Cabinet Decisions

National policy on construction of telecommunication towers

The Cabinet decided to implement a national policy on telecommunication towers with a specific guideline for it on a proposal by the President as minister- in - charge of the Sri Lanka Telecommunication Regulatory Authority.

Modem telecommunication infrastructure is an essential requirement for rapid economic and social development of the country and nine public switched telecommunication network service providers provide telecommunication services in the country and more than 2,900 antenna tower structures have been installed to facilitate the provision of such services.

Considering the environmental and health related public concerns for human safety, the Cabinet decided to implement a national policy in telecommunication structures with a set of guidelines formulated by a committee of experts.

Allocation of lands for 24 industries islandwide

The Cabinet decided to allocate lands on a 35 year lease term basis to 24 prospective investors, as recommended by the Regional Industry Service Committees, at industrial estates scattered in the country, on a proposal by Industry and Commerce Minister Rishad Bathiudeen.

There are 26 industrial parks at district level and the selection of industrialists to invest in these estates is done by the Regional Industry Services Committee and the official committee appointed by the Industries Ministry secretary.

It is anticipated that 1,076 direct employment opportunities could be provided with a total investment of Rs 1,516.1 million.

Integrated luxury hotel complex at Uchchimunai Island, Kalpitiya

The Cabinet approved Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa's proposal to entrust 450 acres of land at Uchchimunai Island at Kalpitiya to M/s Saphire Bay Resort (Pvt) Ltd to convert the area as an international tourist hub.

This land to be given on a 99 - year lease term basis will incorporate hotels, resorts, water villas, spas, golf courses etc and other leisure and recreation facilities provided to meet the present day needs of tourists.

Kalpitiya Tourism Zone to be developed as special tourism destination

The investor will pay the determined value of the land, Rs 1,070 million at once.

Rs 280 million for infrastructure development of Suriyawewa IPZ

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa's proposal to expand and develop the Hambantota Industrial Promotion Zone under a master plan in 850 hectares was approved by the Cabinet of ministers.

A master plan has been prepared for the development of the Suriyawewa area as an Investment Promotion Zone (IPZ) covering also the 230 hectare already allocated. It will consist of a multi -sports complex, cycling stadium, hockey stadium, an international aquatic centre, a media centre, information and technology park, convention centre, educational park, hotels and residencies etc.

The internal infrastructure facilities are to be provided by BoI at an estimated cost of Rs 280 million.

Rs 4,606 m spent to provide relief for drought-affected

President Mahinda Rajapaksa informed the Cabinet of the progress of the relief programme implemented under four major projects for the drought affected people in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala and Puttalam districts.

The government spent Rs 4,606.62 million on these activities: Increasing the water retention capacity by de-silting 972 reservoirs and tanks at a cost of Rs 3,444.61 million, labour contribution by drought affected farmers for the above work and also for development of agricultural roads and cleaning of canals for which payment amounting to Rs l,113.95 million was made to the farmers, reconstruction of 2,553 agro wells at a cost of Rs 24.78 million and provision of drinking water for the people in the drought affected areas at Rs 23.28 million.

Appropriation Bill / Budget - 2013 - Committee Stage Programme

The Committee Stage Programme for the above which will commence on November 11, 2012 and conclude on December 8, 2012 submitted by Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister and Leader of the House of Parliament Nimal Siripala de Silva, was noted by the Cabinet.

Purchase of property for the Chancery of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC

Residence and the present premises of the embassy were purchased on a proposal by External Affairs Minister Professor G L Peiris to purchase the identified property at No 3025, Whitehaven Street, M W Washington DC to establish the new chancery of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC, was approved by the Cabinet. The official 1948 and the local government laws of the district of Columbia do not permit further expansion of the present building of the Chancery as the structure of the existing building does not comply with the local government standards for such expansion. The Cabinet approved the purchase of this property at US $ 6,600,000.