CABINET DECISIONS

The Cabinet of ministers met on Wednesday and arrived at the following decisions.

Avissawella water scheme to be extended up to Madola

Cabinet approval was granted to extend the Avissawella water supply scheme up to Madola - five kms away from the Avissawella town, along the Avissawella-Ratnapura highway on a proposal by Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

The expected population to be served in the area is around 4,500. This scheme inclusive of the construction of 225m3 elevated water tower and 100 m3 water sump will cost Rs 80.86 million.

New bridge near Polduwa Junction on Kollupitiya - Sri Jayawardenapura Road

The construction of a new bridge replacing the existing bridge, near Polduwa Junction on the Kollupitiya - Sri Jayawardenepura Road was approved by the Cabinet on a proposal by the President, in his capacity as the Ports and Highways Minister.

The proposed bridge will be 70m and will be wide enough to accommodate seven traffic lanes and two m wide foot walks on either side. The estimated cost of the proposed bridge is about Rs 800 million.

The project is to be implemented over two years, with funds to be provided under the Medium Term Budgetary Framework 2013-2015.

New building for Agalawatta Rubber Research Institute

A proposal by Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe to construct a new building at Agelawatta at Rs 34 million with funds to be provided in 2011 and 2012 was approved by the Cabinet.

Rs. 250 m to protect archaeological sites

The government has allocated Rs. 250 million for the conservation of archaeological sites in the Anuradhapura district including Mihintale and Thanthirimale on the directive of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in parallel to the Deyata Kirula national exhibition to be held in Oyamaduwa in Anuradhapura.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal in this regard submitted by National Heritage Minister Dr. Jagath Balasuriya.

The project is to be carried out in 2011 and 2012.