Cabinet Decisions

The following decisions were taken by the Cabinet of ministers at its weekly meeting on Thursday.

US$ 200 million from Pakistan government

The Pakistan government has agreed to extend an export credit facility of US$200 million through the State Bank of Pakistan.

US$ 150 million of this credit, is to be utilized for the construction of housing units for shanty dwellers in Colombo and suburbs and the balance US$ 50 million to import livestock, plant and machinery from Pakistan.

The proposal made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as the finance and planning minister to enter into a loan agreement with the Pakistan government during his state visit to Pakistan was approved by the Cabinet.

Establishment of National Green Reporting System in Sri Lanka

The proposal by Environment Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa to establish the National Green Reporting System in Sri Lanka was approved by Cabinet.

The objective of its establishment is to facilitate the manufacturing and service sectors, to periodically measure and report their sustainability performance with regard to economic, environmental and social aspects to continually improve their production processes and services, relationship with stakeholders and enhance their image, while contributing towards the sustainable development of the country.

A Governing Council with the participation of representatives of government entities responsible for policy guidelines for Sri Lanka manufacturing and services sectors will be set up

Assistance to southern fishermen affected by November 25 storm

A proposal by Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne to provide Rs 100,000 to close relatives of fishermen who lost their lives and went missing in the November 25 storm in the Galle and Matara districts and provide 5,000 life jackets at a cost of Rs 40 million was approved by the Cabinet.

Low income housing units in Salamulla, Kolonnawa

The Cabinet approved the construction of 792 housing units (two nos 12 storied building block) at Vijaya Road, Salamulla, Kolonnawa for people living in shanties in the area on a proposal made by the President as defence and urban development minister.

The Cabinet, on the recommendation of the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee, decided to award the contract for piling for this construction to M/s Sierra Pilling (pvt) Ltd at a total cost of Rs.270 million.