Cabinet nods Govt Servants' housing schemes

Chaminda PERERA

The Cabinet of Ministers have approved a memorandum to set up housing schemes for Government servants at Homagama and Jalthara to meet their escalating housing demand.

Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa said these housing schemes for middle earners in the State sector will be launched under the Jana Sevana program.

"The Exim Bank of China will provide a loan of Yuan 160 million at concessionary rate.

"The Cabinet of Ministers have also approved a memorandum submitted by Health Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva to set up an intravenous solution manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka with French financing."

The French Government has pledged Euro 4.4 million under its emerging countries funding program, he said.

Sri Lanka does not have IV manufacturing facility and the Government has to import them in large quantities during an emergency.

The Highways and Highways Development Ministry has obtained Cabinet approval to develop the road from Puttalam to Nochchiyagama on the Puttalam-Trincomalee (A12) Road.

ADB has provided a US$ 150 million loan for this project which is implemented by the Road Development Authority.

The Cabinet of Ministers also approved a memorandum submitted by Environment and Natural Resources Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka to produce the draft amending the Forest Conservation Act to Parliament.