Cabinet decisions

SAARC Cultural Centre to be established in Sri Lanka

The Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by Cultural Affairs Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana on the construction of SAARC Cultural Centre.

A decision was taken by the Heads of SAARC countries held in Colombo in July 1998 to establish a Cultural Centre in the SAARC Region for the enhancement and enrichment of cultural activities within the region.

Having accepted the proposal by Sri Lanka at the SAARC Ministerial Meeting in 1999, to provide a suitable block of land, the Summit granted its approval to construct the Cultural Centre in Sri Lanka.

Even ten years have already elapsed, the task could not be accomplished up to this date. Therefore, the Cabinet has approved to release Rs. 500 million for the construction of the SAARC Cultural Centre. This Centre will be constructed at Matara, Kadawathsatara Divisional Secretariat Division.

Renovation of Padaviya District Hospital

The Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on the renovation and rehabilitation of the Padaviya District Hospital in the North Central Province.

It was found that this hospital is in need of urgent renovation and rehabilitation due to the security situation in the Province.

The Infrastructure Construction Unit of the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau has submitted Rs. 5,115,907.25 on the Turnkey basis.

The Cabinet has approved to provide this sum through the National Health Development Fund for the renovation and rehabilitation of this hospital.

Cost of Dambulla-Kalagawela Road construction increased

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services Minister Maithripala Sirisena on the revision of total estimate cost of the construction of Dambulla-Bakamuna-Kalagahawela Road.

The construction of this road began in November 2001 and had been planned to complete within 03 years. However, due to prolonged delays involved in the acquisition of lands, the project period was extended to December 2006.

Increase in the construction material costs and labour charges, changes affected in all work items under the project for preserving subsequently identified archaeological sites by changing original planning related to bridges and structures resulted in the increase of the cost.

Allocation from the total amount of Rs. 1,065 million to make compensation for land acquisition amounted to Rs. 50 million. However, according to the Chief Government Valuer the actual amount required stood at Rs. 103 million.

Cabinet has approved to increase the total cost estimate to Rs. 1,126.05 million and to obtain the additional requirement of Rs.60.98 million from the Treasury as the project has to be completed early.

Chinese assistance to the construction of SLNPAT

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Cultural Affairs Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana on the construction of Sri Lanka National Performing Arts Theatre (SLNPAT) in Colombo with Chinese grant. According to the design agreement signed between the two governments, the Cultural Affairs Ministry provided all the details including data/information/reports required to prepare architectural plans and structural drawings to the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design.

The Cabinet has approved to sign the agreement with the Chinese side for the construction of the SLNAPT and to appoint a minimum essential cadre in addition to the Project Manager to the local staff of the project.

Winding-up of the SLCBC

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda on the winding-up of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Company (SLCBC) by guarantee and transfer its assets and liabilities to the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) set up as a statutory body under the provisions of the Tourism Act.

The new Tourism Act which was promulgated with effect from October 2007, makes provisions for the setting up of a SRCB as a statutory body. Conversely hitherto exists SLCBC as a non-profit making company supported by an annual Treasury grant of Rs. 07 million and matching contributions by the private sector.

The new statutory body SLCB came into operation from October 2007 to be the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.

The new Director Board after studying the legal implications of having two parallel institutions one as a guaranteed company and other as a statutory body for the same function has resolved to wind-up the guaranteed company.

The Cabinet has approved to wind-up the SLCBC and transfer all its assets and liabilities to SLCB and empower it to enter into contracts and agreements in realizing its stated objectives.

The eight-member permanent staff will also be absorbed into the SLCB.