- Senior General Than Shwe tours Loikaw, Kayah State
- Senior General Than Shwe tours Panglong region
- Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing pay homage to Taunggyi Sulamuni Lawkachantha Pagoda
- State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Syria
- Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe take part in Thingyan Festival of OCMI families
- Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe participate in water festival of Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe take part in water festival of Ministry of Home Affairs
- Prize presentation and closing ceremony of Yangon Mayor's pandal held
- Information Minister inspects presses of dailies
- Yangon City, padals crowded with revellers on final day of Maha Thingyan Festival
- Ravellers throng Mandalay Thingyan
Senior General Than Shwe tours Loikaw, Kayah State
Correct reports on requirements stressed
Hard work and unity will enable Myanmar to stand tall among world nations
Yangon, 16 April- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe left Taunggyi by helicopter on 13 April and arrived at Loikaw.
The Senior General and party were welcomed by Chairman of Kayah State Peace and Development Council Col Thein Swe and officials. Kayah girls presented bouquets to them.
The Senior General and party went to Ngwetaung Yeiktha where they were welcomed by Kayah girls, members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association, teachers and students, nurse trainees and service personnel.
Senior General Than Shwe and party attended a ceremony to donate provisions to monasteries at Sasana Beikmandaw in Loikaw.
Also present were members of the Sangha of 25 monasteries led by Sayadaw of Shwedaung Pariyatti Sarthintaik in Loikaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Panņasami, Central Working Committee of the Sangha Minkyaung Sayadaw Agga Maha Pandita Bhaddanta Sitthilabhivamsa, Chairman of Kayah State Sangha Nayaka Committee Wimotetithukha Yeiktha Sayadaw Maha Kamahtanacariya Bhaddanta Kesaradhaja, members of Kayah State Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, chairmen and members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, members of USDA, social organizations, religious associations and townselders.
The congregation received the Five Precepts from Sayadaw Bhaddanta Panņasami.
Next, Senior General Than Shwe donated provisions and offertories to the Sayadaw.
Lt-Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the commander, the ministers, senior military officers and officials donated provisions to the members of the Sangha, followed by sharing of merits gained.
Senior General Than Shwe cordially greeted those present. The Senior General and party went to the historic Hsutaungpyi Myonan Shwezedi and paid respects to Buddha image.
Senior General Than Shwe signed in the visitors' book and donated cash.
The Pagoda Board of Trustees presented the picture of Myonan Shwezedi to the Senior General.
The Senior General and party inspected development of Loikaw in a motorcade.
In the afternoon, they met members of Kayah State Peace and Development Council, departmental officials, chairmen and members of District and Township Peace and Development Councils, Tatmadawmen and their families of Loikaw Station, USDA members, representatives of social organizations and townselders at the town hall.
Chairman of Kayah State Peace and Development Council Col Thein Swe reported on area of Kayah State, national races living in the state, sown acreage and cultivation of crops, rice and edible oil sufficiency in the region, education, health and regional developments and implementation of the economic plan.
In his guidance, Senior General Than Shwe said he and party came to Loikaw to witness the development of Kayah State and to provide requirements.
He said the high-ranking officials made field trips to the grassroots levels and reviewed the findings correctly and fulfilled the requirements. As a result, the respective regions are achieving developments, he said.
Similarly, regional authorities are to carry out the tasks and fulfil the requirements after making field trips to grassroots levels. By doing so, development rate of the State will increase, he added.
He said those in-charge in the regions are to discharge their duties conscientiously in the respective sectors. It is important to report the requirements correctly, he stressed. Efforts should be made to raise the food, clothing and shelter conditions of the people in developing regional economy. Strenuous efforts are to be made to achieve economic development, to increase per capita income and to boost production, he added.
He stressed the importance of human resource development for economic progress. He spoke of the need for everyone to be educated for human resource development. The government has opened colleges and universities for those in the region to be able to pursue not only basic education but also higher education.
Only when the human resources can be developed, will the nation be able to strive for long-term development and perpetually maintain it.
Uplift of the education standard of the nation and human resources development is required. So also, more hospitals and dispensaries should be opened; and the existing ones, upgraded to uplift the health and fitness of the people.
All in all, the State has been giving priority to development of the economy, production sector and human resources, uplift the health and fitness of the people, and improving the transport sector to the best of its ability.
Local authorities and the public will have to make strenuous efforts in the respective sectors. The assistance of the State and the harmonious efforts of the people will lead to rapid progress of the nation.
The world is rapidly developing in the 21st Century. All the people of the nation will have to strive hard to catch up with others. Only then will the nation be able to stand tall among the world nations.
The nation's area and population are appropriate for development and it has human and natural resources. Thus, hard work and unity will enable Myanmar to stand tall among the world nations.
Next, the Senior General cordially greeted those present.
After the ceremony, Senior General Than Shwe and party arrived by helicopter at the site for coal-fired power station (Tikyit) project being implemented by Myanma Electric Power Enterprise.
Deputy Minister for Electric Power U Myo Myint reported to the Senior General on location of the coal-fired power station (Tikyit), the purpose of the project, tonnage of the coal deposit, type of coal, type of generator to be installed and power to be generated, arrival of construction materials and construction of the station with audio-visual aids. Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut reported on transport of imported equipment to Tikyit, arrangements for distribution of power and requirements.
Next, Senior General Than Shwe gave necessary guidance and signed in the visitors' book.
Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected scale model of the power station and construction of it.
At the first phase, two coal-fired boilers and two turbines that can generate 60 megawatts each will be installed.
The Shan Yoma Dragon Co Ltd will produce coal needed for the power station. The project is expected to be completed before the end of 2003.
CEC member of USDA Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win met secretaries of Kayah State, Loikaw District and Township USDAs and executives at Sasana Beikmandaw in Liokaw.
Senior General Than Shwe tours Panglong region
State striving for all national races to enjoy fruits of development, peace and stability equally
Yangon, 15 April- Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Than Shwe arrived at Heho Airport in Kalaw Township on 11 April morning.
The Senior General and party were welcomed there by Chairman of Shan State Peace and Development Council Commander of Eastern Command Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint, Deputy Minister for Transport Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint, Commander of Kalaw Station Principal of Staff College Brig-Gen Nyan Win and senior military officers and officials.
At the airport, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Kyaw Myint reported to the Senior General on progress of work in extension of the runway of Heho Airport. Managing Director U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co Ltd on extension of the runway and apron and availability of machinery and equipment and Minister for Construction Maj-Gen Saw Tun on design made by Public Works for the runway. Senior General Than Shwe gave instructions on timely completion of the projects for extension of the runway meeting the set standard.
Previously, the tarred runway was 6,000 feet long and 50 feet wide.
Under the project being implemented, the airport will have 8,500 feet long and 100 feet wide runway on which a Fokker F-28 Jet can take off and land. An apron with 720 feet by 300 feet is also under construction.
The work for extension of the runway will be completed in coming June.
On 12 April morning, Senior General Than Shwe and party arrived at Loilem from Taunggyi by helicopter. They were welcomed there by Colonel Lwin Oo of Loilem Station and senior military officers and departmental officials.
Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected progress of work in construction of Government Technological College (Panglong), 200-bed Loilem General Hospital and Government Computer College (Panglong).
They then arrived at the construction site of Maha Rahtarbhithamaggi Pagoda on Wikathini Hill in Panglong and inspected the construction work of the pagoda.
At the briefing hall of the pagoda construction site, Commander Maj-Gen Khin Maung Myint reported to the Senior General on building of 135 feet high pagoda at the place where the Union was conceived with the united strength of national races.
U Tun Myint Naing of Asia World Co Ltd reported on the design of the pagoda and progress of work.
Senior General Than Shwe then inspected the scale model of the pagoda and gave necessary instructions.
Afterwards, Senior General Than Shwe cordially greeted such national races as Shan, PaO, Taungyo and Yin and explained about efforts made for development of Panglong and gave guidance on preservation of the development tasks being carried out by the State.
Then, in front of the Union monument in Panglong, erected in commemoration of the historic Panglong Agreement signed on 12 February 1947, Senior General Than Shwe and party had documentary photos taken together with national races and members of the Union Solidarity and Development Association.
Senior General Than Shwe and party then arrived at Panglong University where they were welcomed by Acting Rector U Tin Hlaing and professors, teachers, staff, members of USDA and social orgainizations and local people.
Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected teaching at the computer training centre, e-Education Resource Centre and e-Education Learning Centre and inspected the Panglong University.
At the Multifunctional Hall, Acting Rector U Tin Hlaing reported to the Senior General and party on opening of the Panglong University on 18 December 2002, attendance of students from the 12 townships in Loilem District, specialized subjects of the university and staff matters, Minister for Health Dr Kyaw Myint on health care services provided to the public in Shan State (South) and upgrading of 100-bed hospital in Loilem to 200-bed facility, Chairman U Sai Tit Aung of Naung Tong Construction Co Ltd on progress of work in construction of 200-bed General Hospital in Loilem, Government Technological College (Panglong) and Government Computer College (Panglong), and U Chit Khaing of Eden Group Co Ltd on progress of work in construction of Panglong University in the first phase and work being carried out for building of lecture halls in the second phase.
Then, Senior General Than Shwe gave guidance saying that Panglong is a region where the Union was conceived and thus all the national races are to value the region. The State, at any appropriate time, is fulfilling all the necessary means for development of Panglong region and raising the economic, education and health standard of people living in Panglong. With a view to enabling the youth of Panglong and its surrounding areas to be able to pursue higher education and human resource development, Government Technological College, Government Computer College and Panglong University have been built. The 100-bed Loilem Hospital has been upgraded to 200-bed one in order to provide health care services to the public. Similarly, other projects to raise the living standard in the whole region are being implemented as planned. With the aim of effecting equitable development of the whole Union and narrowing the gap between one region and another, 24 development regions have been designated and development tasks are being implemented. Only when there is equitable development in various regions of the whole Union, will there be a Union which will last. We are brethren drinking the same water from the same source and living together weal and woe. Therefore, throughout the Union all are to uphold the spirit of oneness. In this regard, the State is making plans to enable the national races to live and earn their living in peace and unity. In addition, the State is striving for all the national races to enjoy the fruits of development and peace and stability equally, without making any racial and regional discriminations. Thus, all should understand the goodwill of the State.
Then, the Senior General cordially greeted officials of Loilem District and Panglong region and local national races.
Senior General Than Shwe and party left Panglong for Mongpan in the afternoon. Brig-Gen Nyunt Hlaing of Mongpan Station and officials welcomed the Senior General and party.
At the guest house of Mongpan Station, the Senior General heard reports presented by officials concerned on arrangements being made for progress of Kholan-Kengtaung motor road, Mongpan-Kengtaung road, Langkho-Mongpan-Tahasang road, Loilem-Laikha-Monkai-Panketu-Tonglaw-Hsipaw road, Kengtaung hydel power project which will be implemented in Monai Township and water supply for the agricultural purpose in the region and fulfilled the requirements.
Senior General Than Shwe and party then arrived at Maha Tejadhipati Pagoda on Radana Hill in Mongpan. The Senior General and party were welcomed there by local national races, members of USDA and social organizations.
First, the Senior General and party paid homage to the Buddha images at the pagoda.
Senior General Than Shwe donated cash for the construction of the pagoda to Brig-Gen Nyunt Hlaing.
Senior General Than Shwe and party inspected the construction of the pagoda and cordially greeted local national races.
With the height of 108 feet, Maha Tejadhipati Pagoda is being built on Yadana Hill, one mile and six furlongs to the west of Mongpan.
Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing pay homage to Taunggyi Sulamuni Lawkachantha Pagoda
Yangon, 15 April - State Peace and Development Council Chairman Defence Services Commander-in-Chief Senior General Than Shwe, wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and entourage, currently in Taunggyi of Shan State paid homage to the Sulamuni Lawkachantha Pagoda on 11 April evening. The Senior General and party arrived at the pagoda at 7.30 pm and were welcomed there by the Shan State Peace and Development Council secretary and members, PaO national race leader U Aung Kham Hti and party and members of the board of trustees of the pagoda.
First, Senior General Than Shwe, wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing and entourage paid homage to the Kathapa Buddha Image. Next, Senior General Than Shwe signed in the visitors' book. Then, PaO national race leader U Aung Kham Hti and party presented a jade Buddha image, PaO traditional daunglan (big circular tray on a stand used for serving meals) and soon-oak (large bowl with stand to contain food) to Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing as gifts of respect.
Senior General Than Shwe and wife Daw Kyaing Kyaing also made cash donations for the pagoda.
State Peace and Development Council Chairman Senior General Than Shwe sends felicitations to Syria
Yangon, 17 April - Senior General Than Shwe, Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council of the Union of Myanmar, has sent a message of felicitations to His Excellency Mr Bashar Al-Assad, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, on the occasion of the National Day of the Syrian Arab Republic which falls on 17 April 2003.
Region
Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San,
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe take part in Thingyan Festival of OCMI families
Yangon, 14 April - Families of Office of the Chief of Military Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence celebrated Maha Thingyan Festival on the lawns of Tatmadaw Guest House on Innya Road this morning.
Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Chief of Military Intelligence General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, families of MI, and military attaches of foreign embassies and their families took part in the festival. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife welcomed the guests and military attaches of embassies and families, who later greeted Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San. The guests were entertained to the Myanmar traditional Thingyan songs of A 1 Soe Myint Music Troupe and dances of families of MI.
The guests participated in the festival by dousing with water on each other and were then served refreshment. Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife then left the Tatmadaw guest house.
After participating in the water throwing festival of families of MI, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and party together with military attaches of embassies and families arrived at the Yangon Mayor's Pandal in front of the City Hall where they were welcomed by Yangon Mayor U Ko Lay and officials. The guests were entertained to Myanmar traditional dances and songs and served lunch on the first floor of the City Hall. The Secretary-1 and party enjoyed the entertainment and took part in the festival and left there in the afternoon.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe participate in water festival of Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Yangon, 16 April - Myanma Traditional Maha Thingyan Festival of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was held on the lawns of Zizawa Yeiktha of the ministry on Pyay Road yesterday morning. Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe took part in the water festival of the ministry.
Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, ministers and their wives, Deputy Dean of the diplomatic corps Ambassador of Sri Lanka Democratic Socialist Republic to Myanmar Mr U Mapa and ambassadors of foreign embassies in Yangon and their wives and families, charges d' affaires ai and their wives and families, resident representatives of UN agencies and their wives and families, officials of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and staff families also took part in water festival of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and guests arrived at Zizawa Yeiktha at 9 am. Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs U Khin Maung Win and wife and departmental heads and staff families of the ministry welcomed the Secretary-1 and party by dousing water on them.
First, Ambassadors, diplomats and wives doused water on the Secretary-1 and wife. The guests were then entertained with songs and music by families of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Next, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt, wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party joyfully took part in the water festival together with ambassadors, charges d' affaires, UN resident representatives, officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and wives.
General Khin Nyunt and party left the Zizawa Yeiktha at 9.45 am.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe take part in water festival of Ministry of Home Affairs
Yangon, 16 April - Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe took part in water festival of the Ministry of Home Affairs this afternoon.
Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party arrived at the water festival pandal of the ministry at noon.
First, on behalf of the Minister for Home Affairs, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung extended new year greetings. Staff families of the ministry, the Prisons Department, the General Administration Department, Myanmar Police Force and Bureau of Special Investigation entertained the Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party with the dances and songs of water festival.
Afterwards, the Secretary-1 and wife, the commander and ministers presented prizes to the dance troupes of the staff families.
Then, Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe, together with the wife of Minister for Home Affairs Col Tin Hlaing, Deputy Minister Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, departmental heads of the ministry and their wives, took part in water festival of the ministry. Secretary-1 General Khin Nyunt and wife Dr Daw Khin Win Shwe and party left the pandal in the afternoon.
Prize presentation and closing ceremony of Yangon Mayor's pandal held
Yangon, 16 April - The closing ceremony of 1364 ME Yangon Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal was held at the pandal in front of the city hall this evening. It was attended by members of the Leading Committee for Holding Myanmar Traditional Maha Thingyan Festival, work committee and sub-committee, members of traditional cultural troupes of border areas and national races visiting here at the invitation of the Chairman of the Work Committee for Progress of Border Areas and National Races Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council General Khin Nyunt, artistes and dance troupes.
Chairman of the Work Committee for Holding Maha Thingyan Festival Joint-Secretary of Yangon City Development Committee U Kyi Win announced the successful conclusion of the festival and closing of the pandal. Then, members of traditional cultural troupes of national races, dance troupes of Yangon City Development Committee, artistes and participants of the festival presented dances to the accompaniment of Mann-taung Yeikkho Song to those present.
At 7 pm, Mayor U Ko Lay, Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa, the secretary, the joint-secretary, members and heads of departments of YCDC and their wives presented prizes to winners of Ozi, yein and other competitions.
