Cabinet DECISIONS

* CEPA negotiations

Cabinet approval was granted to appoint an Inter-Agency Committee to prepare a new draft framework to restart negotiations on matters related to Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Sri Lanka.

This is on a proposal by Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiutheen.

The Inter Agency Committee will comprise representatives of the Ministries of Finance, Industry, External Affairs and Economic Development and Departments of Immigration, Civil Aviation, BOI and the Attorney General.

* Foreign students intake

On a proposal by Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake, Cabinet approval was granted to increase the intake of foreign students to Sri Lankan Universities initially from 0.5 percent to five percent and later to 10 percent based on the success of the initial stage without reducing the opportunities for local students.

* National Coordinating Unit extension

On a proposal by Resettlement Minister Gunaratne Weerakoon, Cabinet approval was granted for the continuous functioning of the National Coordinating Unit for one year from January 1, 2011.

* Landscape development project

On a proposal by National Heritage Minister Jagath Balasuriya, Cabinet approval was granted to improve and uplift the Mahamewna Uyana area in Anuradhapura.

This will include the renovation and restoration work on the road network within the city of Anuradhapura to facilitate local pilgrims and tourists to patronize the place to pay homage and view the place.

* Section of road from Dambulla to Habarana

On a proposal by the President, Cabinet approval was granted to rehabilitate the remaining section of the road from Dambulla to Habarana (21.5 km) at a cost of Rs 1,534 million.

* Rehabilitation of national highways

On a proposal by the President, Cabinet approval was granted to call for technical and financial proposals from domestic contractors for rehabilitation of roads by using concrete surfacing.

* ENT complex for Teaching Hospital, Kandy

On a proposal by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Cabinet approval was granted to construct a seven storied building for the ENT Unit at the Teaching Hospital, Kandy and to provide equipment to the new building. The total cost of the project is estimated to be Rs 1,033 million.

* Tax on transfer of land to non-citizens

The Cabinet on a proposal by the President decided to amend the Finance Act No 11 of 1963 to make leases to non-citizens to be liable for the payment of this tax.

* MoU to be signed

Cabinet on a proposal by External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris approved the Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Stand-By Arrangement System (UNSAS) to enhance the Sri Lankan Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations.