Cabinet Decisions

Amendment to Petroleum Resources Act No 26 of 2003

President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s proposal to bring amendments to the Petroleum Resources Act No 26 of 2003 and widen the scope of the Act was approved by Cabinet to meet required standards of global expectations of the petroleum industry and to introduce the principles of good governance into Sri Lanka’s oil and gas industry.

Amending Defence Services Command and Staff College Act No 5 of 2008

The Army Command and Staff College which functioned as a college belonging to the Sri Lanka Army, under the Defence Ministry, has been established as the Defence Services Command and Staff College.

The college conducts a one year residential course and those who pass out are awarded certificates.

This institution is to be brought under the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and will confer the Masters Degree In Defence Studies in consultation with the university, for those who complete the relevant courses of study.

The proposal made by the President in his capacity as Defence and Urban Development Minister was approved by Cabinet.

Proposal to host International Conference on ‘Better Air Quality – 2014’ in Sri Lanka

The proposal by Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa to proceed with the work with regard to the International Conference on ‘Better Air Quality (BAQ) – 2014’ conference was approved by Cabinet.

The conference provides a platform for the meeting of a large number of air quality management experts in Asia to discuss on sustainable transport, energy, industry, clean fuels and vehicles, air quality, climate change etc.

It is expected to attract more than 500 dignitaries, resource persons, observers and participants.

Establishment of 25 university colleges

Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma’s proposal to set up 20 university colleges affiliated to the University of Vocational Technology by upgrading existing training centres under the purview of the Youth Affairs and Skills Development Ministry, utilising Rs 1,600 million allocated in the 2013 Budget, and to establish five university colleges in collaboration with the private sector was approved by Cabinet.
The proposed university colleges will be able to create alternate learning pathways up to the degree level for school leavers and provide more employment opportunities.
Construction of fly-over
Maho level crossing - Nikaweratiya –Moragottagama-Siyambalaugamuwa Road crosses the main railway line leading to the Northern, North Central and Eastern Provinces in Maho town
The proposal made by the President, in his capacity as Ports and Highways Minister to proceed with the initial activities relating to the project was approved by Cabinet.

Construction of four storied building for library under relocation of Buddhasravaka Bhikku University, Anuradhapura

Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake’s proposal to construct a four storied building for the Library of Buddhasravaka Bhikku University, Anuradhapura, at Rs 363 million, to entrust the work after calling for limited quotations from reputed contractors and complete the construction work within 30 months, was approved by the Cabinet.

Programme to develop 1,000 secondary schools with 5,000 primary schools network

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena’s proposal to award the construction of Mahindodaya Technical Laboratories to 400 schools among the remaining schools where the said laboratories are expected to be constructed under Phase II of the 1,000 secondary schools programme, was approved by Cabinet.

Construction of roof for Thiwanka statue in Polonnaruwa

National Heritage Minister Dr Jagath Balasooriya’s proposal to construct a permanent metal cover (roof) for the protection of the historical Thiwanka statue at Polonnaruwa at Rs 54 million and to entrust the work to State Engineering Corporation, was approved by the Cabinet.

Loan facility agreements

The President’s proposal, as Finance and Planning Minister, to enter into two loan facility agreements with the Hungarian Export-Import Bank Private Limited Company, not exceeding Euro 16,714,045 and Euro 17,383,906 for the rehabilitation of water treatment plants at Labugama and Kalatuwawa was approved by Cabinet.