the use of modern telecommunication technologies, to the speedy development of education, health, economy, and social sectors of various regions in the Union. He also expressed thanks for the assistance rendered by responsible personnel of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council, departmental officials and the staff of the Ministry of Communications, Posts and Telegraphs.

Then, Chairman of Ayeyawady Divisoin Peace and Development Council Commander of South-West Command Maj-Gen Htay Oo also spoke on the occasion. He said the newly-opened exchange is connected with Yangon through underwater optical fibre cable, the last word in telecommunication technology. The excellent communication will offer services not only to the benefits of the people of Pyapon and its nearby villages but to the educational, social, administrative and political sectors as well. The achievements in Pyapon District will reflect the development of the whole Ayeyawady Division in the communication sector in line with the guidence of Head of State Senior General Than Shwe on the rural communication development programme. Previously, there were 500 telephone lines in Pya-pon. There are now 750 telephone lines in Pyapon.

Later, Minister for CPT Brig-Gen Thein Zaw also spoke on the occasion. He said that 188,000 yuan and 62.284 million kyats had been spent on the construction of the new exchange. The ICT Park was established in Yangon on 21 January, 2002, for the development of information and communication technology in Myanmar. Plans are under way to set up another ICT Park in Mandalay. As the configuration of e-mail and Internet systems has been completed with the use of modems and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), there are now 77 Internet and 5,339 Internet E-mail. In the global communication sector, not only the satellite communication system but also the Asia-Europe underwater cable system are now in use. Pyapon is on the strategic point of the Asia-Europe underwater cable link.

Therefore, Myanma Posts and Telecommunications under the Ministry of CPT implemented the plan for the new exchange.

In accord with the guidence of the Head of State, MPT is making arrangements to ensure speedy development of rural areas and to bridge the development gap between rural and urban areas. Moreover, it is trying its utmost to make the telecommunication sector a reliable serivce for the people.

Next, Phyapon District USDA Secretary U Aye Kyaing spoke words of thanks.

Afterwards, Brig-Gen Thein Zaw presented gifts and certificates of honour to the staff of MPT through assistant engineer U Nyunt Hlaing, which broght the ceremony to an end.

Minister inspects social welfare tasks, departmental works in Rakhine State

Yangon, 30 Dec - Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement and for Immigration and Population Maj-Gen Sein Htwa on 28 December met with departmental staff at Immigration and National Registration Department in Buthidaung Township, Rakhine State, and gave instructions to them to abide by the rules and regulations while carrying out the tasks.

The minister and Chairman of the Rakhine State Peace and Development Council Commander of Western Command Maj-Gen Maung Oo inspected the all-round development tasks in Maungtaw Township.

On 29 December, the minister met with the departmental staff under the two ministries, members of Maternal and Child Welfare Association and departmental officials at Sittway City Hall. The minister and party this morning went to the Home for the Aged in Sittway and presented clothes, medicine and K 40,000 to the supervisory committee.

They went to Youth Development School of Kemamandine Monastery and presented clothes, medicines and K 40,000 to Maha Saddhammajotikadhaja Sayadaw Bhaddanta Visuddha.

Basic management course No 2/2002 on tourism opens

 Yangon, 30 Dec - Basic management course No 2/2002 on tourism jointly organized by training administrative board of the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism and the Union of Myanmar Travel Association for development of tourism was held at Asia Plaza Hotel on Bogyoke Aung San Street this morning.

Minister for Hotels and Tourism Brig-Gen Thein Zaw delivered a speech. He said tourism in Myanmar has developed now. Myanmar is rich in natural resources and she has basic foundations for tourist attractions such as traditional culture, ancient heritage and structures. Tourist arrival at Yangon International Airport and Mandalay International Airport increased more than that of previous year. Myanmar is now the most peaceful, tranquil and the safest country in Asia and in the world due to the correct leadership of the Government and cooperation of the people and tour operators. Necessary preparations are to be made for increasing the number of tourists. Staff of the ministry and tour operators will give lectures on management, market appraisal, accountancy, practice of English and tour guide course.

The ministry has formed the Union of Myanmar Travel Association and Hoteliers Association and tourism industry will be promoted. The six-week course is being attended by 100 trainees.

