Pyuchaung Hydropower Project to generate 120 million kwh/Year

NAY PYI TAW, 23 June—Union Minister for Electric Power No. 1 U Zaw Min yesterday afternoon inspected fixing of Spiral Casing at Unit 1 and Unit 2, installation of penstock steel pipeline at the exit of power intake tunnel, completion of concrete works at the tunnel, construction of sluice gate and land preparations for construction of the switch yard at Pyuchaung Hydropower Project being implemented by Construction 3 of Hydropower Implementation Department on Pyu Creek, seven miles southwest of Pyu in Bago Region.

The Union minister stressed the need for officials to strive for timely completion of the project and supervise worksite safety and then viewed progress of main embankment construction tasks.

The main embankment of the project is being built by Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the power station by Ministry of Electric Power No 1.

On completion, two 20-megawatt generators will generate 120 million kilowatt hours per year. The project would be completed in 2013. —MNA

Cash and kind donated to local people in Rakhine State

YANGON, 23 June— Cash and kind were donated to local people in Rakhine State who lost their property and possessions in a series of recent events in the state at the donation ceremony held at the hall of Fire Services Department (Head Office) in Mayangon Township here this morning.

FSD Deputy Director-General U Ko Ko Hlaing and officials accepted the donations and the deputy director-general spoke words of thanks.

Donation amounted to K 158,035,676 to date.—MNA

Union H&T Minister stresses better services and quality products

NAY PYI TAW, 23 June—As Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services (Restaurant Branch) earns the largest amount of income for the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, those in-charge of the branch are to draw better plans with reforms for earning more income, said Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism U Tint Hsan in the meeting with those in-charge from Myanma Hotels and Tourism Services (Restaurant Branch) (Nay Pyi Taw Head Office), Upper Myanmar branch and Lower Myanmar branch and six top sales branches at the ministry, here, this morning.

After that, the Union Minister stressed the need to try hard for providing better services with quality products to the customers, practice thrifty not to cost unacceptable expenses and make field trip to the grassroots level for knowing capability of each staff in the worksite.

The attendees reported on plans to earn increased incomes.

Later, Managing Director of MHTS U Hla Htay and Deputy Minister U Htay Aung gave supplementary reports.—MNA

Walk and race contests mark International Olympic Day 2012

YANGON, 23 June—The mass walk activity to mark the 2012 International Olympic Day was held in front of the Department of Sports and Physical Education under the Ministry of Sports in Kyaikkasan Grounds of Tamway Township this morning.

Vice-President of Myanmar Track & Field Federation U San Tun launched the mass walk activity, and the athletes led by Deputy Minister for Sports U Aye Myint Kyu walked round the Kyaikkasan Grounds.

Next, the deputy minister launched the 15-km men’s and women’s race. After that, the deputy minister presented prizes to the men’s open event, member of Myanmar Olympic Committee Vice-President of Myanmar Women’s Sports Federation Dr Daw Khin Swe Myint, prizes to winners in the women’s open event, General Secretary of MOC Director- General U Thaung Htaik of SPED, winners in the men’s U-20 event, MOC member MWSF executive Prof Dr Daw Khin May Ohn winners in the women’s U-20 event, Vice-President U San Tun, winners in the men’s U-18 event and MOC member MWSF executive Dr Daw Pandora Aung Gyi, winners in the women’s U-18 event.

The deputy minister and party enjoyed the International Olympic Day commemorative volleyball tournament at Aung San Gymnasium and Judo contest at the National Swimming Pool on U Wisara Road and presented prizes to the winners.

After that, he also watched water polo contest at the national swimming pool, the Champion Challenge Cup Tournament (bodybuilding) 2012 and IOD commemorative body-building and physical culture contest at Myanmar Convention Centre on Mindhamma Road in Mayangon Township.

The deputy directors-general of SPED awarded the winners in the weightlifting contest. Later, the deputy minister and party enjoyed IOD commemorative sailing contest at Myanmar Sailing Federation.—MNA

Tree growing ceremony hails Myanmar Women’s Day

NAY PYI TAW, 23 June—In commemoration of the Myanmar Women’s Day which falls on 3 July, Mon State Women’s Affairs Organization held the tree growing ceremony at Pariyatti Dhamma Beikman in Myenigon Ward of Mawlamyine this morning.

