The Government Information Department announced the following decisions taken at the Cabinet Meeting held on 06th April.

A new air services agreement with UK

The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to sign of an Air Services Agreement with United Kingdom.

This would enable the increase of the present frequency entitlement from 14 to 21 flights per week between the two countries starting in the Winter Season 2011/2012.

Accordingly, the initialed Air Services Agreement will be signed between the two countries shortly.


Govt. to set up a National Organic Control Authority

On a proposal made by the Minister of Industry and Commerce Mr. Rishard Bathiudeen, Cabinet approval was granted to establish a National Organic Control Authority to facilitate the Export of Organic Products.

The main objective of this is to maintain a credible system of quality assurance for organic agricultural products such as spices, herbs, essential oils, desiccated coconut. Oil seeds, pulses, cashew, tropical fruits and vegetables that are being exported from Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, Sri Lanka Export Development Act will be amended enabling the setting up of this new authority by an Act of Parliament.

Provisions for human resource requirements of 1000 secondary school programme

On a proposal by the Minister of Education, Bandula Gunawardena the Cabinet has granted its approval to recruit the required human resources to maintain the schools that will be established under the one thousand secondary school program.

The implementation of this program will be completed within the next three years and each of the proposed school will be equipped with a language lab, Science and technology laboratory, a computer laboratory with minimum of 50 computers and internet facilities, a mathematics laboratory and a library with modern facilities.

Accordingly, required human resources to manage these schools and to maintain the special units set up under this program will be provided after providing them with necessary training and expertise.

Rs 2100 million to provide school uniforms in 2012

The Cabinet also on a proposal by Minister of Education decided to procure the 50 percent of the needs of school uniforms for next year through the local producers.

The quantity of material required for free distribution of school uniforms to school students and Robe material for the student monks in Pirivenas for 2012 has been estimated as 11,210,100 meters and a sum of Rs 2100.00 million has been set aside for the purpose.

A commemorative exhibition to mark the 2600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi

On a proposal made by Dr. Jagath Balasooriya, Minister of National Heritage, Cabinet approval was granted to hold an exhibition to mark the 2600th Sri Sambuddhatva Jayanthi Commemoration.

This exhibition will be held in the premises of the National Museum of Colombo for a period of one week commencing 21st May.

Banking Act will be amended to regulate the Licensed Banks

On a proposal made by the President as Minister of Finance and Planning the Cabinet of Ministers decided to amend the Banking Act, No 30 of 1988 for regulation and supervision of licensed commercial banks and specialized banks in the country.

Under the proposed new Act exemption granted for the subsidiaries of licensed banks to use the word “bank” as part of its name has been removed and the provision pertaining to numbered accounts will also be repealed.

The proposed amendments will streamline and strengthen the regulatory and supervisory framework for licensed Banks to be in line with the best global standards and practices.