02. Revision of Marriage Registration Act
The revision of charges for registration of marriages from Rs. 5,000/- to Rs. 1,000/- proposed in the Budget is being implemented at present with effect from 16th March, 2015. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Home Affairs Michael Joseph Perera to revise the Registration of Marriages Act for this purpose.
03.Establishment of Inter Ministerial Committees under Information and Communication Technology Act. No. 27 of 2003
The field of Information and Communication sector has achieved a steady progress during the recent times. As per the report on Global Information published recently by the World Economic Guild Sri Lanka has been ranked at 65th place worldwide covering among 143 countries and in the first place in the South Asian region in respect of the “National Readiness Index”. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera to further expand the Inter-Ministerial Committee with representatives of relevant Ministers and representatives from those show a keen interest in the sector to further strengthen this position and to create a more conducive atmosphere for foreign investors within the country and to ensure that strategies relating to information and Communication technologies are being enforced suitably .
04. Details relating to loans taken by the Government during the 1st four months of the year 2015
The Cabinet of Ministers took into consideration the report submitted by the Hon. Minister of Finance Ravi Karunanayake providing Details relating to loans taken by the Government during the 1st four months of the year 2015.
The approved amount of loans to be taken in the year 2015 is Rs. 1,780,000 Million and the table given below shows the details of loans that have been taken up to 30th April, 2015.
Type of Loan Rs. Million
Treasury Bonds 311,706.85
Treasury Bills 83,605.89
Sri Lanka Development Bonds 113,589.65
/Advance from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka 9,063.64
Bank overdraft 8.238.02
Total Local Loans 526,204.05
Foreign Loans 158,049.36
Total Loans 684,253.41
05. Programme of Government ‘s Paddy Purchases for the year 2015
Hon. Ministers of Food Security Gamini Jayawickrema Perera and Finance Ravi Karunanayake submitted the progress on the details of paddy purchase by the government during the 2014/2015 Maha season. Accordingly, 160,301.8 metric tons of paddy have been purchased, and it is the highest quantity of paddy with the mediation of the government within a season. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Ministers to sell this consignment of paddy that is now being stored in the government warehouses following an open tender procedure and to implement a more streamlined programme to purchase the paddy stocks of the Maha season.
06. Sale to the settlers of the blocks of alternative lands given to displaced people in place of lands acquired for implementation of various Town Development Projects
The Urban Development Authority during the period of 1980 – 1990, in acquiring lands for the various development projects implemented has provided to the low and medium scale income earners alternative residences or alternative blocks of lands for construction of houses under monthly rentals or monthly land rent basis.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Watetr Supply and Drainage and Urban Development Rauf Hakeem to provide the residents of relevant housing project lands of Ratnapura, Peliyagoda, Battaramulla, Ratmalana and Madiwela Housing schemes to vest the ownership of these lands on the relevant lands at the commercial valuation that prevailed at the time of their acquisition. This decision has been taken as per the request made by the occupants of these lands.
07. Cross country pipeline project of laying oil pipelines from Colombo Harbour up to Kolonnawa Wholesale Terminal
The pipeline network that carries oil from Colombo Harbour to Kolonnawa Wholesale Terminal is 40 to 70 years old and is in a very dilapidated status. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka in order to construct a new pipeline network upon carrying out a complete study on the infrastructure and other facilities required for this purpose and to call for an open international tender for the selection of the suitable contractor to implement this project.
08. The Programme of National Power Conservation and Efficient Utilization
Sri Lanka is incurring each year around 30 % of its national export income for the import of fuel required for generation of electricity. Similarly it has also been found through studies about 25% of the electricity supplied to people go wast due to the inefficient and careless usage. Therefore Power Conservation and Efficient Utilization of power have become very essential and hence the National Power Conservation and Efficient Utilization programme was introduced in this connection. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka as the initial step of this programme to get the staff of the government institutions to promote Power Conservation and Efficient Utilization of power with the objective of getting energy usage in the government institutions reduced by 10% .
09. National Sports Festival - 2016
National Sports Festival is being held annually with the objective of identifying the talents existing in the sports sector of this country and to promote these talents. Arrangements are being made to hold the 41st national sports festival with the final events at the end of this year in the Badulla town. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Sports Navin Dissanayake to hold the 2016 National Sports Festival in the Northern Province in the districts of Jaffna and Kilinochchi with the participation of all Sri Lankans and to ensure the participation of rural population to the main social stream and to appoint a steering committee for this purpose comprising senior officers.