Golden Jubilee of CSO opened

Yangon, 30 Dec - The Golden Jubilee Celebration of Central Statistical Organization of the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development was opened this morning at the training hall of the CSO here.

At the opening ceremony, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha made an address. In the afternoon, the paper reading session followed and three resource persons read out the papers on statistics and computer use.

The paper reading session will continue tomorrow. It was also attended by the directors-general of the departments under the ministry and staff.

On-job training course for Law Officers opened

Yangon, 30 Dec - On-job training course No 2/2002 of Law Officers (Grade-4) (Probation) of the Attorney-General's Office opened this morning at the office with an opening address by Attorney-General U Tha Tun. Altogether 26 trainees are attending the six-week course.

Myanmar and English dailies to come out in new form and essence

Yangon, 30 Dec - Daily papers in Myanmar and English - the Myanma Alin, the Kyemon and the New Light of Myanmar Ñpublished by the News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information will appear in new form and essence starting form 1 January, 2003.

The Myanma Alin daily will carry the news of the nation, by-line news, perspectives, news from ministries, poem, cartoon, articles, foreign news, culture and arts news, district news, sports news, letters to the editor and social and economic advertisements. The Kyemon daily will feature local and foreign news, international news on economy, culture and science (once a week), sports news at home and abroad, letters from the public (on Wednesday and Saturday), letter and reply section (once a week), cartoon, poem, book review and motion picture sections (once a week).

The New Light of Myanmar daily will change its size from broadsheet to tabloid, but the number of pages will increase to 16 from 12. It will include national news in brief, articles, advertisements, perspectives, crossword puzzle, cartoon, letters to the editor, local sports news, news and photos of world events. To make the dailies more spread in rural and border areas, the circulation of the dailies will increase, it is learnt.

Work Committee for Organizing Armed Forces Day commemorative Poem & Art Competition meets

Yangon, 30 Dec - The Work Committee for Organizing the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative Poem and Art Competition held at the third coordination meeting at the Ministry of Culture this morning.

Chairman of the Work Committee Deputy Minister for Culture U Soe Nyunt presided over the meeting and delivered an address. He said it is close to holding the 58th Anniversary Armed Forces Day commemorative Poem and Art Competition. Officials of the sub-committee are to organize more competitors than previous year. The Myanma Traditional Artistes and Artisans Asiayon (Central) is to submit three designs of the lay-out plan for central booth to be displayed at the exhibition to mark the Armed Forces Day. Officials of Myanmar Writers and Journalists Association, Myanmar Music Asiayon and Myanmar Traditional Artists and Artisans Asiayon are to go field trips to organize competitors throughout the country.

Especially, interviews related to the poem contest, painting and sculpture contest, martial and marching songs contest will be telecast on MRTV and Myawady TV in January 2003. Likewise, tasks are to be undertaken for describing news and articles in the newspapers. General Staff Officer (Grade-I) Cmdr Myo Myint Than of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), Assistant Chief of Armed Forces Training (Air) Col Ko Ko, Secretary of the Painting and Sculpture Sub-committee U Thit Lwin Soe and Secretary of MTAAA U Thant Sin reported on their respective sectors.

Next, officials of the sub-committees took part in the discussions. Later, the Deputy Minister gave a concluding remarks and the meeting came to an end.

Library Science Course concludes

Yangon, 30 Dec - The Library Science Course sponsored by of Information and Public Relations Department of Yangon West District (Kyauktada) Office concluded at the office of Bahan Township IPRD at 9 am today.

It was attended by officials of Yangon West District Union Solidarity and Development Association, the secretary and executive members of township USDAs in Yangon West District, officials of Township War Veterans Organization and Township Writers and Journalists Association, Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association and trainees.

Altogether 25 trainees attended the one-week course.

Nine armed group members exchange arms for peace

Yangon, 30 Dec - The State Peace and Development Council is striving with might and main for the emergence of a peaceful, modern and developed nation.

After understanding the genuine goodwill and correct endeavours of the Government, remnant armed group members, abandoning their destructive acts which did not benefit the people at all and made their region retard development, have been continuously exchanging arms for peace individually or in groups.

