Cabinet Decisions

Fish canning and loins factory

The Cabinet has granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Felix Perera for the establishment of a fish canning and loins factory in Galle. The estimated cost for the project is USD 50 million and is a joint venture between the Ceylon Fisheries Corporation and Spirit Wind Ltd of New Zealand. The proposed fish canning and fish loins factory will be established for canning of Tuna Fish at Kaduruduwawatta in close proximity to the Galle Harbour.

The following benefits are expected after completion of the project.

* Saving of foreign exchange around USD 40 million through the reduction of import of canned fish;

* Supply of canned fish to local market at reasonable prices;

* Earning of foreign exchange around USD 100m through export of canned fish and loins;

* Introduction of modern fish processing techniques and technology to the fish industry of the country;

* Generation of employment opportunities (900 direct and 1500 indirect) for the local community;

* Supply of new infrastructure facilities for supporting industry which in turn benefits the local fishing community;

* Development of a stable market for Tuna fish caught by the local fishermen;

* Supply of high grade fish meal for use in the development of agriculture and

* Improving the skills of the local fishermen through the application of modern technology.

Rubber cultivation in Moneragala district

The Cabinet has granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Minister of Plantation Industries, D.M. Jayaratne to a project to cultivate rubber in the Moneragala district. Accordingly the approval was also granted to complete within one month the identification of the extent of lands which can be released for rubber cultivation in conformity to the Land Use Plan of Moneragala district. A high percentage of low income families are living in Moneragala district and there are shrub lands suitable for rubber cultivation. A survey done in 2003 has identified 22,500 hectares suitable for rubber cultivation in the district for the lands in extent of 20,000 hectares which are to be settled.

Conversion of unclean, unsorted waste plastic into fosil fuel

The Cabinet has granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Patali Champika Ranawaka to establish a Limited Liability Company with stakeholders being the Central Environmental Authority (CEA- 60%), Ananda Vithanage (30% shares) and University of Moratuwa (10% shares) to produce and supply of all types of fossil fuels converting from plastic and polythene wastes under the company act. No. 7 of 2007.

Town center development at Kantale

The Cabinet has granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Minister of Urban Development and Sacred Area Development, Dinesh Gunawardena to award the contract to the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau for engineering designs and construction work of Leelaratne Playground at Kantale. The estimated cost for the said re-development project is Rs. 87 million. In March 2008 the then Cabinet granted approval to a memorandum for the immediate implementation of several projects to develop the Kantale town center at a cost of Rs 85 million which was released by the Treasury in this year.

State institution to undertake construction of bridges on Ambanganga- Thorapitiya

The Cabinet has granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Minister of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services, Maithripala Sirisena to award the contract for designing and construction of two bridges on Ambanganga- Thorapitya road to the State Development and Construction Corporation.

This project falls under the Moragahakanda- Kaluganga Development project. The proposed Ambanganga- Thoropitiya road has been located in the area where displaced families are to be resettled and the road is required for their day-to-day travelling. Nationally important Moragahakanda and Kaluganga Project was commenced in 2007 and is scheduled to be completed during 2014.

New building for Land Commissioner General's Department

The Cabinet has granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Minister of Land and Land Development, Jeewan Kumaranatunga for the construction of a new building for the Land Commissioner General's Department, Land Settlement Departement and the Ministry of Lands.

The total estimated cost for the construction of this building is Rs. 842 million.

Swiss company for consultancy contract for irrigation project

The Cabinet has granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Minister of Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services, Maithripala Sirisena to award the contract of implementation support consultant for component 1 - dam safety and operational efficiency improvement, dam safety and water resources planning project, to Poyry Energy Ltd, of Switzerland, for the total of the amounts expressed below in specified currencies. - Swiss Franc 2,391, 461 and Sri Lanka Rupees 1010 million.