10. Adoption of the protocol amending the WTO agreement on trade related intellectual property rights
Agreements of Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) administered by the World Trade Orgaization (WTO) requires all WTO Members to implement appropriation legislation which protect intellectual property rights including copy rights and related rights, trade marks, geographical indications, industrial designs, patents, layout designs and integrated circuits and undisclosed information. Notwithstanding the obligations imposed on Members to provide substantial IPR protection for patented medicinal drugs in the context of the TRIPS the agreement provides some flexibilities for Members to permit the local manufacture of produce generic versions of patented medicines without the authorization of patent holders, when their population face any eminent health crises situations such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS and other circumstances of extreme urgency. Therefore, Hon. Ministry of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen is to ratify the relevant amended agreement.
11. Providing concessions to employees who have lost their employments at Werahera Engineering Services Ltd (Wesco) and Kahagolla Engineering Services Ltd (Kesco)
A section of the employees who lost their employment due to the close down of the Werahera Engineering Services Ltd (Wesco) and Kahagolla Engineering Services Ltd (Kesco) in the year 2001 have been recruited for employment in the Sri Lanka Transport Board on casual basis. Out of these employees only a part of the services of employees have been confirmed in service and another part remain unconfirmed. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Internal Transport Ranjith Madduma Bandara to confirm the services of these remaining employees and to provide them other rights entitled for them.
12. Increasing the purchasing price of a litre of liquid milk from Rs. 60.00 to Rs. 70.00
The interim budget of 2015 proposed to increase the purchasing price of a litre of liquid milk from Rs. 60.00 to Rs. 70.00. Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Welfare and Livestock Development P.Harrison to implement the price mechanism prepared on the basis of obtaining the views of relevant parties and with their agreement on the percentage of fat in the liquid milk, non-fat solid content available in the milk and the total solid content available in the liquid milk.
13. Payment of the Rs. 2,000 allowance to elderly citizens of over 70 years of age
The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Welfare and Livestock Development P.Harrison to get allocations approved for the payment of Rs,. 2,000/- monthly allowance to elderly citizens of over 70 years of age, who have suffered due to various reasons.
14. Memorandum of Understanding relating to the programme of establishing a joint Bio Technological Laboratory for exchange of scientists
The objective of the Memorandum of Understanding relating to the programme of exchanging scientists is to widen communication facilities among scientists and researchers of China and Sri Lanka and develop mutual relationship and understanding. It also envisaged to conduct joint scientific and technological research programmes, encourage technological research activities and promote scientific development programmes. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Higher Education and Research Dr. Sarath Amunugama for signing the relevant Memorandum of Understanding.
15. Introduction of a Code of Conduct for the representatives of the representatives of the Local Government Institutions
There are 335 local government institutions functioning in the country comprising 23 Municipal Councils, 41 Urban Councils, and 271 Pradeshiya Sabhas. 4,486 representatives are elected for these councils by the franchise of the people. As per a survey carried out recently that actions are being taken against 104 members of these councils on various charges covering various malpractices, corruptions etc. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Democratic Governance Karu Jayasuriya and the Minister of Provincial Councils and Provincial Development Janaka Bandara Tennekoon to introduce a code of conduct for local government representatives and to implement the said code of conduct upon obtaining views and suggestions from the provincial councils.
16. Construction of a new building for the Finance Commission
The Finance Commission which has been empowered as an independent commission as a result of the 19th amendment to the constitution coordinates provincial development activities and national policy matters. . It also supervise and monitor the total provincial council network. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon President Maithripala Sirisena to construct a new building for the Finance Commission in a block of land of 60 perches at No. 3 of the Sarana Mawatha at Rajagiriya which belongs to the Finance Commission.
17. Construction of a Pavilion for the George Rajapaksa Stadium in Weeraketiya
Under the Small and Medium Scale Town Development Project, the Town Development Authority has identified in the year 2014 to develop the Weeraketiya Town. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Water Supply and Drainage and Urban Development Rauf Hakeem to construct a pavilion for the George Rajapaksa Stadium in Weeraketiya Town and provide the contract to the State Engineering Corporation.
18. Horana Bus Stand Development Project – Stage II
Horan town is a main service town in the Kalutara district. The regional road network of this town connects to the main towns of Colombo and Ratnapura districts. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Water Supply and Drainage and Urban Development Rauf Hakeem to hand over the contract to construct the 2nd stage of the Horana Bus Stand Development project to Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation.
