Decisions taken by the Cabinet at its Meeting held on 2012-01-05
- Details
- Published on Friday, 06 January 2012 15:45
- Hits: 1180
The Cabinet of Ministers met on January 5, 2012 arrived at decisions on the following
1.Amendments to Civil Procedure Code to introduce Judicial Mediation and Pre- trial Procedure –
- The Government has observed the economic difficulties that are being faced by the people due to law's delays and pending legal cases.
- With the view to overcome this situation, a system of judicial mediation is to be introduced as a first step in Court proceedings and pre-trial procedures are to be adopted thereafter. Judicial mediation through creation of a post of Master in the courts will endeavor to bring about an amicable settlement on the issues concerned between the relevant parties.
- The proposal made by Mr Rauff Hakeem, Minister of Justice, in this regard was referred to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Legislation for its recommendations.
2. Protocol on Political Consultations with the State of Palestine –
- This agreement would enhance friendly relations between Sri Lanka and the State of Palestine and would contribute to international and regional peace, security and prosperity.
- The proposal made by Prof.G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs, to sign the above agreement was approved by the Cabinet.
3. Free Passports to Refugees returning from Tamil Nadu
- On the initiative of the President in his capacity as the Minister of Defence and Urban Development, steps are being taken to re-settle in their own villages about 90,000 Sri Lankan Tamils living in refugee camps and residencies privately sought by them in Tamil Nadu due to LTTE terrorist activities which prevailed during the last 3 decades.
- In terms of the provisions of the Immigration and Emigration Act, they should have a valid passport to land in Sri Lanka.
- The proposal made by the President to authorize the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Chennai to issue passports without levying a fee of Rs.4,400 to these refugees who are to return to Sri Lanka, was approved by the Cabinet.
4. US $ 60 Million credit from Saudi Arabia for Road Development
- The Development Policy Framework of the Government has identified the necessity of rehabilitation and improvement of National Road Network of the Country on priority basis. Accordingly, on a request made by the Government, the Saudi Fund for Development has agreed to provide Saudi Riyals 225.000,000 (approximately US $60 million) for rehabilitation and improvement of about 144 Km, of the National Road Network of the country.
5. US $ 382.36 M Credit line from India for the Restoration of Northern Railway Service
- The Government of India has agreed to provide a loan of US $382.37 million for the Restoration of Northern Railway Service
- US $149.3 million will be utilized for the reconstruction of the Railway line from Pallai to Kankasanthurai., US $ 86.52 million for setting up of signaling and telecommunication systems for the Northern Railway Line and US $146.51 million will be utilized for other contracts that may be mutually agreed upon by the two Governments.
- The proposal made by the President, in his capacity as a Minister of Finance and Planning to enter into a credit agreement with the Export-Import Bank of India to obtain this credit facility, was approved by the Cabinet.
6. Sri Lanka to establish Diplomatic Mission in Ukraine –
- Ukraine gained independence in 1991 and following the establishment of diplomatic relations there has been closer co- operation between Sri Lanka and Ukraine at bilateral and multilateral levels.
- Currently a range of agreements are in the process of being negotiated covering the fields of Education, Defence.
- Science and Technology, Ports and Shipping, Air Services Trade etc. Direct flights have also commenced between the two countries. Accordingly, the proposal made by prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs to establish a Resident Diplomatic Mission in Ukraine, was approved by the Cabinet. The Government of Ukraine, on a reciprocal basis, will establish a Resident Mission in Colombo
