29.5.2008
Alternatives
to overcome fuel crisis
H.E
President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Minister of Finance
and Planning Cabinet approval was granted to a special
memorandum submitted by H.E President Mahinda Rajapaksa
as the Minister of Finance and Planning to prepare a complete
report of the alternative measures that should be adopted
for fuel management.
The
President has requested all ministers to put forward suggestions
that could be practically implemented so that there ensues
a reduction in the consumption of fuel and to look for
new energy sources that Sri Lanka can go for.
The
memorandum sought the ministers' suggestions in finding
ways and means within Sri Lanka's economy to overcome
the obstacles experienced due to the soaring fuel price
in the world market.
The
price of a crude oil barrel has increased up to USD 136.
Centres
to promote Ayurvedic treatment in Perth, Melbourne and
Canberra
ImageCabinet
granted approval to a memorandum submitted by the Minister
of Indigenous Medicine, Tissa Karalliyadda, to introduce
Sri Lankan Ayurveda and traditional systems of medicine
to Australia.
As
a part of the awareness program launched by the Ministry
last year, special attention was paid to popularize Sri
Lankan indigenous systems of medicine in foreign countries
where a sizeable population of Sri Lankans reside.
Such
links were established last year with the Sri Lankan community
in London.
Last
year Minister Karalliyadda went to Australia to ascertain
the possibility of introducing Sri Lankan Ayurveda and
traditional systems of medicine to that country, and it
was found that there is great potential for such a venture.
Accordingly
the Ministry has explored the possibility of establishing
authentic Traditional Sri Lankan Health Promoting Centers
of excellence in Australia and to promote Sri Lankan medical
practices in collaboration with universities, institutions,
and other related authorities in Australia.
After
considering the views expressed at various discussions
between the Sri Lankan and Australian officials in this
regard, the Ministry appointed a committee to study the
relevant legal provisions.
Following
the success of above provisions Cabinet approval was granted
to set up three Ayurvedic Health Promoting Centers in
Perth, Melbourne and Canberra under the supervision of
the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine.
Cabinet
approval was also granted for several other programme
to be initiate in Australia with the participation of
Australian universities and several other institutes.
Cement
from Pakistan to local market
ImageCabinet
granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Minister
of Industrial Development, Kumara Welgama to enter into
an agreement with Pakistan's D.J. Khan Cement Limited
to important cement for the Sri Lanka Cement Corporation.
The
said company has agreed to provide a metric ton of cement
for US$ 79 which stands as the lowest bid received in
response to the tender called by the Standard Cabinet
Appointed Procurement Committee (SCAPC) appointed by the
Cabinet on the recommendations of the Ministry of Industrial
Development.
D.J.
Khan Cement Limited has agreed to provide 300,000 metric
tons of cement over a period of 12 months at the rate
of 25,000 metric tons per month.
Since
the closure of its factory in Kankesanturai due to security
reasons, Sri Lanka Cement Corporation (SLCC) has engaged
in trading activities; buying cement locally and internationally
and selling in order to prevent their cash flow drying
out. But due to various
reasons, especially the inability to purchase cement,
these trading activities almost came to a standstill since
January 2006.
Spain
funds 13 new bridges
Cabinet
has granted approval to a memorandum submitted by H.E.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Minister of Highways
and Road Development for the construction of thirteen
bridges under Phase II of the grant provided by the Government
of Spain.
Four
bridges are being constructed in the Eastern Province
under Phase I of the Spanish funded 'Bridge Construction
Project' for which the United Nations Office for Project
Service (UNOPS) acts as the Project Consultant and 'Centurion'
of Spain as the Steel Bridge Fabricator.
The
Government of Sri Lanka and the Government of Spain have
decided to utilize the unspent savings from other sectors
of the same donor funded projects for the implementation
of thirteen bridges under Phase II at a total cost of
13,510,982.00 Euros.
Accordingly
6 bridges will be setup in the Eastern Province, two bridges
in the Uva Province, two in the Southern Province, one
in the North Central Province, one in the North Western
Province and one in the Sabaragamuwa Province.
The
duration for the completion of the project is twenty four
months.
New
building complex for SLIDA to accelerate public sector
training programmes
ImageCabinet
has granted approval to a memorandum submitted by Minister
of Public Administration and Home Affairs, Karu Jayasuriya
for the construction of a building complex for the Sri
Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA).
The
construction work of the proposed Sri Lanka Institute
of Development building complex will be entrusted to the
State Development and Construction Corporation (SD &
CC).
SLIDA
is the premier public sector training institute in Sri
Lanka that handles training programmes and new recruitments
to the public sector and this complex is expected to greatly
accelerate the development programmes initiated by the
Government.
Priyantha
Mayadunne
Acting Director of Government Information