Decisions taken by the Cabinet at its Meeting held on 2014-09-04

April 18, 2024

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Cabinet Decisions

Decisions taken by the Cabinet at its Meeting held on 2014-09-04

September 04, 2014

01. The Implementation of Priority Water Supply Projects with Financial Assistance from Local Banks - the proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance and Planning, for the implementation of the Ruhunupura Distribution Water Supply Project and the Ampara Distribution Network Water Supply Project with funds to be provided by domestic banks and for the National Water Supply and Drainage Board to enter into Loan Agreements with such banks, was approved by the Cabinet.

02. Programme of work for minimizing the application of Agro-chemicals in Agriculture in Sri Lanka - approximately 8,000 MT of Agro-chemicals and 900,000 MT of chemical fertilizer are imported to Sri Lanka annually. The Ministry of Agriculture has drawn up a Programme to minimize the use of Agro-chemicals and pesticides by 2020, adhering to the following practices:

* minimizing the use of pesticides and agro-chemicals gradually;
* appointment of officers engaged in agriculture extension activities as Plant Physicians in Crop Clinics; and
* the establishment of Organic Villages.

The above information was submitted to the Cabinet by Hon. Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Minister of Agriculture.

03. Agreement on Cultural Co-operation between the Government of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles - Cabinet approval was granted for signing of the above Agreement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of the Republic of Seychelles, to promote Cultural Co-operation between the two countries on the basis of mutual respect for their sovereignty in conformity with the laws and regulations in force in each country. The above proposal was made by Hon. TB. Ekanayake, Minister of Culture and the Arts.

04. China Development Bank funded Priority Roads Project 3 - Phase II - Award of Civil Works Contracts in Matara and Hambantota Districts - nine roads located in Matara and Hambantota Districts in the Southern Province have been identified for rehabilitation under the above programme in view of the National Exhibition - 'Deyata Kirula' 2015. The proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Highways, Ports and Shipping, to award the above contracts as recommended by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC), was approved by the Cabinet.

05. Consultancy Services for Carrying out Feasibility Studies, Environmental Impact Assessment etc., for the Proposed Ruwanpura Expressway - the trace for the proposed Ruwanpura Expressway commences from the Kahathuduwa Interchange of the Southern Expressway and ends at Pelmadulla at the 3rd km of Pelmadulla - Embilipitiya - Nonagama Road. It is proposed to construct interchanges at Horana, Ingiriya, Kiriella, Ratnapura (Kuruwita) and Thiruwanaketiya. The total length of this expressway with four traffic lanes will be around 71 km. The proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Highways, Ports and Shipping, to appoint a Cabinet Appointed Consultancy Procurement Committee (CACPC) to make recommendations to the Cabinet pertaining to the award of contract for Consultancy Services for the purpose, was approved by the Cabinet.

06. Rehabilitation of National Highways through Domestic Contractors - Rehabilitation and Improvements to the Road section from 0 to 6.95 km on Kekirawa - Ganewalpola Road and to the Road Section from 0 to 30.0 km on Ganewalpola - Dachchihalmillewa Road - the proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Highways, Ports and Shipping, to award the above contract as recommended by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC), was approved by the Cabinet.

07. Water Pumping Project of Kalinganuwara, Angamadilla and Minneriya under North Central Province Canal Project - at present water from the Kothmale upper catchment area is distributed to major agricultural districts of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa through the Mahaweli diversion at Polgolla. It is proposed to divert Mahaweli water to the North Western Province for Mee Oya and Hakwatuna Oya basins and to the North Central and Vavuniya as well to be used for agriculture as well as drinking purposes with the view to meeting any intending climatic changes in the country. The proposal made by Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management, to appoint a Project Committee and obtain recommendations of the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC) pertaining to the offer made by an Indian Company, was approved by the Cabinet.

08. Construction of the 3rd stage of the Maternity Ward Complex in Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala - the proposal made by Hon. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health, to award the above contract to the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) at a cost of Rs, 914,946,852.90, to be completed within a period of 24 months, was approved by the Cabinet.