Present on the occasion were the Speaker of Mon State Hluttaw, the Chief Justice of Mon State High Court and wife, state ministers and wives, the state advocate-general, the state auditor-general, the state, district and township level departmental officials and wives, Chairperson of Mon State Women’s Affairs Organization Daw San San Lwin and members, chairpersons of Mawlamyine District and Township WAOs and members, members of social organizations, trainees of nursing training school and Education College and guests totaling 673.

The Speaker of State Hluttaw and those present grew 550 saplings of shade and flowery plants.—MNA

Union Sports Minister takes part in mass walk activity hailing International Olympic Day

NAY PYI TAW, 23 June— It is about 65 years that the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has been a member of International Olympic Committee so as to communicate with international sports organizations in sports sector since 1947. Being IOC member, Myanmar Olympic Committee holds sports activities every 23rd June on which IOC was established like other members.

To hail International Olympic Day, a mass walk activity and a circular cycling race, all of which were held in front of Myoma Market here this morning, participated by Union Minister for Sports U Tint Hsan.

After the Union Minister had watched starting of the circular cycling race, he lead the mass walk activity comprising members of Myanmar Olympic Committee, staff of the Ministry of Sports and respective ministries in Nay Pyi Taw, locals from Zabuthiri Township, sports men getting training in Nay Pyi Taw Sports Training Camp, coaches and youths, totaling some 2500 participants.

Afterwards, the Union Minister enjoyed basketball round matches (second round) of Champion Challenge Cup, held at Nay Pyi Taw Pyimana (Paunglaung) Gymnasium.

He paid attention to progress of installation of target switches at the shooting training hall of the Sports Training Camp (Lewe), where he enjoyed Wushu second-round matches (Sanshou) and Judo matches of Champion Challenge Cup, being held at Wushu training hall and Judo training hall, and gave encouragement to weightlifters practicing at Weightlifting training hall and youths performing aerobatics movements at Aerobatics training hall.

The Union Minister greeted in-charges of the sports training camp and coaches and managers of respective sports teams at the meeting hall of the camp, and he was among fun seekers watching Judo final matches at weight classes at Judo sports training hall.

At the awarding ceremony, the Union Minister presented Men’s Championship shield to Kachin State Team (Men) and Women’s Champion one to Mon State Team (Women) and Men’s/Women’s Champion shield to Ayeyawady Region Team.

The Union Minister had enjoyment from Tennis Tournament (Men/Women) of Champion Challenge Cup at the tennis court in Zabuthiri Sports Zone. —MNA

Myanmar-Hong Kong business meeting on 26 June

YANGON, 23 June— Hong Kong businessmen led by Director Ms Tina Phan of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) holds industry wise meeting in cooperation with the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry at Rarkroyal Hotel on 26 June.

Those willing to attend the meeting are to enlist at UMFCCI Office not later than 25 June.—MNA

Outstanding students, teachers honored in Dekkhinathiri Township

NAY PYI TAW, 23 June—Union Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation U Myint Hlaing and Union Minister for Education Dr Mya Aye this morning attended the ceremony to honor the teachers and the students who passed matriculation examination in 2011-2012 academic year from Basic Education High School No 18 and No 19 in Dekkhinathiri Township of Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister U Myint Hlaing said that education in international community plays a crucial role for development of the State. As intelligent skills of human are very important in technology age, the government is giving encouragement to emergence of outstanding educated persons in all aspects, he said. The Union Minister stressed the need for the students for trying hard to achieve success in learning. As today’s youths are to discharge duties of the State in the future, they have to set precise and firm aims to become intellectuals, intelligentsia and leaders, he said.

Next, Union Minister Dr Mya Aye delivered an address.

After that, Union Minister U Myint Hlaing presented K 90,000 each and one wrist watch each to two four distinction winning students in the matriculation examination.

The Deputy Director-General of No 2 Basic Education Department and the township education officer presented cash awards to three two-distinction winning students and one distinction winning students.