19. Provision of Advisory Services for the reconstruction of 25 bridges funded by the Kuwait Fund for the Arab Economic Development (KFAED)
Kuwait Fund for the Arab Economic Development provides funds for the reconstruction of 25 bridges. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal made by the Hon. Minister of Highways and Investment Promotion Kabir Hashim to award the contract to provide advisory services for the construction of these bridges in compliance with the recommendations made by the Cabinet Sub Committee on Advisory Procurement.
20. Priority Roads Project (3 phase II) funded by the China Development Bank
The China Development Bank grants a loan of US$ 100 million for this project and the development of the Tangalle - Weeraketiya road and Weeraketiya - Middeniya road is already on progress. The proposal made by Kabir Hashim, the Minister of Highways and Investment Promotions, to improve more prominent roads under this project instead of the 08 roads which were identified earlier for development, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
21. Procurement of Container Handling Cranes for East Container Terminal of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA)
The SLPA has invested US$ 80 million for the construction of the initial 400m of the 1200m long east container terminal and its construction works are in their final stage. The proposal made by Arjuna Ranatunge, the Minister of Ports and Shipping, to procure 04 handling cranes and 12 gantry cranes required for this container terminal, pursuing international competitive bidding method as prescribed in Government Procurement Guidelines, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
22. Strengthening the capacity of Sri Lanka Railway Service
The proposal made by Ranjith Maddumabandara, the Minister of Internal Transport, to procure 18 sets of diesel multiple units, 160 passenger coaches, and 30 oil tank wagons in order to strengthen the capacity of the railway service as recognized by the National Railway Development Strategic Framework 2015-2020, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
23. Introduction of a special privilege card for war heroes
It has been decided to introduce a special card and a badge for recognizing war heroes of the armed forces and the police and their dependents who have sacrificed their lives in achieving peace in Sri Lanka and to offer them with special benefits. This enables them the easy access for services offered by more than 50 institutions in the government and private sector. When obtaining these services they will be benefited with the recognition, priority, discounts, easy payment schemes, interest free loans, insurance facilities, transport services, health services, recreation needs and scholarships etc. The above information presented by HE the President Maithripala Sirisena in his capacity as the Minister of Defence has been taken into consideration by the Cabinet of Ministers.
24. Submission of the gazette notification for the amendment of import duties to the parliament for approval
The proposal made by Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance, to submit 06 gazette notifications issued to amend import duties to the parliament for gaining approval whichconform to the provisions stipulated in relevant acts, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
25. The Articles of Association on establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
The Articles of Association on establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is scheduled to be signed on 29 June 2015 at Beijing, China and the proposal made by Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Finance, for obtaining the approval to sign the said Articles of Association, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
26. Colombo Port City Development Project
The proposal made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, to assign the activities of the above project to the Urban Development Authority as recommended by the Apex Committee comprising of Ministerial Secretaries and by the Cabinet Subcommittee on economic affairs, and to instruct the Central Environmental Authority to start a complete environmental impact assessment with the assistance of relevant institutions, and on completion of the above study, to reconsider the recommencing activities of the above project, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
27. Utilization of Corporate Social Responsibility - CSR) funds by State Agencies
The proposal made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, to appoint a committee chaired by the Secretary to the Ministry of Policy Planning, Economic Affairs, Child, Youth, and Cultural Affairs and comprising of a representative from the Presidential Secretariat and a representative from the Ministry of Finance to draft guidelines for public institutions, ministries, departments, statutory boards, and corporations on expenditure of above funds and to decide on the requests made for obtaining money from the CSR fund, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
28. Proposed Repayment Mechanism for the of investments for security depositors of the Golden Key Credit Card Company Ltd
It has been proposed to grant reliefs to depositors of non-bank inactive financial institutions by the supplementary budget 2015 and several meetings have been held with the relevant stakeholders by the Minister of Finance. Accordingly, the proposal made by Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of Policy Planning, Economic Affairs, Child, Youth, and Cultural Affairs, to repay depositors who have maintained security deposits up to Rs. 2 million in the Golden Key Credit Card Company within a month, and thereafter to liquidate the assets of the Golden Key Credit Card Company for further repayments and to take steps for gaining of funds in this purpose with the General Treasury depending on the proposals made by the Minister of Finance, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
