Cabinet DECISIONS

Sand feeding in Marawila Coastal Region for protection against coastal erosion

One of the main reasons for coastal erosion in the Negombo-Chilaw coastal zone is excessive sand mining. The most appropriate solution to arrest this situation in the Marawila coastal region is sand feeding by means of sand mined from deep sea and construction of a few off shore break waters.

The proposal made by the President, in his capacity as Defence and Urban Development Minister to appoint a Standing Cabinet appointed Procurement Committee and a Technical Evaluation Committee to proceed with the work was approved by the Cabinet.

US$ 11 million credit from IDA for E - Sri Lanka Development Project

Cabinet approval has been granted to enter into a loan agreement with the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank to borrow US$ 53 million to implement the above project.

The World Bank has agreed to provide a further US$ 11 million as additional financing for the development of this project. The proposal made by the President in his capacity as the Finance and Planning Minister to conduct loan negotiations with IDA of the World Bank and enter into an arrangement was approved by the Cabinet.

Rs 317 m for Dikkumbura water supply system

The proposal by Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to implement a drinking water scheme for Dikkumbura in the Galle district at Rs 317 million with funds to be provided during 2013 and 2014, was approved by the Cabinet.

The proposal's objective is to supply safe drinking water facilities to people in the area.

Meanwhile, Cabinet approved the implementation of Iranamadu Irrigation Development Project in the Kilinochchi district.

Loan negotiations have been concluded with the International Fund for Agricultural Development to obtain a loan of special drawing rights 14,350,000 (approximately US$ 22,231,000) to finance the above project. The project will cover rehabilitation of down-stream canal system of this tank which provides irrigation water to 8,455 hectares.

National Safety Day commemoration on December 26

December 26, each year has been declared as the National Safety Day. The objective of this declaration is to create awareness among the people on natural and other disasters and particularly to enhance proper disaster response capacity to encounter situations such as the tsunami which occurred on December 26, 2004.

The National Safety Day has been held annually since 2006 and it has been decided to commemorate this year's event at Kattankudy.

The proposal made by Disaster Management Minister Mahinda Amaraweera to implement a series of programmes with the participation of government institutions was approved by the Cabinet.

Construction of SAARC Cultural Centre at Naawimana in Matara

The proposal made by Culture and Arts Minister T B Ekanayaka for the construction of the SAARC Cultural Centre at a cost of Rs 500 million and for the work to be completed within the first quarter of 2013, was approved by the Cabinet.

The objectives of the centre are: Strengthening regional cultural relations through the cultural centre, protecting and promoting regional heritage and traditional diversities and providing opportunities for traditional teachings, studies, explorations and research in the region.

Payment of bonus to employees of government corporations and fully owned government companies for 2011

The proposal made by the President in his capacity as the Finance and Planning Minister for the payment of bonus to the employees of government corporations and fully owned government companies for 2011 as was paid in 2010, was approved by the Cabinet.

Employees of such institutions which have earned profits will be paid Rs 10,000 and employees who work in the profit making ventures that are paying performance incentives will be paid Rs 7,500.

Employees of the loss making corporations and government owned companies will be paid only Rs 1,000. However, employees working in loss making ventures which reduced the loss compared to last year will be paid Rs 2,000.

Samurdhi, Divi Neguma families in A'pura district to be empowered

Housing facilities of Samurdhi and Divi Neguma low income families are to be improved during the 2012 Deyata Kirula exhibition.

Under this project, 31,931 household units have been identified for development. Each household will be provided with maximum of 1,000 tiles.

The proposal made by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa will cost Rs 800 million.