CABINET DECISION

US$ 85 m from ADB for Integrated Urban Development Project for Trincomalee

The overall objective of the Integrated Urban Development Project is to improve planning and for the delivery of priority infrastructure and local services in the Trincomalee Urban Development area. The project will also encourage private sector investment and operation through promotion programmes. Asian Development Bank (ADB) agreed to fund this Integrated Urban Development Project for Trincomalee. The total project cost is expected to be US$ 85 million. Cabinet approval was granted to the Defence and Urban Development Ministry on a proposal by the President, in his capacity as the Defence and Urban Development Ministry, to conduct a feasibility study and submit a detailed project report.

Establishment of three Maga Neguma companies under Road Development Authority

The proposal by the President, in his capacity as Ports and Highways Minister, to establish three companies under the Road Development Authority (RDA) as follows, was approved by the Cabinet: Maga Neguma Construction Equipment Company (Pvt) Limited: To provide construction equipment and machinery to those engaged in the Road Sector Development, on recovery of hire charges; and to undertake and complete road construction works not exceeding Rs.l00 million awarded by RDA. Maga Neguma Emulsion Production Company (Pvt) Limited: To undertake manufacture of Emulsion, Pre-mix etc. and to supply same for road sector development works. Maga Neguma Consultancy and Management Company (Pvt) Limited: To provide consultancy services for the preparation of Bills of Quantities, project proposals etc.

Regulations on Control and Monitoring of Refuse Tea, Reclaimed Tea, Absolute Refuse, Grade Broken Mixed Fanning (BMF) and Tea Waste and Regulations on Control and Monitoring of Handling and Dealing of Bin Teas

Refuse tea is a by-product resulted in the process of converting green leaf into made tea. Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe's proposal to draft regulations to prevent malpractices was given Cabinet approval. Cabinet approval was granted to refer the matter to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Legislation chaired by Environment and Renewable Energy Minister Susil Premajayantha for recommendations.

Refurbishment of Elections Secretariat Building at Rajagiriya

President Mahinda Rajapaksa's proposal to effect structural additions to the Elections Secretariat at Rs 42.54 million to provide better facilities and to entrust the work to the Department of Buildings, was approved by the Cabinet.

Strengthening Primary Health Care Services System in Hambantota district

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena's proposal to construct 50 Primary Healthcare Service Centres in the Hambantota District and as the first stage of the project, to construct five centres at Beliatta, Tissamaharama, Walasmulla, Sooriyawewa and Hambantota Divisional Secretariat Divisions at Rs 76 million and to extend this programme to cover all parts of the country, was approved.

Award of contract for rehabilitation of Hamilton Canal, Negombo to Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation

The rehabilitation of 8.7 km of the Hamilton Canal from Ma-Oya to Negombo Lagoon has been successfully carried out by the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation. Work is nearing completion. The Department of Town and Country Planning of the University of Moratuwa prepared a development plan pertaining to the balance 14 km section of the Hamilton Canal from Negombo Lagoon to Kelani Ganga Estuary (Hekiththa) to improve the livelihood of the people living in the area and also for tourism promotion.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa's proposal to entrust the work to the Land Reclamation and Development Corporation, was approved by the Cabinet.

Repeal of Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration Act No 9 of 1982 and drafting of new Bill

Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne's proposal to instruct the Legal Draftsman to draft legislation to repeal the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration Act No 9 of 1982 and to draft a new Bill incorporating amendments was approved by the Cabinet.