Decisions taken by the Cabinet at its Meeting held on 03.01.2013
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- Published on Thursday, 03 January 2013 18:04
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1. Cabinet decides to set standards for ceiling fans
On a proposal made by Mr Patali, Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Power and Energy the Cabinet of Ministers decided to prescribe energy efficiency' standards through regulations for compliance by importers and manufactures for ceiling fans. Accordingly, they will be required to display such standards for the information of the general public. The government will publish such regulations prepared by the Legal Draftsman in the Government Gazette and to present them in Parliament for its approval, under the section 67 of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Act, NO.35 0(2007 for Imposition of Energy Efficient Performance Standards and Energy Labeling for Ceiling Fans.
2. Two Housing Schemes at Homagama, and Yakkala
Werallawatta (Ceylon State Hardware Corporation Land) Housing Scheme proposed to be constructed under the Janasevana National Housing and Settlement Development Program - the proposal made by Mr Wimal Weerawansa, Minister of Construction Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities, to proceed with the above two housing projects consisting of the following, subject to stipulated conditions, was approved by the Cabinet:
land known as Mount Clifford Garden with an extent of 14 acres 03 roods and 31.43 perches located at Homagama with an investment of Rs.5582.89 million; and
land at Werallawatta - Yakkala where the Ceylon State Hardware Corporation was located, with an investment of Rs.5197.42 million.
Altogether 1928 housing units will be constructed at both these locations to be sold to public and the private sector people by the National Housing Development Authority.
3. Establishment of a Safe Shelter for Women and Child Victims of Human Trafficking
It has been observed that Human Trafficking has become a serious global and social issue and Sri Lankan women are also vulnerable to human trafficking. With the view to providing safe shelter, counseling, legal, medical physical and psychological assistance etc. to the victims, specially women and children, Hon. Tissa Karaliyadde, Minister of Child Development and Women's Affairs, informed the Cabinet of Ministers that his Ministry, in consultation with the Ministry of Justice, has taken steps to establish the first Government Shelter for Women and Child Victims of Human Trafficking, which will fulfill international obligations as well, with regard to the protection of victims of Human Trafficking.
4. Conversion of Single and Double Cabs and Land Rover Defender Motor vehicles to five door Luxury Station Wagons and conversion of Single Cabs to Double Cabs
It has been observed that Land Rover Defender Motor vehicles auctioned by the government institutions are being converted to 5 door luxury station wagons and imported single cabs already registered as single cabs, to double cabs by changing the body structure of such vehicles.
The proposal made by Mr Kumara Welgama, Minister of Transport. to implement the following, with the view to controlling these activities, was approved by the Cabinet:
The relevant registration should be in accordance with provisions of the Motor Traffic (Amendment) Act, NO.08 of 2009;.
The Commissioner General of Motor Traffic should be satisfied that the relevant and parts have been lawfully imported to the Country; and
The difference between the tax payable for a new/used imported vehicle similar to that of the converted vehicle on the date of registration of the converted vehicle and the tax already paid on the converted vehicle at the time of its importation, should be paid as a surcharge to the Government.
The registration of such converted vehicles under the above conditions should be completed by 2013-03-31 and registration of such vehicles after the above date should not be permitted under any circumstances.
5. Bandaranaike International Airport Development Project Phase II Stage 2 and future developments
Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd. and Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) has signed a loan agreement for a sum of Japanese Yen 28,969 million for the implementation of the above project which is expected to be completed by the end of 20 15. The work will consist of expansion of the terminal building, expansion of the Aircraft Parking Apron, Public Utilities etc. The proposal made by Piyankara Jayaratne, Minister of Civil Aviation, to proceed with the project, was approved by the Cabinet.
6. Hambantota International Airport Development Project at Mattala
Construction of Hambantota Airport Development Project is nearing completion. Both Cargo and Passenger Terminals have been expanded and facilities added to the Terminal and Airport Infrastructure. Sri Lankan Airlines has proposed to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhauling (MRO) facility at this Airport to cater to the Asian Region, including the Indian Market.
This will increase employment opportunities for the local population and also stimulate economic development in the Southern Region. The proposal made by Piyankara Jayaratne, Minister of Civil Aviation to seek additional financial assistance for the purpose from abroad in the first instance, was approved by the Cabinet.