09. Tender for Supply of Epoetin Injection 2,000IU Prefilled Syringe 30,000 Syringes and Epoetin Injection 4,0001U – 5,000IU Prefilled Syringe 175,000 Syringes - the proposal made by Hon. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health, to award the above two tenders to the lowest responsive bidders as follows as recommended by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC), was approved by the Cabinet:

* Supply of Epoetin Injection 2,0001U Pre filled Syringe 30,000 Syringes at a total cost of US $37,500.00; and
* Supply of Epoetin Injection 4,000IU - 5,000IU Prefilled Syringe 175,000 Syringes at a total cost of US $350,000.00.

10. Implementation of Greater Matale Water Supply Project - the proposed project will provide direct benefits to about 80% of the urban population in the Matale District including the domestic sector, economic centers and industries in the areas of Matale, Ukuwela, Rattota, Naula, Yatawatta, Pallepola and Arnbanganga Korale Divisional Secretaries' Divisions and will cover about 260 Grams Niladhari Divisions in the District with a population of around 400,000. The proposal made by Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage to proceed with the activities relating to the project, was approved by the Cabinet.

11. Eastern Province Water Supply Development Project - Supply & Installation of Pumps, Mechanical & Electrical Equipment, Instruments and Accessories for pump houses at Konduwattuwana, Bangalawadiya, Kalmunai, Irrakkamam, Pothuvil, Uhana, Damana, Hingurana and Water Treatment Plants and Intakes at Maha Oya and Dehiattakandiya - the Eastern Province Water Supply Development Project is being implemented by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board with funds provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Sri Lanka. There are 16 major contract packages under this project and this is the 10th contract package which covers all mechanical and electrical installations of the project. The proposal made by Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, to award the above contract as recommended by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC), was approved by the Cabinet.

12. Clean Energy and Network Efficiency Improvement Project - Package 04 - Medium Voltage I Distribution Sub. Projects, Lot A - this project includes the following:

* 33kV Double Circuit (DC) Tower Line from Vavuniya Grid Substation (OSS) to the proposed Kebithigollawa Gantry (23 km) and related works; and

* 33kV DC Tower Line from New Anuradhapura GSS to the proposed Kahatagasdigiliya Gantry (31 krn) and related works.

The proposal made by Hon. (Mrs.) Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Minister of Power and Energy, to award the above contract to the lowest evaluated substantially responsive bidder as recommended by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC), was approved by the Cabinet.

13. Clean Energy and Network Efficiency Improvement Project - Package 04 .. Medium Voltage / Distribution Sub. Projects, Lot B - this project includes the following:

* 33 kV DC Tower Line from Krirbathkumbura GSS to the proposed Galaha Gantry (15 km) and related works;
* 33 kV DC Tower Line from Galmadu Junction to the proposed Akkaraipaththu Gantry (18 km) and related works; and
* 33 kV DC Tower Line from proposed Akkaraipaththu Gantry to the proposed Pothuvil Gantry (42 km) and related works.

14. Implementation of the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine Development Project - the proposal made by Hon. S.B. Dissanayake, Minister of Higher Education, to construct an eight storied Academic Building at a total cost of Rs.1610 Million with funds to be provided by the Government and complete the construction work within a period of 3 years from 2014, with view catering to the increased national demand for medical specialist training and to improve the quality of medical services in Sri Lanka, was approved by the Cabinet.

15. Procurement of 50 buses for Department of Prisons - the proposal made by Hon. Chandrasiri Gajadeera, Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, to award the contract for the supply of 44 seater 20 buses at a cost of Rs.l03,000,000.00 and 30 seater 30 buses at a cost of Rs.121 ,350,000.00 for the Department of Prisons as recommended by the Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (CAPC) taking into consideration the views of the Procurement Appeal Board (PAB), was approved by the Cabinet.

