- Urban Development Plan for Radampola, Dikwella

On a proposal made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Urban Development Authority (UDA) has prepared a Development Plan for Radampola Mini Town Centre in Dikwella, in the Southern Province.

The UDA has completed the construction of a two storied commercial complex comprising 12 shops at a cost of Rs.8.9 million under Stage I of the project. These new shops will be used for relocation of shops affected by road widening and town improvement programmes.

Under the Stage II of the project, a two storied building consisting of 26 shops will be constructed. The Cabinet granted approval to handover the construction work of Stage II to the State Engineering Corporation at a cost of Rs. 21.5 million.

- Farmers' Pension and Insurance for Crop Damage

In addition to the Fishermen's Pensions Scheme and the Social Security Benefit Scheme currently implemented by the Agriculture and Agrarian Insurance Board, the Budget of 2011 has proposed the establishment of a stable Citizens Pension Insurance Fund that will provide more benefits for those employed in agriculture, fisheries, transport, construction activities and in self-employment sectors.

The relevant legislation for the purpose is being prepared by the Legal Draftsman.

On a proposal made by the President, a sum of Rs.317.3 million will be allocated for the payment of pension to farmers until the new pension fund is established.

- Construction of Morana Reservoir

The Nagadeepa Major Irrigation Scheme functions in Nagadeepa in the Ridimaliyadde DS Division of the Badulla District. The main dam of the reservoir was constructed in 1965 to irrigate 4200 acres of agricultural land.

As a solution to an acute shortage of water during both the Maha and Yala seasons to irrigate land under this project, the construction of a reservoir across Ulhitiya Oya, Morana, and diverting water to the Rotagolla Wewa has been proposed by Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management Nimal Siripala de Silva.

The Cabinet approved the proposed construction of the Morana Reservoir at a cost of Rs.1700 million, which will provide water facility to another 4000 acres of land during both the Maha and Yala seasons, benefitting 1000 families.

- Community Water Supply and Sanitation Trust

A proposal made by Minister of Water Supply and Drainage Dinesh Gunawardena to establish a Water Supply and Sanitation Trust with Rs.50 million to be provided from the Consolidated Fund was approved by the Cabinet.

The Trust will oversee around 3500 Water Supply and Sanitation Projects implemented by the Government across the country for the benefit of about 600,000 families.

- Hospital Development

The Cabinet approval was granted to implement several development projects to enhance the facilities of the Polonnaruwa General Hospital and the Medirigiriya Base hospital, on a proposal made by Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena.

Accordingly, the following improvements will be made to the Polonnaruwa General Hospital:

- Construction of a four storied ward complex;

- Construction of a 3 storied building for the laboratory;

- Extension of quarters for senior house officers;

- Extension and renovation of senior nurses' quarters;

- Renovation of quarters of male nurses.

Improvements to the operation theatre of the Medirigiriya Base Hospital are to be carried out at a cost of Rs.16, 336.207.09.

- Broadcasting Rights of International Cricket Matches for State Media

The Cabinet approved a proposal made by Minister of Mass Media and Information Keheliya Rambukwella to grant the State media the exclusive TV and Radio Broadcasting Rights of International Cricket Matches played in Sri Lanka or abroad.

The Cabinet also agreed to consider providing such rights to private television and radio channels dedicated to sports, on negotiated terms.

- Emergency Assistance Project for IDPs in the North

On a proposal made by Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, measures have been taken to obtain an emergency grant assistance of US$ 2.5 million (about Rs.285million) from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction to implement an Emergency Assistance Project for Livelihood Restoration of Resettled Internally Displaced people in the North, targeting a rapid economic development in the Northern Province.

The total cost of the project is US$ 2.8 million (approximately Rs.317.8 million) and the Government’s contribution to the project will be US$ 150,000 (approximately Rs.17.1 million). The community contribution is estimated at US$ 137,500 (approximately Rs.15.7 million).

Under this project, a minimum of 200 Km of field irrigation canals and 100 km. of rural access roads will be renovated while at least 2000 IDPs (from selected families) will be trained in the improvement of agricultural productivity and self employment.

About 2500 resettled families will benefit from the above projects.

- Implementation of Decentralized Budget Programme 2011

The Cabinet approved the methodology proposed by Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa for the Decentralized Budget Funds to be allocated for activities which are not undertaken by Line Ministries.

The proposals from MPs up to the maximum of Rs. 5 million will be given priority for implementation in the following areas of activities:

- Provision of toilet facilities, drinking water, scientific equipment, renovation of buildings etc. in schools;

- Construction of maternity centers;

- Development of rural playgrounds, libraries, cultural centers and cemeteries;

- Provision of facilities to registered Dhamma Schools;

- Facilities to children's homes and homes for the elders;

- Small-scale electricity extension projects;
Any other identified priority projects.