The Cabinet Spokesman and the Minister of Mass Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwella announced the following decisions taken at the Cabinet Meeting held on 30 March.

Panel of Expert under the Payment Devices Frauds Act

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to appoint a Panel of Experts with qualifications in electronic engineering or software engineering to assist the police in investigations under the Payment Devices Frauds Act.

This Act which was passed by Parliament in 2006, has introduced provisions to counteract the high incidence of payment card frauds and for investigation, prosecution and punishment of offenders.

Provisions under this Act provide powers for the Minister in charge of the subject to make regulations with the approval of Parliament, to appoint a Panel of Experts with qualifications in electronic engineering or software engineering to assist the police in investigations under this Act.

Establishment of Janasevana National Housing Secretariat

Approval was granted for the establishment of Janasevana National Housing Secretariat.

This Secretariat will act as a Centre that connects the housing market in order to provide information for all those in need of houses, for Housing Property Developers, Contractors and Capital Providers.

This institution will gather information on housing programmes implemented by various institutions and individuals in Sri Lanka.

An Act to provide financial assistance for Higher Education

On a proposal made by Mr. S.B. Dissasnayake, Minister of Higher Education, Cabinet approval was granted to instruct the Legal Draftsman to draft a Bill for a new Act Called Human Capital Development Finance Act

Under this, students from poor families entering Universities could obtain loans from Banks for their academic activities, to be repaid compulsorily through their prospective employers from their monthly salaries, once they get employed after passing out from Universities.

Conservation of Digavapi Chaitya at a cost Rs 77 Million

On a proposal made by Dr. Jagath Balasuriya, Minister of National Heritage, Cabinet approval was granted to commence restoration of the Digavapi Chaitya and other related renovation work in the area in the Ampara district.
The estimated cost of the first stage of the project will be Rs.77 million. Bank of Ceylon has already agreed to donate Rs.37.0 million for this project under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

South Asia Conference on Sanitation in Colombo

This is a regional collaboration of eight South Asian countries comprising India, Sri Lanka, Bangaladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Afganistan and Pakintan, formed with the objective of addressing the sanitation facilities in the region.

This is held every two years on a rotation basis in a selected member country and this time it will be held in Sri Lanka and the five day event will be inaugurated by the President.

Cabinet approval was granted to host this conference in Colombo from April 4th to 8th on a proposal made by Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage.