YANGON, 4 June — A ceremony to honour 67 members of the Sangha — one monk who passed two and a half Tipitaka (oral) exam, three monks who passed two Pitaka oral and written exam, five monks who passed two Pitaka oral exam, 13 monks who passed one Pitaka oral exam, three monks who passed first portion of Vinaya oral and written exam, and 42 monks who passed first portion of Vinaya oral exam — in the 57th Tipitakadhara Selection Examination held by the Ministry of Religious Affairs was held at Maha Pasana Cave on Kaba Aye Hill, here, this morning.

Vice-Chairman of the State Peace and Development Council Deputy Commander-in-Chief Commander-in-Chief (Army) Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San attended the ceremony and offered certificate of Mula Abhidhammika title to a Sayadaw.

Also present on the occasion were Chairman of the State Sangha Maha Nayaka Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara and member Sayadaws, Ovadaçariya Sayadaws of Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Selection Examination, Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Sayadaws, supervisor Sayadaws, together with Daw Khin Than Nwe, wife of Lt-Gen Tin Oo, Member of the State Peace and Development Council General Thura Shwe Mann of the Ministry of Defence and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win and wife Daw Than Than Nwe, Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Thein Sein and wife Daw Khin Khin Win, members of the State Peace and Development Council Lt-Gen Ye Myint, Lt-Gen Aung Htwe and Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, the Commander-in-Chief (Navy), the Commander-in-Chief (Air), the Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command, ministers, the Chief Justice, the Attorney-General, the Chairman of Civil Service Selection and Training Board, the Yangon Mayor and their wives, the deputy ministers, the director-general of the State Peace and Development Council Office, departmental heads, local authorities, staff of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, members of religious associations, disciples and wellwishers.

Officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs ushered Sayadaws into the dais in the Cave. Meanwhile, the State Mingala Orchestra Troupe played music. At the opening ceremony, 108 bells around the cave were beaten for nine times.

Next, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San together with the congregation took the Five Precepts from Chairman of the Examination Ovadaçariya Committee Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Abhidhaja Agga Maha Saddhammajotika Presiding Nayaka of Mawlamyine Webyan Monastery Bhaddanta Vijayabhivamsa.

First, Chairman Magway Sayadaw Bhaddanta Kumara gave an Ovadakatha.

The Saydaw said he would like to give Ovadakatha to 67 members of the Sangha who passed the 57th Tipitakadhara Tipitaka kovida Selection and Oral Examination.

If one comes into existence in the world, it means that he is for the good and the interest of all. Such a Man is the Lord Buddha who is omniscient.

Most of the people in the world are ignorant about merits and demerits, sufferings and cause of sufferings. The Lord Buddha attained enlightenment in the world covered with ignorance. He taught the people Dhamma that can give merits and Four Noble Truths. Therefore enlightenment of the Buddha is like the appearance of the sun and the moon. The teachings of Buddha are classified into three — Suttan Pitakat, Vinaya Pitakat and Abhidhamma Pitakat.

He said Pariyatti is important like the root of a tree without which fruits and flowers cannot flourish. Similarly, Pariyatti is vital for flourishing of the Sasana. He said he was glad to see those who passed the examination and thanked the government and wellwishers. Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung supplicated on religious affairs. He said that for flourishing of the Pariyatti Sasana of the Buddhism, Pariyatti examinations have been held on a wide scale in accord with the Ovada of Sayadaws. Of them, the Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Selection Examination is the most difficult one and the highest standard in the world.

However, 76 members of the Sangha passed the Tipitakadhara Tipitaka Kovida Selection Examination. It is a magnificent occasion for people of the nation having the opportunities to pay homage to the outstanding members of the Sangha who passed the examination as emergence of a member of the Sangha who has ability to recite one part of Pitakat is an unpre-cedented incident. In conclusion, the minister thanked members of the Sangha for their contribution to promotion and propagation of the Sasana.

Afterwards, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye offered title and certificate of Mula Arbhidhammika to Ashin Obhasabhivamsa of Tipitaka Maha Gandawin Monastery of Dagon Myothit (East) Township.

General Thura Shwe Mann presented title and certificate of Dighanikaya Kovida to Ashin Jatila of Tipitaka Nikaya Monastery of Mingun-Momeik Hill in Sagaing Township.

Prime Minister Lt-Gen Soe Win also presented title and certificate of Dighanikaya Kovida to Ashin Sunanda of Pyinsanikaya Sasana Beikman Monastery of Yankin Township.

Secretary-1 Lt-Gen Thein Sein offered title and certificate of Dighanikaya Kovida to Ashin Vasetthalankara of Tipitaka Maha Gandayon Monastery of Mingaladon Township.

Afterwards, Lt-Gen Ye Myint presented titles and certificates of Dighabhanaka to 2 members of the Sangha; Lt-Gen Aung Htwe, titles and certificates of Vinayadhara to two members of the Sangha; and Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo, titles and certificates of Dighabhanaka to three members of the Sangha.

Commander-in-Chief (Navy) Vice-Admiral Soe Thein, Commander-in-Chief (Air) Lt-Gen Myat Hein, Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation Maj-Gen Htay Oo offered titles and certificates of Vinayadhara to 10 members of the Sangha. Minister for Transport Maj-Gen Thein Swe presented title and certificate of Vinayadhara to one monk and Ubhatovibhanga Kovida to two monks; Minister for Science and Technology U Thaung, one Ubhatovibanga Kovida to one monk and Ubhatovibangadhara to two monks.

Minister for Energy Brig-Gen Lun Thi, Minister for Education U Than Aung, Minister for Religious Affairs Brig-Gen Thura Myint Maung, Minister for Commerce Brig-Gen Tin Naing Thein, Minister for National Planning and Economic Development U Soe Tha, Minister for Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement Maj-Gen Sein Htwa, Minister for Information Brig-Gen Kyaw Hsan, Minister for Electric Power Maj-Gen Tin Htut, Minister for Mines Brig-Gen Ohn Myint, Chief Justice U Aung Toe, Attorney-General U Aye Maung, Chairman of CSSTB Dr Than Nyun and Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin offered titles and certificates of Ubhatovibangadhara to 40 members of the Sangha.

Secretary Sayadaw Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru Nyaungdon Sayadaw Bhaddanta Osadhabhivamsa delivered a sermon, followed by sharing of merits.

After the ceremony, Vice-Senior General Maung Aye and wife Daw Mya Mya San and the congregation paid homage to the Sayadaws.

YANGON, 4 June — The Myanmar War Veterans Central Organizing Committee held its regular meeting 4/2005 at the headquarters of the organization on Pyay Road in Mayangon Township this afternoon, with an address by Chairman of MWVCOC Secretary-1 of the State Peace and Development Council Adjutant-General Lt-Gen Thein Sein.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary-1 discussed matters on sub-committee-wise functions concerning the successful holding of the Myanmar War Veterans Organization Conference (2005), organizing, training, education, economic and welfare affairs being undertaken by MWVO, arrangements for extending agriculture and agricultural tasks, establishment of war veterans model villages in accord with the implementation of five rural development tasks, construction of school buildings, sinking tube-wells, construction of village-to-village roads and the roads linking villages to highways and supervisory tasks of officials.

Joint-Secretary of MWVCOC Vice-Adjutant-General Maj-Gen Hla Shwe read the decisions of the previous meeting to seek the approval.

Member of the COC Secretary of the Organizing Committee for the Conference Minister for Industry-1 U Aung Thaung reported on progress of preparations for holding the conference.

Chairmen and officials of the respective sub-committees submitted their reports.

Vice-Chairman of the MWVCOC Vice-Admiral Kyi Min (Retd) and officials discussed general matters to hold the conference.

After hearing the reports, Lt-Gen Thein Sein attended to the needs and gave necessary instructions. Also present at the meeting were the ministers who are members of the Central Organizing Committee, senior military officers, deputy ministers and departmental heads.

YANGON, 4 June - Yangon Division Health Committee and Maternal and Child Welfare Supervisory Committee held a ceremony in commemoration of World No-Tobacco Day at the hall of Yankin Education College in Yankin Township here this afternoon.

It was attended by Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Chairman Yangon Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe, Division MCWSC Chairperson Daw Khin Thet Htay and members, members of the Yangon Division PDC, Director Dr San Shwe Win and deputy directors of the Health Department, local authorities, members of district and township MCWSCs and guests.

Speaking on the occasion, the commander said every year, May 31 is set as World No-Tobacco Day which is celebrated globally with its annual motto to enable the peoples of the world to know about the danger of tobacco.

This year’s motto is ‘Health Professionals against Tobacco’, he said. As a signatory to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Myanmar has been taking preventive measures to control the tobacco. As a result, the Ministry of Health of Myanmar won the year 2004 World No-Tobacco Day Commemoration Award, said the commander.

He then stressed the need for public cooperation in control of tobacco.

Next, Daw Khin Thet Htay delivered an address. Commander Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Daw Khin Thet Htay awarded prizes to winners of competitions held in commemoration of the World No-Tobacco Day. Deputy Director Dr Daw Nyo Nyo Kyaing of the Health Department explained matters related to diseases caused by tobacco.

Later, gifts were presented to those who discussed the danger of tobacco.

YANGON, 4 June — General Secretary of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry U Sein Win Hlaing met 13-member Chinese delegation led by Vice-Chairman Mr Wang Chao of De Hong Prefecture People’s Government in Yunnan at the federation 2 June.

At the meeting, they cordially discussed matters related to cooperation in the commerce, enhancement of trading in border area, participation in the Fifth Session of China-Myanmar Border Economic and Trade Fair and Myanmar entrepreneurs’ visit to De Hong Prefecture for meeting the De Hong commerce industries.

Also present at the meeting were Joint-Secretary-1 Dr Maung Maung Lay, Joint-Secretary-2 U Tun Aung and CEC members of the federation.

YANGON, 4 June —Chairman of Yangon Division Peace and Development Council Commander of Yangon Command Maj-Gen Myint Swe and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor Brig-Gen Aung Thein Lin inspected ongoing tasks for the upgrading of Yangon City this morning.

They inspected the dredging the drain along Sethmu-1 street in Yankin Township, the cleaning of both sides of the roads and the dredging of the drains at the corner of Saya San Street and University Avenue in Bahan Township, and the resurfacing of Kyaikwaing Pagoda Road, and the unblocking of the drain in Mayangon Township.

The commander and the mayor instructed officials concerned to get cooperation of the people in the tasks to keep the city and its environs spruce, to ensure completion of the upgrading of the roads ahead of schedule meeting with the standards.

They attended the tree-planting ceremony organized by the YCDC near the Lawka Chantha Abhaya Labha Muni Buddha Image on Mindhamma Road in Insein Township. The commander, the mayor, YCDC Vice-Chairman Vice-Mayor Col Maung Pa and officials planted saplings to mark the ceremony. They view YCDC employees, members of social organizations and the people planting saplings of various species.

YANGON, 4 June — Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Chairman North-East Command Commander Maj-Gen Myint Hlaing together with departmental officials, arrived at Doktawady Bridge Project in Nawnghkio Township on 2 June and heard the reports on the progress of bridge construction. Next, the commander gave necessary instructions.

Afterwards, the commander looked into Wetwon Taungkhan earth road construction and model plantations of Sinshweli summer paddy in Ohnmakha village and left instructions.

Later, the commander inspected model plantations of rainy crops soy-bean, sunflower, and maize of Camp Commandant’s Office families in Lashio Township and gave necessary instructions to the officials.

YANGON, 4 June — Organized by Health Department and Myanmar Medical Association (Central), talks were given in commemoration of the World No-Tobacco Day at the office of MMA this morning with an opening address by MMA (Central) General Secretary Prof U S Kyaw Hla.

On the occasion, Dr Daw Nyo Nyo Kyaing, Deputy Director of Health Department, and Specialist Dr U Ko Ko Maw gave talks on Health Professionals against Tobacco and Oral Health on Tobacco respectively.

Directors of the Health Department, executives of the MMA (Central) and doctors also attended the talks.

YANGON, 4 May—The Grand Wynn Enterprise Ltd held a ceremony to present gifts to the winners of its Lolane lucky draw programme for 2004-2005 at Lolane Complex at No 38, 66th Street, Botahtaung Township, this afternoon.

The officials presented gifts to the winners.

YANGON, 3 June — Kaunghmudaw ancient pagoda, built by King Anawrahta in 11th Century AD in ancient Tagaung city of Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Division, has fallen into ruin due to earthquake and natural disasters. Now, the Ministry of Culture is rebuilding the pagoda with the donations of wellwishers. The ceremony to enshrine the religious objects of the pagoda was held on, 14 November 2004 and erect the pivot on 22 May 2005.

Wellwishers are invited to donate K 12 million each for three archways, K 1,502,550 each for three encircling cetis and K 412,550 each for four Kalatha Pots, they are to contact the head office of the Ministry of Culture, Tel: 543235, 543233 and 541767; the head office of Archaeology Department, Tel: 512139 and 512140 and ancient cultural heritage preservation unit (Mandalay Branch), Tel: 02-36365 and 02-39156.