[Cabinet Decisions]

New Act for National Laboratory Services

Cabinet approval was granted to incorporate provisions in the Private Medical Institutions (Registration) Act NO 21 of 2006 to regulate activities of the health laboratory services in the country on a proposal by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena. The proposed new Act will addresses areas of laboratory standards, scope of laboratory, safety measures, staff welfare, quality assurance etc and will ensure the timely availability of reliable and valid diagnostic and analytical laboratory support necessary to protect and promote healthcare and well - being of the people through state and private sectors.

Five - year tax exemption on investment by migrant workers

The Cabinet of Ministers decided to grant tax exemptions to import machinery and equipment for returnee migrant workers to invest on new businesses on a proposal by Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Dilan Perera.

State banks will also provide special loan schemes for these workers under stipulated conditions.

The remittances from expatriate workers have seen an upward trend making it the highest foreign exchange earnings to the country. The foreign exchange earnings totaled to US $ 5.2 billion (Rs 692) in 2011 amidst a global economic showdown.

Sri Lanka to establish Consulate General office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia

The joint proposal by External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris and Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare Minister Dilan Perera to establish a Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was approved by the Cabinet.

It is estimated that around 75,000 Sri Lankans are employed in Dammam.

Draft Bill for control and regulation of the use of prohibited drugs

Cabinet decided to draft a Bill for the control and regulation of the use of prohibited drugs on a proposal by Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

The Cabinet also decided to refer the Bill to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Legislation for recommendations in the first instance.

Construction of Neuro and Kidney Unit at Colombo Lady Ridgeway Hospital

The Cabinet decided to proceed with the work relating to the setting up of Neuro and Kidney Units and the Orthopedic Ward at Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Colombo on a proposal by Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena,

This project is to be undertaken at a cost of Rs 194 million.

The hospital plays a major role in providing optimum patient care services to children suffering from complicated disease conditions. However, inadequacy of space is a major problem in provision of care for children. Construction of Paediatric Eye Unit (Stage II) - Construction of the Neuro and Kidney Unit and Orthopedic Ward have been completed under the initial stage.

New surgical wards and quarters for Mullaitivu District Hospital

Cabinet approved Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena's proposal to construct a surgical ward complex and quarters for consultants and medical officers at District General Hospital, Mullaitivu.

The construction will be undertaken with Rs 120 million financial assistance from AmeriCares, a Non-Governmental Organization, which has expressed willingness to assist the project. The total cost of the project will be Rs 130 million.

Ampara Airport runway, apron to be developed

The Cabinet approved widening and improvements to the airport runway and apron of the Ampara Airport on a proposal by the President, in his capacity as the Ports and Highways Minister. The lowest evaluated responsive bid for a contract price of Rs 749, 336,167.05, as recommended by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC), was approved by the Cabinet.

The work is to be carried out in line with the activities of the Deyata Kirula 2013 National Exhibition.

US $ 53 m worth high quality radiotherapy equipment for cancer patients

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena's proposal to proceed with the work relating to the awarding of two contracts for US $ 24,129,998.88 and US $ 29,251,703.02 to provide additional healthcare facilities to cancer patients was approved by the Cabinet.

The project is to supply equipment of high quality radiotherapy with high energy radiation including infrastructure for cancer patients in Sri Lanka, with foreign assistance.

RAMIS for Inland Revenue Dept

The introduction of a Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) for the Inland Revenue Department - The Finance and Planning Ministry with facilitation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has been engaged in continuous fiscal and revenue related reforms through fiscal management efficiency improvement projects. Progress has been made in capacity development, English language training, IT training etc.

The automation of the Inland Revenue Department will improve efficiency and accountability of the revenue administration and the ultimate objective is to integrate the automated systems of the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs and the Finance and Planning Ministry to optimise revenue and fiscal efficiency and accountability.

Cabinet decided to authorise the Treasury Secretary to conduct government to government negotiations with the Singaporean government to assist in the above on a proposal by the President in his capacity as the Finance and Planning Minister.