Operation of libraries must be encouraged for disseminating knowledge and information to the people, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
A ceremony to donate cash and books to libraries across the nation for their development took place at the National Library in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning, with an address by Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
In his speech, the Senior General disclosed that the Information and Public Relations Department currently runs 410 libraries at district and township levels in 801 towns across the nation, where more than 3,500 libraries are being operated by Myanmar Libraries Foundations, well-wishers and residents. Libraries must be facilitated with necessary infrastructures and books.
The Senior General stressed the need to uplift economic knowledge for the socioeconomic development of rural people by establishing libraries as the easiest way.
He continued that libraries in Myanmar must conform to actual conditions.
With regard to knowledge of the people, the Senior General assessed that the 2019 interim census counted 46.463 million people above five years old. Of them, 8.1 million people had not attended the schools at all, he added.
In sharing knowledge with the people, despite publishing State-owned and private newspapers, the senior general highlighted that these newspapers are less capable of reaching all parts of the nation and have fewer readers.
He added that newspapers are posted online so that people can read them as quickly as possible. Information and articles in the newspapers must really benefit the people with understandable presentations.
The Senior General requested that all donate books and publications to libraries to share knowledge for the benefit of the nation. The Senior General and attendees watched a video clip on library sharing knowledge.
The Senior General accepted cash, books, and publications for the development of libraries, which union-level organizations, ministries, and well-wishers donated.
Union Election Commission Chairman U Ko Ko explained the donation of books and publications to libraries.
After the ceremony, the Senior General visited the e-library and reading room of the National Library and displays of books.
Also present at the ceremony were SAC Joint Secretary Lt-Gen Ye Win Oo and council members, union-level dignitaries, union ministers, officials and well-wishers.
At the ceremony, Union-level organizations, ministries, regiments and units of Tatmadaw (Army, Navy and Air), departmental organizations and well-wishers donated K560,087,500 and 48,357 copies of fiction and non-fiction books. At the same time, region and state governments hosted donations of K343,058,900 and 18,278 books. So, total contributions amounted to K903,146,400 and 66,635 copies of books. — MNA/TTA