Union Minister U Myint Hlaing gave one set of Sky Net TV receiver each to Dekkhinathiri Township Education Office and No 19 BEHS. Union Minister Dr Mya Aye presented one sets of computer and copiers to BEHS No 18 and No 19.

Managing Director U Khin Maung Aye of KMA Co donated K 2 million, Managing Director U Tun Yin of Capital Diamond Star Group Co K 2 million and Marketing Manager U Kyaw Si of Myat Mon Yadana Co K 2 million to the education fund. Union Minister Dr Mya Aye accepted the cash donations.

Daw Khin Thant Sin, wife of Union Minister U Myint Hlaing, donated 83 sets of school uniforms to 35 teachers from BEHS No 18 and 48 teachers from BEHS No 19.

The Union ministers then cordially greeted parents, teachers and students. —MNA

President U Thein Sein grows Maha Bo tree at monsoon tree growing ceremony 2012 in precinct of Thatta Thattaha Pagoda

NAY PYI TAW, 24 June— President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Thein Sein this morning planted Maha Bo tree at the rainy season tree growing ceremony in the precinct of Thatta Thattaha Pagoda built on Udayaramsi Hill in Pobbathiri Township of Nay Pyi Taw Council Area.

Also present at the ceremony were Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw Thura U Shwe Mann, Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Vice-Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Deputy Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Soe Win, General Hla Htay Win of the Office of the Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services, Union ministers, chairmen and secretaries of Hluttaw Committees, senior military officers of the Commander-in-Chief (Army)’s Office, deputy ministers, members of the Nay Pyi Taw Council, departmental heads, departmental personnel and members of social organizations.

Thatta Thattaha Pagoda project is being implemented on Udayaramsi Hill.

The day meals offering to members of the Sangha in commemoration of the concluding of Maha Pathana recitation and ground breaking ceremony were held on the hillock on 17-8- 2011.

After that, stake driven ceremony and ceremony to feed Dragon, Maha Bo tree growing ceremony and first time cash donation were held on 19-8-2011.

The cornerstones laying ceremony was held on 22-9-2011 and the ceremony to enshrine religious objects into the Mula and central reliquaries of the pagoda was held on 5- 5-2012.

At the ceremonies, President U Thein Sein drove stakes at the designated place and grew Maha Bo tree.

President U Thein Sein, Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw Thura U Shwe Mann and Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services Vice-Senior General Min Aung Hlaing took the designated positions in the precinct of Thatta Thattaha Pagoda.

At 8.10 am, President U Thein Sein grew Maha Bo tree and sprinkled scented water on the sapling.

The Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw and the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services poured water at Maha Bo tree and sprinkled scented water on it.

Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw Thura U Shwe Mann and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Vice- Senior General Min Aung Hlaing took the designated places near Musalinda Lake called Kyeebin Lake.

Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw Thura U Shwe Mann planted Kyee plant (Borringtonia acutangula) and sprinkled scented water on it.

President U Thein Sein and Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Vice- Senior General Min Aung Hlaing watered the plant and sprinkled scented water on it.

After that, they took positions at the entrance to Musaleinda Lake.

Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Vice- Senior General Min Aung Hlaing grew a Gangaw plant (Mesua ferrea) and sprinkled scented water on it.

The President and the Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw watered and sprinkled scented water on the plant.

Afterwards, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Soe Win, General Hla Htay Win of the Office of the Commander-in- Chief of Defence Services, Union ministers, chairmen and secretaries of Hluttaw Committees, senior military officers of the Commander-in-Chief (Army)’s Office and deputy ministers grew Gangaw plants.

Next, departmental personnel and members of social organizations cultivated Gangaw and star-flower plants.

The President, the Speaker of Pyithu Hluttaw and the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services viewed round participation of the attendees in growing saplings.

After that, the President viewed documentary photos of Thatta Thattaha Pagoda at the project briefing hall.

Altogether 216 saplings were grown at today’s ceremony to grow trees in rainy season including Maha Bo tree and Kyee plant (Borringtonia acutangula).—MNA

Clarification made on successful emergence of Myanmar monastery in Paris

YANGON, 24 June—A ceremony to clarify successful completion of Myanmar monastery in Paris of France was held in conjunction with the merit-sharing ceremony at Zabuthiri Beikman on Tadalay in Mayangon Township, here, at 1 pm today.

