Cabinet decisions

Construction of a model village near the proposed Weerawila International Airport

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa for the construction of a model village near the proposed Weerawila International Airport.

Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Limited, which comes under the purview of the Ministry of Ports and Aviation, wishes to construct an Airport Model Village affiliated with the proposed Development of Weerawila International Airport. The expenditure will be borne by Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd.

It is proposed to engage the services of the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) for the above work under sections of Government Tender Guidelines, in view of the urgent need for these facilities to support the Airport Development Project. International money transfer service through Postal Department

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mahinda Wijesekara, to set up an international money transfer service through the Sri Lanka Postal Department to enhance the foreign currency inflow to the country in collaboration with Western Union Money Transfer.

The agreement to offer an international money transfer service through Sri Lanka Postal Department to enhance the foreign currency inflow to the country in collaboration with Western Union Money Transfer Service (Western Union Networks (France) SAS) was signed on April 22 at 10.00 a.m.

Establishment of 'Urban Settlement Development Authority'

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, for the establishment of an 'Urban Settlement Development Authority'.

40 Double Cabs for Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Nimal Siripala De Silva Minister of Healthcare and Nutrition for the procurement of 40 Double Cabs that would be utilized in the transportation services of the Medical Offices of Health in rural areas.

The Treasury has allocated Rs. 200 million from the 2008 budget for the procurement of these Cabs. The amount allocated for each Double Cab is Rs. 5 million.

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has decided to allocate these funds to buy 'Moozo Sports' Double Cabs produced by the local motor production company, Micro (pvt) Ltd. Each Cab will be procured at a cost of Rs. 5,250,000.00 inclusive of 20% VAT.

Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on sending Lankan workers to Korea

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, for the renewal of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on sending Sri Lankan workers to the Republic of Korea under the employment permits system.

The MOU is valid for two years. A note was been submitted to Cabinet and the consent was granted for the renewal of the said MOU.

The renewed MOU which was signed on 29th May, 2006 is due to expire in May, 2008 and a new draft has been submitted by the Korean Authorities to renew the MOU for another two years commencing from May, 2008. Registration of Selacine Television Institute as an entity under the Companies Act

The Cabinet has approved memorandum submitted by Mass Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, for the registration of Selacine Television Institute as a public company under the Companies Act.

The Selacine Television Institute which was launched under the Ministry of Plan Implementation in 1982 was later brought under the Ministry of Mass Media and Information. Nevertheless, the Selacine Television Institute has not been legally instituted, up to now.

Medirigiriya Water Supply Scheme

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Water Supply and Drainage Minister A.L.M. Athaullah, to set up a water supply scheme in Medirigiriya.

The Project will serve a population of 44,188 with safe drinking water by the year 2025.

Tenders were called by adopting National Procurement Agency bidding procedures. At the Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (CAPC) meeting held on 01.01.2008, it was concluded to recommend the award of the Contract to M/s Squire Mech

Engineering (Pvt) Ltd, for a sum of Rs.324, 839,496.10 plus VAT Rs.48, 725,924.42 as per the CAPC recommendation.

Grant of Houses and housing allotments under the tsunami scheme

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister Karu Jayasuriya, for the Grant of Houses and Housing Allotments to Beneficiaries under the Tsunami Scheme.

A parcel of land called Karanketiya, a portion of Walahanduwa Watta owned by the Land Reforms Commission, 27 Acs 02R. 02. 1 P in extent, and situated in the Pilana Grama Niladhari Division in the Akmeemana Divisional Secretary's area has been utilized by benefactors under the Housing Programme for the construction of houses for 90 families who have been living in the protected area within the Divisional Secretary's Division of the four Gravets, in Galle, in the Galle District which was destroyed in the Tsunami.

The Construction of Hostels for the University of Visual & Performing Arts

The Cabinet has approved to a memorandum submitted by Higher Education Minister Prof. W.A. Wiswa Warnapala for the Construction of Hostels at Rajagiriya and Dehiwela for the University Of Visual and Performing Arts.

The estimated costs of the two projects are as follows, 1) Hostel (400) Female students at Rajagiriya -Rs.193 million 2) Hostel (400) Male students at Dehiwela -Rs.205 million

Hambantota Water Supply Project

The Cabinet has approved to a memorandum submitted by Water Supply and Drainage Minister A.L.M. Athaullah, for the Hambantota Water Supply Project which comes under the Secondary Towns rural community based water supply and sanitation project.