Cabinet Decisions

US $ 500m for rehabilitation of national highways

On a proposal made by President as the Ports and Highways Minister the Cabinet approved the proposal for the rehabilitation of 266.35 km roads belong to provincial road network. With concrete surfacing through domestic contractors by obtaining the required funds amounting to around US $ 500 million from local banks.

On an earlier proposal by the President the Cabinet had proposed to rehabilitate 662 km roadways of the national highways on a priority basis.

Accordingly, under this programme, the following roads will be rehabilitated with concrete surfacing through domestic contractors.

* Polonnaruwa-Somawathiya Road - 33 km, * Chilaw-Wariyapola Road - 29 km, * Narammala-Dankotuwa Road - 16.03 km, * Anamaduwa-Galgamuwa Road - 39.11 km, * Naula-Elahera-Laggala-Pallegama Road - 30 km, * Kesbewa-Kindelpitiya-Bandaragama Road - 11.78 km, * Ampara-Uhana-Mahaoya Road - 30 km, * Matara-Hakmana Road - 24.14 km, * Tennekumbura-Rikillagaskada-Ragala Road - 53.29 km.

10 year development plan for the irrigation projects

On a proposal by the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Cabinet approved a proposal to implement a 10 year water resources development plan.

In the preparation of this plan due consideration has been given to meet all the water requirements by optimum utilization of the water resources.

The following are included in this plan: Augmentation of Maha Galgamuwa Wewa - this is an ancient tank located in Ehetuwewa Divisional Secretary's Division in the Kurunegala district at a cost of Rs 500 million. Construction of Lower Malwathu Oya Reservoir at a cost of Rs 10,000 million. Ridemaliyadde Integrated Development Project - at a cost of Rs 1,100 million. Weli Oya (Mahaweli System L) Integrated Development project at a cost of Rs 6,000 million. Extension of Kaudulla LB main canal up to Damsopura. Wewa - at a cost of Rs 370 million. Rambaken Oya Integrated Development Project - at a cost of Rs 1,086 million. System B - Madura Oya Right Bank Development Project - at a cost of Rs 38,500 million.

Cabinet approved the implementation of the above projects within the period between 2012 and 2017. These projects will provide additional irrigation facilities to 68,000 hectares while ensuring cultivation in both the seasons in existing 203,000 hectares in the areas coming under these projects.

Sri Lanka Expo 2012' International Trade Exhibition

The Cabinet approved a proposal by Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen to hold the 'Sri Lanka Expo', an international trade exhibition from March 28-30, 2012 at BMICH, Colombo, in collaboration with the public sector stakeholders and the active participation of the trade chambers.

The main objective of this event is to promote Sri Lanka's export products and services among overseas buyers, in addition to the promotion of investment and tourism sectors.

Around 300 local exporters and export companies are expected to participate in this exhibition.

Cabinet sub-committee chaired by International Monetary Co-operation Senior Minister Dr Sarath Amunugama and comprising Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris and other relevant ministers, is to co-ordinate and monitor the activities relating to the organization of the event.

PM to head Cabinet sub committee to organize 64th Independence Day

On the proposal made by Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne, Cabinet approved the appointment of a Cabinet sub-committee headed by the Prime Minister D M Jayaratne, and consisting of seven ministers, for the preparation of the programme and to organize the necessary activities for the 64th Independence Day falling on February 4, 2012.

Relocation of Prisons to areas with more space facilities

The proposal made by Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera to move the Borella prison complex from its present location to Mahara, Watareka and Kalutara, Tangalle prison to Ranna, and Matara and Galle prisons to Pitabeddera, was approved in principle by the Cabinet. The project is to be implemented after studying the separate feasibility reports to be prepared for the purpose.

Obtaining financial allocations for the export agricultural

Rs 619 million has been directly invested for the promotion of this sector during the period 2006 to 2010 and the volume of exports which stood at 31.59 mt in 2005 has risen by 37.2 percent to 43.34 mt in 2010.

The volume of exports has been targeted to be increased to 50.10 mt by 2014.

The proposal made by Export Crops Promotion Minister Reginold Cooray to implement the above plan in 2012 to 2014 and to commence the project with a provision of Rs 250 million to be provided in the Budget for 2012, was approved by the Cabinet.

Constructing the police stations of Point Pedro, Jaffna and Biyagama

The proposal made by the President in his capacity as the Defence Minister for the construction of new buildings for the police stations of Point Pedro, Jaffna and Biyagama with funds to be provided in 2011 and 2012, was approved by the Cabinet.

Up to now five low income housing projects have been approved for implementation by the government. 14,398 housing units are to be constructed under these projects.

Mutual agreement with government of Pakistan on Customs matters

The proposal made by the President in his capacity as the Finance and Planning Minister to enter into an agreement with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on Co-operation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs matters was approved.

This bilateral agreement with Pakistan will pave the way for cooperation and mutual administrative assistance in Customs matters for proper application of Customs Law for prevention, investigation and combating of Customs offences, for sharing best practices and affording technical assistance.