Cpl Aik Ne of No 2 Battalion of KNPP armed group, bringing together with one M-16, one magazine and 13 rounds of ammunition in Eastern Command area; Cpl Tapala (a) Sein Win of No 16 Battalion, No 6 Brigade, KNU armed group with one grenade and Sgt Saw Ei Nay Wah and Pvts Mu Khu, Pha Oo Thay, Kalo Lwe, Kyaw Dah and Saw Chay Thway of No 17 Battalion in South-East Command area; Pvt Saw Ei Hti of No 10 Battalion of No 4 Brigade of KNU armed group with one AK-47, two magazines and 38 rounds of ammunition in Coastal Region Command exchanged arms for peace at respective military camps from 1 to 30 November 2002.

Officials of the respective military camps welcomed the nine armed group members who had exchanged arms for peace and fulfilled their needs. There are still more members of the armed groups to exchange arms for peace.

National races study group of Shan State toured Yangon

Yangon, 30 Dec - At the invitation of Chairman of Work Committee for Pro-gress of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, visiting 122 national races study group of border areas in Shan State, accompanied by officials of Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department this afternoon visited the headquarters of Union Solidarity and Development Association at the corner of University Avenue and Saya San Road in Bahan Township.

First, the CEC member greeted them. The souvenirs were exchanged. Shan national Ma Nan Cho Cho Win expressed her words of thanks and they viewed round the headquarters. Next, the study group proceeded to Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Hill, Insein. Then, the national races study group visited White Elephant shed. Afterwards, the study group went to Hlinethaya Industrial Town.

In the afternoon, Deputy Director-General Lt-Col Myint Swe of the department met with the study group and presented gifts to the members.

Cash and kind donated for sinking tube-wells

Yangon, 30 Dec - A ceremony to donate cash and kind to Myanmar National Working Committee for Women's Affairs for sinking tube-wells in the rural areas where scarcity of water in occuring was held at the Social Welfare Department on Kaba Aye Pagoda Road here.

First, Chairman of MNWCWA Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement U Hlaing Win spoke words of thanks for the donations. Wellwishers U Myint Oo-Daw Le Le Htar presented K 500,000 for sinking tube-wells and a set of rattan settee worth US $ 500 to MNWCWA; in memorial of late Ambassador U Nyi Nyi Than, wife Daw Tin Tin Oo K 500,000; U Aung Myint Oo-Daw Thazin K 500,000 each to MNWCWA and for sinking tube-wells, U Maung Maung Tin-Daw Tin Tin Win and U Aung Thu-Daw Sandar Gyi K 250,000 each.

MNWCWA committee member Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe accepted the donation and presented certificates of honour to the wellwishers.

Relition

ITBMU to hold diploma course entrance exam

Yangon, 30 Dec - The International Theravada Buddhist Missionary University of the Ministry of Religious Affairs will hold the entrance examination on the one-year Buddha and Dhamma diploma courses for 2003 academic year to be opened in the first week of June 2003, at the central hall of the university. Paper of English will be examined from 9 am to 11 am and paper on Buddhism knowledge from 2 pm to 4 pm on 9 January 2003. Oral test will be held at 1 pm on 10 January. Roll numbers will be posted at the registrar's office of the university on the first of January.

Education

Basic Education Level TV Quiz held

Yangon, 30 Dec - The Basic Education Level TV Quiz to mark the 55th Anniversary Independence Day was held at the studio-A of Myanma Radio and Television on Pyay Road this morning.

Professor Dr Kyaw Win of History Department of YU and professors discharged the duty of the panel of judges. At the quiz, ninth standard student Ma Hsu Way Zaw of Pathein BEHS No 6 won the first prize, eighth standard student Ma Khaing Lwin Mon of Hpa-an BEHS No 2 the second and eighth standard student Ma Su Mya Win of Latha BEHS No 2 the third.

Linlay village of Shan State gets new school building

Yangon, 30 Dec - A ceremony to hand over a new school building of affiliated Basic Education Middle School to Shan State Education Department, built by the government and the public in Linlay Village, Taunggyi Township, was held at the compound of the school on 27 December morning.

First, Pa-O national race leader U Aung Kham Hti and Shan State Assistant Education Officer U Ohn Pe opened the new school building built at a cost of K 12.5 million. Next, the new school building handing over ceremony was held at the school with addresses by Taunggyi Township Peace and Development Council Chairman U Hla Nay, the Shan State assistant education officer and the Pa-O national race leader.

Then, member of the school construction committee U Htun Phyu read out the financial report. Headmistress Daw Thida presented documents related to the school and a commemorative pennant to the Shan State assistant education officer, and the students presented their performances.

Exhibition on School Family Day continues for fourth day

Yangon, 30 Dec - The Exhibition on School Family Day of the Ministry of Education for 2002-2003 academic year continued for the fourth day at the Diamond Jubilee Hall on Pyay Road here.

Deputy Ministers for Education Brig-Gen Soe Win Maung and U Myo Nyunt, directors-general and chairmen of departments and boards under the ministry visited there. The competition on the etiquette for Myanmar and international relations was held in the compound of the Myanmar Education Research Bureau at 9 am today, attended by members of the committee for the holding of the competition, members of the panel of judges and teachers.

A total of 25 middle school students from states and divisions took part in the central level competition.

In the afternoon, questions were asked to eight students and the rest 17 students will be asked questions tomorrow. Winners of the competition will be awarded on 3 January. The paper reading session on education was also held at the convocation council hall, the science hall and the recreation centre of Yangon University. On the third-floor, booth of the University of Distance Education, demonstrations of computer skill by students of Kamayut BEPS-2, and the Lucky Bird's computer booth were displayed. On second floor were paintings reflecting Myanma social life of Konbaung, Amarapura and Yadanabon eras. Artistic works of students from schools under the Nos 1, 2 and 3 Basic Education Departments were shown on first floor and food was also on sale there. Book shops sold all kinds of books on the ground floor and was packed with buyers.

The Family Rowing Competition took place on Inya Lake Universities Rowing Club (Yangon) from 9 am to 12 noon. Students from many universities and high schools entered the competition. The Diamond Jubilee Hall was illuminated with multi-coloured lights. The exhibition will be kept open till 3 January.

School Text Book Publishing and Distribution Committee meets

Yangon, 30 Dec - The School Text Book Publishing and Distribution Committee held the work coordination meeting at the Ministry of Information on Bo Aung Kyaw Street here at noon today, with an address by Committee Chairman Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan.

First, the minister advised officials on step-by-step close supervision for timely printing and distribution of text books as soon as the schools open and ensuring the good quality. Next, TBPS subcommittee Chairman Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein explained quantity of text books to be printed by the ministry and number of the books printed. Director-General of the Education Planning and Training Department U Bo Win reported on publishing of the text books undertaken by the Ministry of Education, distribution of books to various regions and future tasks.

Then, those present at the meeting made general round of discussions and the meeting came to an end with the concluding remarks by the minister.

Sport

MGF President's trophy golf tournament to be held

Yangon, 30 Dec - The Myanmar Golfer Federation President's Trophy Men's and Women's golf tournament for 2002-2003 will be held on a grand scale at Hanthawady Golf Club in Bago Division from 7 to 10 January.

Only handicap 0-12 amateur men golfers together with the professional golfers are allowed to compete in the tournament. Only handicap 0-18 amateur women golfers are allowed to participate in women's amateur event and those who are under 18 years are not allowed to compete in it. Those wishing to take part in the tournament may enlist at the Hanthawady Golf Club not later than 4 pm on 5 January 2003 and may dial Tel 723221 and 661216 at Myanmar PGA office for further information. With the aim of developing Myanma golf standard and turning out new generation golfers, the golf tournament will be mainly sponsored by Rothmans of Pall Mall Myanmar Pte Ltd together with co-sponsors Air Mandalay, Canon (Accel International Co Ltd), Wilson, KM Golf Centre, AWB, Loi-Hein (Alpine) Purified Drinking Water, Grand Royal Special Whisky and Hanthawady Golf and Country Club.

The golfers who scored hole-in-one in the tournament will be presented handsome prizes by Sun Far Travels and Tour Co Ltd. The tournament will be organized by Han Event Management.

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