At first, missionary Sayadaw Sasanadhaja Dhammaçariya Maha Kammathanaçariya Kyunnatha Ashin Nandasiri administered the Five Precepts. The Sayadaw explained successful emergence of a Myanmar monastery in Paris of France.

Union Minister for Religious Affairs Thura U Myint Maung spoke on the occasion and the congregation shared merits gained.—MNA

Pathein University, NITE of Japan to cooperate in biotechnological researches

YANGON, 24 June—Director-General of Japan National Institute of Technology and Evaluation Professor Dr Ando and party paid a call on Deputy Education Minister U Ba Shwe at Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar) here this morning.

They discussed matters related to cooperation between the Japan Institute and Pathein University of the Education Ministry in biotechnological researches, potentials for cooperation in higher education promotion works and education sectors of the two countries.

Present at the call were Director-General of Higher Education Department (Lower Myanmar), deputy directors-general, Professor In-charge of Pathein University Dr Nyunt Pe and personnel.—MNA

Medical battalion giving medical treatment to victims at relief camps in Rakhine State

NAY PYI TAW, 24 June— Servicemen of the Directorate of Medical Services of the Commander-in-Chief (Army)’s Office and Servicemen of Sittway Township medical battalion have been providing medical treatment to victims at the relief camps in Rakhine State.

Today, the medical men gave medical treatment to the victims at the relief camps in U Ye Kyaw Thu Monastery and Sint Ku Monastery in Sittway, where they applied mosquito repellents near and around the camps.

Besides, the TVs are provided to the camps for recreation of victims.—MNA

Speaker of Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, Amyotha Hluttaw U Khin Aung Myint arrives back from Lao PDR, Vietnam

YANGON, 24 June—A Myanmar delegation led by Speaker of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw and the Amyotha Hluttaw U Khin Aung Myint arrived back here by air at 5.50 pm today after paying goodwill visits to Lao People’s Democratic Republic at the invitation of President of the National Assembly Madame Pany Yhthotous and to Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the invitation of Chairman of National Assembly of the SRV Mr Nguyen Sinh Hung.

Speaker U Khin Aung Myint and party were welcomed back at Yangon International Airport by Deputy Speaker of the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw U Mya Nyein, Deputy Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw U Nanda Kyaw Swa, Chief Minister of Yangon Region U Myint Swe, chairmen, secretaries and members of Amyotha Hluttaw Committees, Deputy Speaker of Yangon Region Hluttaw U Tin Aung, Lao PDR Ambassador Mr Nilahath Shyarath, Vietnamese Ambassador Mr Chu Cong Phung and departmental officials.

Amyotha Hluttaw representatives Chairman of National Race Committee U Hsai Paung Nup, member of Public Accounts Committee U Baran Shaung, members of Hluttaw Rights Committee U Hsan Yel and U Saw Taw Pale, member of Monetary and Revenue Committee U Ha Shein Bwe, member of Economic and Commerce Committee U Htay Win, member of Education, Health and Cultural Committee U Hla Thein and officials of the Hluttaw who accompanied the Speaker also arrived back on the same flight.—MNA

Daw Nan Shwe Hmon, wife of Vice-President Dr Sai Mauk Kham, attends tree growing ceremony to mark Myanmar Women’s Day 2012

NAY PYI TAW, 24 June—Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation organized tree growing ceremony hailing the Myanmar Women’s Day 2012 in the precinct of Yanaungmyin Shwelethla Pagoda in Lewe of Nay Pyi Taw Council Area at 8 am today, attended by Daw Nan Shwe Hmon, wife of Vice- President Dr Sai Mauk Kham.

Also present on the occasion were Patrons of the Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation, President Dr Thet Thet Zin, CEC members and members.

At first, Daw Nan Shwe Hmon planted a tree at the designated place.

Next, Patrons of MWAF, President Dr Thet Thet Zin and CEC members grew trees at the designated places.

Later, Daw Nan Shwe Hmon and party viewed round cultivation of perennial trees and flowery plants by MWAF members and the attendees.—MNA