Cabinet DECISIONS

Uniform material

Cabinet approval was granted to purchase uniform material and other textiles for the institutions functioning under the Defence Ministry by a committee consisting of representatives from the three services and other Departments, under the supervision of the Defence Ministry.

Expand

Expansion and modernization of animal quarantine units.

With the upcoming seaport and airport in Hambantota from 2011 and 2012, there is a need to establish two new animal quarantine inspection sub units at Hambantota, one at the seaport and the other at the airport. Construction of these units will commence in 2012. Quarantine units in Colombo and Katunayake will also be expanded and strengthened. Cabinet approval has been granted to allocate Rs 30 million in 2011 and the balance in 2012 and 2013.

Relocate

Relocating families displaced due to the construction of Deduru Oya Reservoir Project.

This project will feed 11,000 ha of paddy lands in Deduru Oya and Mee Oya basins. The total cost of the project is Rs 6,250 million. The expected date of completion of the project is March 2013. It is expected to complete resettlement work by the end of 2011. Nine hundred families have to be relocated and Cabinet approval was granted to provide the following to these families:

Provision of a block of land half an acre in extent free-of-charge, grant of living allowance of Rs 6,000 per family for a month, for six months, grant of an initial basic monitory assistance of Rs 8,000 per relocated family, and provide infrastructure facilities such as water, internal roads and electricity for the relocated area.

Ratification

Ratification of Framework Agreements on Investment and Trade Facilitation under Asia Pacific Trade Agreement.

The Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) previously known as the Bangkok Agreement is the oldest preferential trade agreement between the developing countries in the Asia Pacific Region, such as Bangladesh, China, India, Lao PDR, Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka. These Trade Facilitation Agreements are expected to improve the efficiency of the process associated with trading goods across national boarders simplifying and harmonizing trade procedures, practices and develop trade facilitation capacity among members. Cabinet approval was granted for the ratification of these agreements.

Donation

Agreement among the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), India and Sri Lanka for the donation of a new Bhabhatron-II Telecobolt Unit by India to Sri Lanka for the use of General Hospital, Hambantota. The mission of the IAEA is to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of Atomic Energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world. In keeping with this mission, IAEA has established a program of action for cancer therapy which aims to make radiation therapy more widely available in developing countries.

As a part of this initiative India has indicated its willingness to donate the above unit for the use of a hospital in Sri Lanka. The Health Ministry has decided to install this machine at the General Hospital, Hambantota.

Cultural co-operation

Cultural co-operation program between Sri Lanka and India for 2010 to 2013.

During the recent visit of the President to India, discussions have been held with the Indian Government to enhance cultural co-operation between the two countries and as a result, a program of cultural co-operation has been signed in June 2010 between the two countries. This would cover functions related to fields such as performing arts, museums, archives, libraries, archaeology and handicrafts.

Agreement

Cabinet approval was granted to sign the agreement on Port State Measures to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. Implementation of this Agreement will ensure long term conservation and sustainable use of living marine resources and marine ecosystem.

Approved society

Registration of Village Level Elders Committees as approved Societies for Procurement Activities.

National Secretariat of Elders has been established under the National Council for Elders and around 10,088 village level Elders Committees are engaged in Elder Welfare and several community services islandwide. Most members of these Committees are retired senior citizens with wide experience in various positions in the Government and private sector. Cabinet approval was granted to treat these Committees as approved societies in awarding of construction work etc up to Rs two million.

Thriposha program

Supply of 312 MT of whole milk powder for the Thriposha Program 2010/2011.

Cabinet approval was granted for the purchase of the quantity of milk powder required for the manufacture of Thriposha, from Milco (Pvt) Limited, which is a Government concern.

Cultural troupes

Providing cultural troupes for programs and functions in Government Institutions by the National Youth Services Council.

Special programs are being launched with the assistance of the Belwood Cultural Centre and Youth Centre at Maharagama, to identify youth with various cultural talents and to promote their skills to give them recognition at national and international level. Plans are underway to establish pools of artistes in all the districts at national level. The National Youth Services Council will be equipped with the following cultural programs for functions organized by the Government and State Institutions:

Western, Eastern and newly-created musical troupes, Ves Dancing Troupes for special functions, dance events composed for songs and creative musical compositions; and drumming troupes.

It was also decided that school bands should also be provided opportunities to participate in programs and functions organized by the Government.

Assistant Secy

Cabinet approval was granted for the appointment of an Assistant Secretary (Labour Relations) (Non-SLAS) to each Ministry to facilitate coordination of work between Government Institutions and Trade Unions.

Land transfer

Transfer of Land at Attidiya, Dehiwela to Defence Ministry.

Cabinet approval was granted to transfer the land of about 36 acres in extent, situated at Attidiya, Dehiwela, belonging to the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation in favour of the Defence Ministry Secretary to be utilized for long-term care of disabled war heroes.