16. Extradition Treaty between Sri Lanka and the Russian Federation - it has been observed that entering into such a Treaty with the Russian Federation would be beneficial for Sri Lanka as it would enable Sri Lanka to request for the extradition of persons of concern who have engaged in illegal acts in the country and sought refuge in Russia, for criminal prosecution or execution of sentences. The proposal made, by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Defence and Urban Development, to sign the above Treaty between the two countries, was approved by the Cabinet.
17. Construction of Outer Circular Highway - Northern Section II (from Kadawatha to Kerawalapitiya) Project - the Outer Circular Highway with a total length of 29.22 krn starts from Kottawa and traverses through Kaduwela, Kadawatha and ends up at Kerawalapitiya, It will radiate from the city of Colombo and link Southern Expressway, Colombo - Katunayake Expressway, Northern Expressway and other major National Highways. The Project consists of three main sections namely, Kottawa to Kaduwela (11.0 krn), Kaduwela to Kadawatha (8.9 km) and Kadawatha to Kerawalapitiya (9.32 km). The proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance and Planning, to proceed with the activities relating to loan arrangements for the Construction of Outer Circular Highway. Northern Section II (from Kadawatha to Kerawalapitiya) Project, was approved by the Cabinet.

18. Construction of Roads and Flyovers in Hambantota International Hub Development Project - the Southern Expressway Extension Project with a total length of 96 km consists of four main sections, namely, Section 1 (from Matara to Beliatta - 30 krn), Section 2 (from Beliatta to Wetiya - 26 km), Section 3 (from Wetiya to Mattala - 15 km) and Section 4 (from Mattala to Hambantota via Andarawewa - 25 km). The construction of roads and flyovers in Hambantota International Hub Development Project contains Section 3 of the Southern Expressway Extension with Sooriyawewa - Galwela Junction - Moraketiya - Embilipitya Road (18.28 km) and Ranna - Wetiya Road (16.15 km). The proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance and Planning, to proceed with the activities relating to loan arrangements for the purpose, was approved by the Cabinet.

19. Construction of Extension of Southern Expressway Section 4 - from Mattala to Hambantota via Andarawewa Project - the proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance and Planning, to proceed with the activities relating to loan arrangements to finance the Construction of Extension of Southern Expressway Section 4 from Mattala to Hambantota via Andarawewa, was approved by the Cabinet.

20. Loan Facility of US $100 million from China Development Bank Corporation to Finance the Improvement and Rehabilitation of Priority Roads Project 3 (phase II) - the proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance and Planning, to proceed with the activities relating to loan arrangements to finance the Improvement and Rehabilitation of Priority Roads Project 3 (phase II), was approved by the Cabinet.

21. Submission of the Gazette Notification issued under the Import and Export Control Act, No.1 of 1969 to the Parliament to meet the Legal Requirement - the proposal made by H.E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance and Planning, to submit the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No.1872/5 dated 2014-07-21, containing Import and Export (Control) Regulations No.04 of 2014, which are to be effective from 2014-08-01, was approved by the Cabinet.

22. Implementation of Anamaduwa Integrated Water Supply Project - the proposed Anamaduwa Integrated, Water Supply Project will provide safe drinking water to a population of about 81,700 in the Puttalam District. The project includes the construction of a new intake at Inginimitiya Reservoir, a fully equipped water treatment plant inclusive of water towers, laying of 62 km long water transmission mains and 328 km long distribution system and other related works. The proposal made by Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, to proceed with the activities relating to the award of the contract, was approved by the Cabinet.

23. Implementation of Priority Water Supply Projects with funding secured from Local Banks - Award of Contract for three Projects - the proposal made by Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, to award the contracts for the following three projects, as recommended by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC), was approved by the Cabinet:

* Towns East of Colombo District Water Supply Project - Package III - Supplying and Laying of Pipes for Distribution Network in Hornagama, Padukka and Seethawaka Divisional Secretaries' Divisions;

* Avissawella and Kosgama Integrated Water Supply Scheme; and

* Galagedera and Mawathagama Water Supply Scheme

24. China Development Bank (CDB) Financing for the Water Supply Projects - the China Development Bank. (CDB) has agreed to provide a loan of US $400 million to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board for the implementation of the following water supply projects:

* Katana Water Supply Project;
* Thambuttegama Water Supply Project; and
* Kandy North Water Supply Project.

The proposal made by Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage, to proceed with the relevant activities pertaining to the loan arrangements, was approved by the Cabinet.

25. Agreement between the Republic of Belarus and Sri Lanka on Cultural Cooperation - the proposal made by Hon. T.B. Ekanayake, Minister of Culture and the Arts, to sign an Agreement between the two countries to develop and promote bilateral cooperation in the field of Culture and the Arts, was approved by the Cabinet.