Yein troupes, film and drama artistes and vocalists entertained the audience with music, dances and songs today. Staff families of the Ministry of Home Affairs also took part in the festival at the mayor's pandal today.
Yangon Mayor's Maha Thingyan Pandal was crowded with water festival revellers on the Atet day of Thingyan, today.
Secretary-2 opens Taunggyi Maha Thingyan pandal
Yangon, 15 April - The Central Maha Thingyan Pandal of Taunggyi was opened in the town on 13 April, attended by Secretary-2 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Soe Win.
Secretary-2 Lt-Gen Soe Win formally opened the pandal. Yein dance troupes and national races dance troupes danced to the song "Myananda". Thingyan dances and songs were also presented.
The Secretary-2 and party then visited the KBZ Group Co Ltd Maha Thingyan Pandal. The commander and Chairman of the company U Aung Ko Win formally opened the pandal. The Iron Cross band presented music and songs. Taunggyi was crowded with Thingyan revellers during the day. The pandals entertained the public with songs and dances in the evening.
Information Minister inspects presses of dailies
Yangon, 16 April - Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan inspected maintenance of printing presses of Kyemon and the New Light of Myanmar dailies under the News and Periodicals Enterprise of the Ministry of Information yesterday.
The minister first visited the Kyemon Daily on 52nd Street in Pazundaung Township, where he was welcomed by Deputy Minister for Information Brig-Gen Aung Thein, departmental heads and officials.
Then, the minister inspected the repair and servicing tasks for Goss Suburban S 983 brand printing press done by the employees who forwent their Thingyan holidays. Chief Editor U Ye Myint Pe and officials reported on work progress. The minister gave instructions on constant collection of necessary spare parts, cleanliness of the press and measures to be taken for fire prevention and presented cash awards to the employees.
Accompanied by the deputy minister and officials, the minister went to the New Light of Myanmar Press on Strand Road in Botahtaung Township. They were welcomed there by Chief Editor U Maung Maung Aye, Deputy Chief Editor U Thein Htut, Manager U Kyin Maung and officials. The minister then inspected the repair and maintenance of GBandhu Lino type pacer 36 press of the daily. He gave instructions on collecting necessary spare parts.
The minister also discussed the workers' welfare. He also discussed matters on prevention of fire. The minister then presented cash awards for the workers of the press.
Next, the minister and party proceeded to Myanma Alin Press on Shwegondaing Road, Bahan Township. Officials concerned conducted them round the press. The minister inspected servicing of Goss Community SC 1230 press. He urged the workers to perform duties with goodwill understanding that media work is to inform the public with emphasis on timeliness.
He presented cash awards to the press workers who gave up their holidays in servicing the press.
Yangon City, padals crowded with revellers on final day of Maha Thingyan Festival
Yangon, 16 April - Being the Maha Thingyan Atet Day, roads and streets in townships of Yangon were teeming with crowds of motorised revellers and Thingyan pandals the whole day today.
When the young and not-so-young were enjoying revelry during the festival, the elderly performed such meritorious deeds as practising meditation, carrying out sanitation works in religious buildings, manicuring, shampooing and bathing the aged, and serving everybody with traditional foods.
People doused with water on one another as a guesture wishing good healthiness and prosperity in the Thingyan Fistival. So, in Maha Thingyan Atet Day, streets and roads of townships in Yangon were thronged with revellers who love Thingyan.
Yangon Divison Peace and Developemnt Council issued rules and regulations on Thingyan Fistival in order to enable revellers to joyfully take part in Thingyan Fistival preserving Myanma traditional culture. Local authorities, members of Myanmar Red Cross Society and Auxiliary Fire Brigade were rendering necessary assistance in respective streets and wards.
On Maha Thingyan Atet Day, the Shwedagon, Sule, Botahtaung, Kyaikkasan, Kaba Aye, Malemu, Tooth Relic, Koehtatgyi, Chaukhtaukgyi, Ngahtatgyi, Kyaython Phayagyi and Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni pagodas were teeming with pilgrims taking Precepts, offering flowers, water, lights and joss sticks to the pagodas and Buddha images and serving the visitors with refreshments.
Similarly, monasteries and meditation centres were crowded with people and members of the Sangha.
Visiting foreigners and people who are not Buddhists also took part in the Thingyan Fiestival in accord with the Myanma traditions.