[CABINET Decisions]

Proposal to replace kerosene lighting with solar powered LED lighting system in isolated rural areas

On a proposal by Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Cabinet has approved the introduction of advanced solar powered white LED lighting products to power the basic lighting requirements of Samurdhi beneficiaries' houses and other places numbering 150,000.

E-Kiosks centres for plantation community

Cabinet approval was granted to set up 35 new e-Kiosks centres in 2011 on a proposal by Livestock and Rural Community Development Minister Arumugam Thondaman.

The Foundation has planned to establish 450 Prajashakthi Centres within 10 years as the focal point of delivery of Information and Communication Technology based services to the plantation rural community for socio economic development.

Already 45 centres have been set up and Rs 200 million will be allocated to provide 270 computers and other equipment to the new centres and to replace the obsolete equipment in the 45 existing centres.

Industrial Corporation Act No 49 of 1957 to be amended

On a proposal by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne, Cabinet approval was granted to make certain amendments in the prevailing regulations in the Industrial Corporation Act No 49 of 1957.

Two-storeyed building for Nochchiyagama Divisional Secretariat

On a proposal by Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne, Cabinet approval was granted to construct a new building for the Divisional Secretariat Nochchiyagama at a cost of Rs 22.5 million.

Agrarian Development Act to be amended

On a proposal by Agrarian Services and Wildlife Minister S M Chandrasena, Cabinet approval was granted to present the relevant Amendment Bill in Parliament for approval.

The amended provisions of the Agrarian Development Act No 46 of 2000 will ensure who the tenant farmer is and the rights of tenant farmers. These amendments have been prepared after obtaining the views of farmers, farmer organizations, voluntary organizations, experts in the field etc enabling to meet the present day requirements and for the issues that may arise in future in the field of agriculture. The approved Bill will be presented in Parliament shortly.

New building complex for Hingurakgoda Court

On a proposal by Justice Minister Rauff Hakeem, Cabinet approval was granted to construct a new building complex for Hingurakgoda District/Magistrate's Courts at an estimated cost of Rs 32.5 million.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet on a proposal by the Justice Minister gave approval for the renovation and reconstruction of court buildings at Point Pedro in Jaffna and Batticaloa. The reconstruction of the buildings of the above courts will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 62.33 million and Rs 116.26 million.

Kankesanthurai Harbour to be rehabilitated

On a proposal by the President as Ports and Highways Minister the Kankesanthurai Harbour is to be rehabilitated with Indian assistance. Cabinet approval was granted to enter into an MoU with the Indian government.