Cabinet Decisions

Betel and pepper exports to be regulated

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Environment and Natural Resources Minister, Patali Champika Ranawaka, to introduce regulations under the provision of Section 45(a) of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No 49 of 1993 to prohibit the export of all material, including planting material of betel pepper and related wild species.

The amendment will cover all planting material of Piper Betel (bulath) excluding any raw or processed leaves and any product containing components of the relevant leaf, and all planting material of Puper Negrum (gammiris) excluding any product containing processed seeds of parts thereof.

These measures were taken to protect these native species and halt the alarming trend in exporting planting material of the same for the purpose of cultivation in other tropical countries which would naturally result in a threat to betel leaf and pepper exports.

Project to eliminate corruption.

The Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to implement a project to support the efforts to eliminate corruption as proposed by the Commission for Investigation into Allegations of Bribery and Corruption and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Accordingly, funds amounting to US$ 300,000 as a direct contribution of the UNDP and a further sum of US$ 558,500 earned under 5 identified activities will be used for this purpose.

The steps include the revision of the existing legal framework to be in line with the Anti-Corruption Charter of the UN, strengthening the operational capacities of the Commission, creating awareness among public servants and the public on the related issues, implementation of the said UN Charter and strengthening of relevant institutions.

Import duty on edible oil revised

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by Finance and Planning Acting Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, to levy a specific import duty of 28 per cent or Rs. 40 per kg (whichever is higher) in lieu of the existing rate of import duty of 8 per cent on edible oil imports with immediate effect.

The Cabinet also approved the recommendation that the Finance and Planning Ministry to obtain the concurrence of the Plantation Industries Ministry wherever necessary to make adjustments to the levy imposed.

The tariff revision will be published by a Gazette Notification issued under the Revenue Protection Act and will be subjected to approval by Parliament.

Human Rights Week from December 4-10

The Cabinet has approved a memorandum submitted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa to declare the period December 4-10, 2008 as the Human Rights Week, to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

A host of programmes on human rights have been organised to mark this event including awareness-creation seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and drama and debate competitions.