Cabinet DECISIONS

Strategic plan for promotion of Ceylon Tea

The Cabinet decided to implement a strategic plan for the promotion of Ceylon Tea over the next five years on a proposal by Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe.

This five-year plan expects to sustain the current demand for Ceylon Tea in vulnerable markets and increase demand in potential markets; rebuild the image of pure Ceylon Tea and create the environment to reach the consumer; create awareness at consumer level on "lion Logo" Trade Mark; and enhance demand for Pure Ceylon Tea packed in Sri Lanka and marketed globally.

Korean project for International Agricultural Centre

The Cabinet approved a proposal by Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rural Development Administration (RDA) in the Republic of Korea to establish a Korean Project for International Agriculture Centre in Sri Lanka.

The following programmes are to be implemented under this MoU: Agricultural research and development projects agreed upon by both parties; training activities of Sri Lankan farmers and Sri Lankan researchers, Exchange of research inputs. Publications and other technical information; and other activities of mutual interest.

Bhikku hostel for Buddhasravaka Bhikku University, Anuradhapura

The Anuradhapura Buddhasravaka Bhikku University has been relocated. The construction of the administration building has been completed under an earlier Cabinet decision.

The proposal by Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake, to construct a four storied building at a cost of Rs. 118 million to provide residential facilities for Bhikku students was approved by the Cabinet.

This project will be started in 2011 to complete the construction within the next 10 month.

Badulla-Bibila-Wellawaya New Railroad

The proposal made by Transport Minister Kumara Welgama, to conduct a per-feasibility study of the proposed Badulla-Bibila-Wellawaya New Railroad was approved by the Cabinet.

Construction of this new railroad is a project identified under the Mahinda Chinthana programme.

The contract for conducting this pre-feasibility studies covering South Eastern part including city centres Badulla, Bibile, Wellawaya, Monergala and Embilipitiya covering 80 km long will be entrusted to the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB).