Decisions taken by the Cabinet at its Meeting held on 28.11.2012
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 29 November 2012 19:37
- Hits: 1445
Minister of Environment and the Actg Minister of Mass media and Information Mr. Anura Priyadarshana Yapa briefed the media at the Dept of Government Information on Thursday on the decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers at its weekly meeting held November 28,
01/09. A new Act for the National Laboratory Services
On the proposal made by Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health, Cabinet approval was granted to incorporate necessary provisions in the Private Medical Institutions (Registration) Act, NO.21 of 2006 so as to regulate the activities of the Health Laboratory Services in the country.
The proposed new Act will addresses the areas oflaboratory standards, scope of laboratory, safety measures, staff welfare, qualityassurance etc. and will ensure the timely availability of reliable and valid diagnostic and analytical laboratory support necessary to protect and promote the healthcare and well being of the people through the state as well as the private sector.
02/20 Five year tax exemption on investment by migrant workers
On a proposal made by Mr. Dilan Perera, Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to grant relevant tax exemptions for importation of machinery and equipment for returnee migrant workers to invest on new businesses.
The State Banks to provide special loan schemes for these workers under stipulated conditions.
The remittances from our expatriate workers have seen an upward trend making it the highest foreign exchange earnings to the country. The foreign exchange earnings totaled to US $ 5.2 billion (Rs 692) in 2011 amidst a global economic showdown.
03/21 Sri Lanka to establish a Consulate Geeneral office in Dammam, Saudi Arabia
The joint proposal made by Prof G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs and Mr. Dilan Perera, Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, to establish a Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was approved by the Cabinet.
It is estimated that around 75,000 Sri Lankans are presently employed in Dammam, the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.It is a promising destination for Sri Lankan workers with much potential for foreign employment opportunities in the service, industrial and the health sectors.
04/22. Draft Bill for the Control and Regulation of the use of Prohibited Drugs –
On a proposal made by Mr. Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Minister of Sports,
Cabinet decided to draft a Bill for the control and regulation of the use of prohibited drugs. The cabinet also decided to refer the relevant Billdrafted already to the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Legislation for recommendations in the first instance.
International Convention against Doping in Sport has been adopted in October 2005 at the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Government of Sri Lanka has acceded to the said Convention in February 2011.
The objective of the Convention is to promote the prevention of doping in sport, with a view to its elimination.
05/27 Construction of a Neuro and KLidney Unit at Colombo Lady Ridgway Hospital
On aproposal by Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to proceed with the work relating setting up of Neuro and Kidney Units and the Orthopedic Ward at the Lady Ridgway Hospital Colombo
This project is to be undertaken at a cost of Rs 194 million. This hospital plays a major role in providing optimum patient care services to the children who are suffering from complicated disease conditions. However, inadequacy of space is a major problem in provision of care for children.
Construction of Paediatric Eye Unit (Stage II) - Construction of the Neuro and Kidney Unit and Orthopedic Ward have been completed under the initial stage.
06/28 New Surgical wards and quarters of for Mullaitivu District Hospital
Cabinet approved a proposal by .Mr. Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health for the Construction of Surgical Ward Complex and Quarters for Consultants & Medical Officers at District General Hospital (DGH) – Mulaitivu
This construction will be undertaken with financial assistance of Rs 120 million from AmeriCares, a Non-Governmental Organization, which has expressed its willingness to assist the project. The total cost of the project will be Rs 130 million
07/45 Runway and Apron of the Ampara Airport to be developed
On the proposal made by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Ports and Highways the Cabinet of Ministers approved widening and Improvements to Airport Runway and Apron of the Ampara Airport
The lowest evaluated responsive bid for a contract price of Rs.749, 336,167.05, as recommended by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC), was approved by the Cabinet.
This work is to be carried out in line with the activities of 'Deyata Kirula, 2013 National Exhibition.
08/49. US Dollar 53 million worth High quality Radiotherapy equipment for cancer patients
The proposal made by Mr Maithripala Sirisena, Minister of Health, to proceed with the work relating to the award of the relevant 2 contracts for US $ 24,129,998.88 and US $ 29,251,703.02 with the view to provide additional healthcare facilities to the Cancer patients, was approved by the Cabinet.
The Project is for the supply of equipment of High Quality Radiotherapy with high energy radiation including the infrastructure for Cancer Patients in Sri Lanka under Foreign Assistance.
It has been observed that Cancer is a major disease prevailing in Sri Lanka at the moment and necessary radiotherapy treatment is provided to the needy patients with limited available facilities
09/58 Revenue Management Information system (RAMIS) to Inland Revenue Dept.
Introduction of a Revenue Administration Management Information System(RAMIS) for the Inland Revenue Department – The Ministry of Finance and Planning, with facilitation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has been engaged in continuous fiscal and revenue related reforms through fiscal management efficiency improvement projects and much progress has been made in the area of capacity development, English Language training, IT training etc.
The automation of the Inland Revenue Department will improve efficiency and accountability of the revenue administration and the ultimate objective is to integrate the automated systems of the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs and the Ministry of Finance and Planning to optimize revenue and fiscal efficiency and accountability.
The proposal made by H. E. the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance and Planning, cabinet decided to authorize the Secretary to the Treasury to conduct Government to Government negotiations with the Government of Singapore to assist in the above project.
