Cabinet Decisions

Seruwila Sacred Area Planning Scheme

Cabinet approved to a memorandum submitted by Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development, Dinesh Gunawardena for the development and restoration of the proposed Seruwila Mangala Raja Maha Viharaya, which has been declared a World Heritage Site. The National Physical Planning Department, under the Ministry, has allocated Rs. 30 million from its annual budget for 2008. Funds will be released to improve the existing viharaya as per the estimate submitted by the State Engineering Corporation; Rs. 22,384,703.77 and the balance money available under this project (Rs. 6.0 million) is to be allocated for completion of repairs in the Preaching Hall.

Cement Purchasing

Cabinet has approved to a memorandum submitted by Industrial Development Minister, Kumara Welgama for the purchasing of cement for Sri Lanka Cement Corporation. Government will reach an agreement with M/s. American Global Partner (USA) Inc. at a. price of US $ 74 per Metric Ton for a total of 300,000 mlt of cement to be supplied over a period of 12 months in 24 consignments.

Presidential Task Force for local food production

Cabinet has approved to a memorandum submitted by Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister Maithripala Sirisena for the establishment of a Presidential Task Force for Local Food Production.

Therefore it is essential to further strengthen the "Api Wawamu-Rata Nagamu" cultivation drive launched by the Ministry of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services for promoting local food production, the memorandum stated.

Second Phase of Upgrading the Disaster Response Network

Cabinet has approved to the joint memorandum submitted by Disaster Management and Human Rights Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe and Janaka Bandara Tennakoon, for the second phase of upgrading the disaster response network in Sri Lanka through foreign assistance.

Within the framework of the Road Map to Safer Sri Lanka developed by the Disaster Management Center, the Dutch International, Center for Emergency Techniques (ICET) has proposed a project to the Ministry of Local Government & Provincial Councils and Ministry of Disaster Management & Human Rights to be implemented as the Second Phase of the Project for upgrading.

Amendments to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance

Cabinet has approved to a memorandum submitted by Environment and Natural Resources Minister Champika Ranawaka for the amendment to the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance.

Minister Ranawaka is proposing amendments to the Fauna & Flora Protection Ordinance to meet the timely needs of the country and differed for further consideration of the observation of the Minister of Lands & Land Development and the Minister of Indigenous Medicine.